Chapter 9 Olivia didn't struggle . She let the river swallow her whole . Her past flickered through her mind like a film reel , and she thought , if she could do it all over again , she'd never choose them . She smiled faintly , closed her eyes , and never woke up again . Meanwhile , at her birthday party , Ethan and Sebastian stood in the banquet hall , staring at the abruptly ended call , a strange unease settling in . They exchanged a look . Ethan was the first to speak . " Do you think something happened to Olivia ? ". Sebastian gripped his phone , unsure if he was trying to reassure Ethan or himself . " What could possibly happen ? She cares about us so much and has always been so desperate for our attention . She's probably just trying to get us to come find her . " Vivian approached , her expression innocent . " Is Olivia not coming ? Is it because she hates me ? " Olivia's father , Victor , and her mother , Catherine were visibly angry . " We've already decided to forgive her , " Catherine snapped . " And she still has the nerve to act out ? After all these years , she hasn't changed one bit , still so stubborn . " Catherine pulled Vivian , who showed a pitiful expression , gently into her arms , her tone soft and doting . " It's okay , sweetheart . Your father and I will always be on your side . If she can't accept you , then she doesn't deserve our love . " Vivian , hearing this assurance , let a smug smile slip from the corners of her lips , just subtle enough not to be noticed . Olivia , you'll never win against me . Ever . Victor raised his glass . " Since Olivia doesn't want to be here , let's turn this birthday party into something more 40.91 % GoodShort 4.9 FREE Every step closer to love brings Lilian face to face Google Play INSTALL Drama with deadly enemies Chapter Chapter 9 … meaningful . Tonight will be Lillian's official introduction into the family . From this moment on , she's no longer Vivian Locke . She's Lillian Sinclair , our true daughter and the beloved young lady of the Sinclair family . " " But- " Ethan started to say something , but Lillian gently interrupted him . " Olivia's just trying to use this to get the attention of you and Sebastian . Whatever it is you planned to tell her today , just do it tomorrow . She won't be mad at you two , I promise . " With that , she reached for Sebastian's hand and beamed . " Come on , help me cut the cake . Mom picked out my favorite flavor and design . " With no choice , both Ethan and Sebastian set their phones aside and followed Lillian to resume the celebration . The party ended past midnight . Ethan , slightly tipsy from the wine , leaned back when suddenly his phone rang , which was sharp and urgent , slicing through his buzz . " Hello , is this a relative of Miss Sinclair ? " Hearing her name , Ethan immediately straightened and responded. " Yes , this is she - what happened ? " His heart suddenly began to race before the voice on the other end even answered . It felt like it might leap from his chest . Sebastian beside him also held his breath , waiting anxiously . " We're very sorry to inform you - Miss Sinclair committed suicide by jumping into the river from the Highmoor Bridge at 8 p.m. tonight . She was rescued and rushed to the hospital , but despite all efforts , she didn't survive . She left some belongings at the scene . Please let us know when you can come retrieve them . " The voice kept speaking , but Ethan barely heard anything past those first few sentences . His mind buzzed and went numb . Everything stopped . Suicide ? There was no way Olivia would do something like that . Chapter 9 pter 9 40 91 % GoodShort D Drama Every step closer to love brings Lilian face to face with deadly enemies 4.9 FREE Google Play INSTALL Something was wrong . She was just angry , probably working with others to deceive them . That was what Ethan told himself , though his hands trembled uncontrollably as he held the phone . " Hello ? Mr. Carrington , are you still there ? " " You're lying , aren't you ? " he suddenly yelled . " She made you say this ! Olivia's behind all this , right ? " Ethan shouted hoarsely , desperate for a different answer to ease his mind . " I'm sorry , Mr. Carrington . We understand this is difficult to accept . But Miss Sinclair made the decision herself . Again , our deepest condolences . " The words hit him like a physical blow . Every nerve froze over . A high - pitched ringing took over his ears , drowning out everything around him . Sebastian stood frozen beside him , unable to believe what he was hearing . " Did Olivia contact you to come and trick me ? " he asked desperately . For his doubt , the voice on the other end sighed . " I understand how hard this is for her family . But I assure you , this isn't a mistake . Please come collect Miss Sinclair's remains at your earliest convenience . " Lillian approached , confused by their dazed expressions . " Ethan ? Sebastian ? What's going on ? " Ethan shoved her hand away and stormed off without a word . Sebastian didn't offer an explanation either . He simply followed . Lillian stared at the red mark on her wrist , a flicker of irritation flashing through her expression , mixed with the tiniest sliver of unease . But it faded quickly . What could possibly have happened ? Right now , her biggest obstacle was Olivia . Chapter 9 40.91 % GoodShort Drama Every step closer to love brings Lilian face to face with deadly enemies 4.9 FREE Google Play INSTALL And now , whether in the Sinclair family or in Ethan's heart , Olivia would never matter again , not even a fraction as much as she did . Chapter 9 40.91 %