Olivia glared at him. âIf thereâs nothing between you and her, why would you worry that Iâd misunderstood you? Stop talking in circles. I donât have the patience for that.â
Eugene frowned. âThereâs really nothing between us. She saved my life a few years back, and she wanted me to join her birthday celebration that day. I thought that itâd be easy to leave since Hayes would be there as well, and by doing so, I wouldnât embarrass her.
I didnât know you were at City Palace on the same day, so I didnât bother to tell you about the birthday. There wasnât anything important anyway. Itâs the same as you showing up as Christoff Stevensonâs plus one. I know you were forced into doing that.â
She smirked at him with disappointment in her eyes and enunciated, âAre you saying that weâre even because I was involved with Christoff Stevenson?â
He was surprised by her interpretation. âNo, thatâs not what I meant. I was saying that I believe thereâs nothing between you and him. We had no choice, right?â
She snickered, âWe had no choice? You didnât have a choiceâ because you refused to place. her in a difficult position. But I had no choice. because I wanted to save your life. Eugene, had I known that you were living out your best life with a pretty woman there, I wouldnât have put myself through all that trouble.
After all, you know how disgusting Christoff Stevenson is. If I had a choice, I wouldnât have asked for his help. If I hadnât found the spiked drink, what would you have planned to do? Youâd lie on Azalea Nambâs bed, ready to be Sir Siriusâ son-in-law! How dare you compare us? You were never in the same position as me!â
He felt frustrated for saying the wrong thing, and he reached out to take her hand. âOlivia, thatâs not what I meant...â
She flung his hand away and gave him a death stare. âWhy donât you wrap up your relationship with her, then? Youâve been making excuses and going in circles. Even now, I have no idea what you actually think! I will repeat myself-l donât care who you fall in love with, as long as you are honest with me. You will earn my respect if you are truthful, and I will promise you a clean breakup! And you do not have the right to question my relationship with Christoff Stevenson!â
With that, she stormed out. North gave Eugene a look. âYou shouldnât think you can bully Mommy just because youâre my dad! I can call someone else Daddy if he is good to Mommy!â Then, he rushed after his mother.
Jewel had wanted to mediate, but she acted too slow, and her words might not even be of much help. After some thinking, she said nothing and followed Olivia and North down the stairs. Eugene was left frozen at the door to the room. She said I have no right to suspect her!
Indeed, he had no right to do so. He closed his eyes. What the heck was I saying? Why did I complicate matters with the mention of Christoff Stevenson? He hadnât planned to mention Christoff at all, but he blurted it out without knowing.
Meanwhile, Jewel was consoling an upset Olivia. âOlivia, you misunderstood him. He probably meant that he trusted you, and he was hoping to get your trust in return.â
Olivia countered, âDid I get engaged to Christoff Stevenson? Were we star-crossed lovers from six years ago? And did I shield him from bullets?â
Jewel explained, âPeople were talking about the 38-minute secret chat between you and Christoff Stevenson, even though thatâs just fake gossip spread by those who are not in the know. You are the same as them now-you donât know the truth, and thatâs why youâre overthinking.â