Chapter 356
Derek had to retum to school to prepare for his thesis defense. After sending Derek off, Caleb went back to the office to work overtime, white Are and Owen headed straight home.
As they entered the elevator, a girl stood in the corner, clutching a bag and wearing a face mask.
The girl instinctively shrank further into the corner when they entered.
Aria pressed the button for the 18th floor. Her eyes landed on the lit–up 19th–floor button. A slight frown crossed her face.
The girl looked about the same age as Lily. Lily should have been in high school, but instead, she was always staying with Olivia instead of going to class.
An awkward silence filled the elevator as none of the three said a word.
The girl didn’t let out a sigh of relief until Aria and Owen stepped out of the elevator.
Upon reaching the 19th floor, she stood before the door, hesitating for a full five minutes before finally mustering the courage to knock.
In the living room, Olivia, Russell, and Orlando sat around the dining table, the takeout food still in its packaging, untouched.
“Come in,” came a voice from inside. Rachel cautiously pushed open the door and stepped in.
Olivia’s eyes flashed with impatience. She asked, “What took you so long?”
Rachel hurried over and set down the medicine she’d bought. She said, “Sorry, Olivia. The elevator took quite a while.”
Orlando unpacked the takeout and gestured for Rachel to sit down. He said, “The wait wasn’t too long. Thanks for getting that. Have a seat and eat.”
But Rachel froze, not daring to move.
Not wanting to make a scene in front of everyone, Olivia held back her irritation and kept her tone softened. “Just sit down when you’re told,” she said.
Rachel didn’t dare sit until Olivia spoke.
Orlando quietly observed the two of them and felt that something was wrong.
Orlando thought to himself, ‘Back in Masmubia, everyone was too busy to spend a lot of time together. But now that I’m paying closer attention, why does Rachel seem absolutely terrified of Olivia?‘
Orlando decided to keep a closer eye on them from now on.
Olivia took a bite and found the dish quite tasty. Smiling, she served some onto Russell’s plate with her fork. She said, “Russell, this one’s really good. Try
it.”
Russell smiled and said, “You have some too. I’ll help myself.”
Olivia smiled and nodded, too absorbed in her own happiness to notice that Russell hadn’t eaten the food she’d served him.
Rachel removed her mask. Her long hair hid most of her face as she kept her head down, silently picking at her food.
Orlando suddenly asked, “Rachel, you’re almost seventeen now, right? Would you like to go to school?”
Russell wouldn’t be leaving Huthailia for the next few years. As long as he stayed, Olivia had no intention of going anywhere either.
Rachel was still so young. It wasn’t good for her to be cooped up indoors all day.
Rachel paused as she instinctively glanced at Olivia, stammering, “I… I don’t…”
1/2
Chapter 356
Olivia cut her off, “Going to school might be good for you. Larkridge High School is the closest around here, and Array pataract o
goes there too. I hear she’s top of her class.
“Rachel, which grade would you like to join?”
Rachel clutched her fork, unsure how to respond.
Russell spoke up gently, “You could start as a freshman to experience Huthailia’s school environment. Making some good friends would be wondered.
Olivia nodded in agreement. “I think Russell’s right,” she said.
Rachel nodded. “Okay.”
Olivia snuggled up to Russell and said, “Russell, once Rachel moves into the dorm, I’ll be all alone. I’m scared… Won’t you come back and stay with me?”
Russell said, “There was an accident on set, so we have to rearrange the shooting schedule. Nebula was unhappy. So I need to stay on set to oversee things. I’ll arrange for a few caretakers to look after you.”
Olivia shook her head. “I don’t like having strangers around. How about I go to the set with you?”
“The set conditions aren’t great. I just don’t want you to have a tough time,” Russell said.
“With you around, everything is fine,” Olivia said.
Russell nodded slightly. “Alright, but I might not be able to give you much attention then.”
Olivia smiled. “It’s fine. Just focus on your career.”
After dinner, Orlando cleared the table and left with Russell.
Olivia’s smile vanished as she turned to Rachel. “Did you remember Aria’s sister’s name?”
Rachel nodded. “Got it. Lily Saxon, in the AP class.”
“Befriend her before the SAT,” Olivia said.
“Okay,” Rachel said meekly.
