Chapter 257

Author’s POV
According to Serena, Olivia currently worked as a department manager at an international design company, had spent several years abroad, and had only recently relocated to New York.
While everything sounded normal enough, Eleanor couldn’t forget Zoe’s warning. She made a mental note to observe Olivia carefully that evening. If this woman had any ulterior motives toward her sister, Eleanor intended to nip it in the bud.
Keeping these thoughts to herself, Eleanor returned to her work without further comment.
As dinner time approached, Olivia’s sleek car appeared near the Blackwood estate. Instead of driving directly to the entrance, she parked around the corner and began meticulously touching up her makeup. She spritzed herself with expensive new perfume, all while keeping a watchful eye on the surrounding area as though waiting for something—or someone.
After fifteen minutes, her eyes lit up. She quickly started her engine and drove to the Blackwood’s front entrance just as Ryan was stepping out of his car.
Hearing movement beside him, Ryan glanced briefly in her direction before continuing toward the house without acknowledgment.
Unwilling to miss this “chance” encounter, Olivia hastily grabbed her purse and exited her vehicle. “Mr. Blackwood! Just getting off work too?” she called out, her voice deliberately light and friendly.
Ryan’s nose wrinkled slightly at the overpowering cloud of perfume that surrounded her, but he didn’t respond.
Undeterred by his silence, Olivia persisted. “Your home is absolutely magnificent, Mr. Blackwood. Serena must be so happy living here with you.” She quickened her pace to keep up with his longer strides. “I hope my joining you for dinner tonight won’t be an imposition? Serena invited me, of course.”
Ryan gave a curt nod but said nothing. After a long day, his only desire was to see his wife and daughter. If Serena had invited a friend over while she was recovering, he wouldn’t object.
“Mr. Blackwood,” Olivia continued breathlessly as she struggled to match his pace, “how did you and Serena meet? I heard she was missing for three years before returning to the Quinn family. I can’t imagine what happened during that time.”
Her tone was deliberately casual, but beneath the friendly inquiry lay something more calculated—as if reminding Ryan that Serena’s past contained mysterious gaps that even he might not fully understand.
Not that it mattered. Ryan had been by Serena’s side during those three years, and he had no interest in explaining their history to a stranger.
They finally reached the front hall where Serena sat with Vivian in her arms, the evening sunlight casting a golden glow on her casually styled hair. The sight instantly brought a smile to Ryan’s usually stern face.
“Serena, I’m home,” he said, his voice softening in a way that made Olivia’s practiced smile freeze on her face.
She had spent the entire walk trying to engage him in conversation, yet the mere sight of Serena and their child had accomplished what she couldn’t—drawing actual words from him.
Why her? The question burned in Olivia’s mind as she watched the tender exchange. Since college, Serena had always been the center of attention—naturally gifted in design, winning awards at a young age, pursued by the most eligible men on campus.
And what had Olivia been? Nothing but background noise. Invisible. The professors and male students had only ever had eyes for Serena.
When Serena disappeared, Olivia had thought perhaps her shadow would finally lift. Instead, three years later, Serena had not only returned but had married into one of New York’s most powerful families.
Despite all Olivia’s years of hard work, she still couldn’t match even a fraction of what Serena had. In career and in life, she had lost spectacularly.
“Ryan, you’re back,” Serena looked up with a gentle smile that transformed her entire face. Then she noticed her visitor. “Olivia, come sit with us!”
Serena gestured with her free hand, and Olivia’s expression immediately reverted to its pleasant mask.
“Serena, Mr. Blackwood and I just happened to meet at the entrance,” she explained with perfect innocence.
Ryan moved to take Vivian from Serena’s arms, his face softening further as he gazed at his daughter.
Olivia’s eyes kept darting to Ryan, looking for another opportunity to engage him. “What a beautiful baby,” she cooed. “Mr. Blackwood, may I hold her for a moment?”
Ryan’s brows drew together in immediate disapproval. “Your perfume is too strong,” he stated flatly.
Olivia’s smile faltered as she discreetly sniffed herself. The perfume smelled wonderful to her—why would he find it objectionable?
“Olivia,” Serena intervened diplomatically, “Vivian’s actually quite heavy, and babies are so delicate. You might find yourself afraid to move once you’re holding her.”
Olivia forced a laugh. “You’re right, I didn’t think of that.”
She pivoted smoothly. “Vivian is such a beautiful name. Serena, I haven’t met the right person in all these years. I truly envy you—married to someone like Mr. Blackwood and mother to such an adorable child.”
The envy in her voice was genuine, even if it masked deeper jealousy.
“You’ll meet someone perfect for you too,” Serena responded kindly, clearly pleased by the compliment. “There’s nothing to envy.”
When dinner was ready, Eleanor finally emerged from her study. Her sharp eyes immediately assessed Olivia, noting the careful styling and expensive accessories.
Being something of a fashion connoisseur herself, Eleanor immediately recognized the scent hanging in the air. “Serena mentioned you have a good job now,” she remarked casually. “Must pay well. That perfume is a limited edition, quite expensive.”
Olivia’s expression momentarily tightened. “Limited edition? I wouldn’t know. A friend gave it to me as a gift. I’m not particularly choosy about perfumes—they all smell similar to me.”
Eleanor made a soft, skeptical sound but didn’t press further.
After a nanny took Vivian away to be fed, they all sat down for dinner. Throughout the meal, Olivia maintained a steady stream of conversation, skillfully shifting topics and even trying to win over Eleanor by complimenting her skin and asking for beauty tips.
Ryan remained focused on his food, contributing nothing to the conversation. Even Eleanor seemed disinterested, offering only brief responses before declaring herself finished.
Seeing her attempts at charm falling flat, Olivia gradually fell silent.