Chapter 417

The living room was already empty; Isabella and Emilio were nowhere to be seen.

Atticus didn't think much of it, assuming they were outside talking. He suggested Olivia have some breakfast while they waited for Isabella and Emilio to return.

But even after Olivia finished her breakfast, there was still no sign of them.

Atticus began to sense something was off.

Isabella had gone to the door to get Emilio in; it shouldn't have taken this long.

Olivia, unaware of what was happening, sat quietly on the couch, waiting for Atticus to speak. Having him by her side made her feel at ease.

"Mr. Wilson, are you coming with us too?" Olivia asked, her tone carrying a hint of anticipation she didn't even realize.

Originally, Isabella had asked her to accompany her today, and Olivia had already planned her strategy. She had dressed differently than usual, intending to find an excuse to slip away once they arrived at their destination. This way, she could give Isabella an explanation.

But if Atticus was coming along, she didn't mind. It wouldn't be just the two of them, and she could still be near him. Such opportunities were rare.

Ever since he had turned down her confession, it had been difficult to see him. Even though she had been staying at the Wilson family home for a few days, today was the first time she had seen him.

Hearing Olivia's question, Atticus mistakenly thought she didn't want him to come.

But he had promised Isabella, and he couldn't go back on his word. He responded softly, "Yeah, I agreed with Isabella yesterday. But once we get there, you don't have to worry about me. I'll just wander around."

As soon as Atticus finished speaking, his eyes met Olivia's. Their suppressed emotions made them both uneasy.

Olivia's gaze was direct and intense.

Atticus quickly looked away, just as he had before.

He didn't mind having a relationship, but it couldn't be with a girl ten years younger than him, especially one who had been friends with his niece since childhood. It was too absurd for him.

But he also didn't want her to end up with Emilio.

Emilio was someone he had chosen to introduce to Isabella. If Olivia got involved, things would become too complicated.

Seeing Atticus turn away coldly, Olivia felt a pang in her heart.

She lowered her head, hiding her emotions.

Olivia, haven't you learned from the repeated hurt? Stop chasing after the impossible. You've endured enough humiliation.

The atmosphere grew quiet, and neither of them looked at the other.

Just then, Cinda came out of the kitchen, looking puzzled to see Atticus and Olivia in the living room.

"Mr. Wilson, Ms. Smith, are you waiting for Ms. Taylor?"

"Yeah," Atticus nodded.

He had no idea what Isabella and Emilio were up to, but they had been gone for a while.

"Cinda, where did Isabella go? We were supposed to go out today. Why isn't she home?" Olivia asked, looking at the empty living room. She had seen Isabella's room door closed earlier, so where could she have gone?

"Ms. Taylor and Mr. Blair have already left. Didn't you know?" Cinda replied, looking surprised.

She handed Atticus a prepared lunchbox. "Mr. Wilson, Ms. Taylor asked me to prepare some fruit and snacks for you and Ms. Smith to take with you."

Seeing the large bag of food, Atticus had to accept that Isabella had indeed left.

He had been waiting at home for nothing.

Isabella and Emilio had already taken off!

If they had already left, there was no need for him to go. But looking at the food, he realized Isabella had anticipated he might not go and had left these for him and Olivia.

He turned to Olivia, who was sitting on the couch, and asked, "Do you still want to go?"

As soon as he asked, he regretted it.

If Olivia had feelings for Emilio, today would be their first date. She had dressed up so nicely; how could she not want to go?

Olivia was taken aback. She subconsciously thought Atticus didn't want to take her.

But she had promised Isabella, and she couldn't let her down. Even if she planned to leave, she needed to assess the situation first.

"Mr. Wilson, if you're busy, you don't have to worry about me. I can go by myself," Olivia said, standing up and reaching for the bag in Atticus's hand. "I'll take these. Isabella can't handle outside food well, so Cinda prepared these for her."

Olivia's words made Atticus feel a bit embarrassed.

That wasn't what he meant.

She was a guest; how could he let her do this alone? He had time to take her.

Besides, if he didn't go, Isabella would have something to say about it later.

As Olivia reached for the bag, Atticus tightened his grip. "I'm free today. I'll take you. Let's go."

With that, Atticus walked out, leaving Olivia standing there, stunned.

He said he would take her?

Atticus's car was parked in the yard. Olivia instinctively reached for the front passenger door but then hesitated and stepped back, intending to sit in the back.

After all, they were just friends now. She had no reason to cling to him.

As she opened the door, Atticus's deep voice came from the front, "Do you really see me as your driver? Sit in the front."

"Huh?"

Olivia paused, and Atticus repeated himself. She then closed the door and sat in the front passenger seat.

As the car started, Olivia looked at Atticus's stern profile and couldn't help but say, "You really don't have to take me. The family bodyguard could have taken me. I know you don't want to go."

Atticus frowned slightly, his hands on the steering wheel, but he couldn't help glancing at her.

He rarely explained himself, but he did this time. "It's not that I don't want to go. I promised Isabella I would, so you don't have to feel burdened."

"Oh, I see. Okay then," Olivia nodded.

She thought Atticus was worried about Emilio taking advantage of Isabella, which was why he insisted on going.

The car soon reached the main road, and they both fell silent.

Olivia had always been the one to initiate conversations, but now she didn't want to anymore.

Atticus was naturally reserved, so they remained quiet.

Until the car made a strange noise at a corner.

Atticus sensed something was wrong and quickly pulled over.

Olivia, startled, looked at Atticus. "What happened? Why stop?"

Atticus frowned, unbuckled his seatbelt, and opened the door. "Stay in the car. I'll check it out."