One had to concede that Albert possessed a silver tongue because his response sounded sincere and did not exert any pressure on the other party.
Hence, Olivia now has a newfound respect for him. In her mind, she agreed with his statement because it was the proper way to make friends. Nobody would ever approach a stranger and casually declare their friendship. Also, being so forthright and direct would make him appear desperate, and nobody would be so naive as to fall for that. Isn’t it better if he stays this way? Moreover, I am not an ingratitude-filled woman. At this thought, she raised her glass again to Albert and River before everyone toasted and drank.
When Albert placed his glass down, he said, “You guys don’t have to take what happened. previously to heart. I’ll admit that I approached you with an ulterior motive before. It might be related to how I was raised as I was taught to always be wary whenever meeting someone. However, after our interactions, I know you better now. I truly want to be your friend.”
Olivia smiled and said, “I must have made life hard for you with how strict I was with my definition of a friend.”
“It’s fine. I think you did fine.” He chuckled and continued, “I have many people who stick by my side, most of whom are friends. Still, my friends will run faster than anyone else in times of danger. You’re right. Not everyone could be called a friend.”
After hearing this, Olivia laughed awkwardly. “I’m way too direct and not good with the social twists and turns. Rather than speaking with implied messages the entire time, I would rather set a proper boundary from the start. Those who wish to get close to me, to be my friend, would need to meet my requirements. It’s because I’m scared of being hurt and also because I’m not that good with social skills and words.”
Then, Albert returned her smile. If she genuinely thought she lacked good social skills, she would be among a very small group of people deemed adept at it. “This is fine. You’re being honest and true to yourself. Being your friend feels safe.”
However, she winked at him playfully. “That’s true. While it’s hard to become my friend, all my friends will have no fear when interacting with me.”
A polite smile spread across his lips and hinted, “It looks like I’ll have to work hard to be your friend.” Olivia chuckled again and held up her glass. “You don’t have to work hard, my friend.”
Then, Albert stared at her in shock as joyful astonishment was painted over his face. “I passed your test?”
“I’m not that unreasonable.”
After hearing this, he raised his glass as well.
“I’m honored to be your friend.”
Later, she tipped her head back and downed the remaining wine in one gulp before grabbing the bottle to fill his glass.
“I can do it myself,” he hurriedly said. “Let me.” Olivia filled up Albert’s and River’s glasses before sitting back down. She then said to them, “Helping Jewel means helping me. Let me know if there’s anything I can help you with. I’ll do whatever I can.”
The instant she uttered those words, River reflexively turned to Albert. At that moment, realization struck his blanked-out mind, and he finally understood what Albert meant when he said this might be their chance.
Olivia was not someone they could force into something. Not only was it because she was not a pushover, but also because she had the backing of someone incredibly powerful like Eugene. Thus, they couldn’t use brute force and had to take a gentler approach. Still, how were they supposed to approach her?
They had attempted to reason with her, but she proved to be as stubborn as she had claimed. Nevertheless, despite how risky their actions were, they finally convinced her to accept a favor from them. That was all thanks to Albert’s forethought. Olivia’s offer was a clear invitation for them to mention the necklace. It seemed like they might be able to head home one day.
On the other hand, River’s eyes were sparkling brightly with hope as he glanced at Albert, who had stayed silent the entire time. Why is Sir not saying anything? This is an incredibly rare chance.
However…
