“Do you believe him?” Halma asked. Olivia nodded. “I believe most of it, mainly because he didn’t have a reason to spend the night with another woman. He said that he was drunk, and that the woman helped him into the hotel, but he checked into a room alone.”
“Why did he check into a hotel instead of going home when he’s drunk?” Halma retorted. “And why was a woman who was interested in him. the one helping him out? Even if this was a setup by his parents, if Nathan hadn’t given. them the opportunity, a piece of news like this wouldn’t have made it into the headlines.”
“That’s why you have to listen to his clarification,” Olivia explained. “If he gives a reasonable explanation, you can forgive him, but if he gives an unclear answer, I’ll take care of him before you do. All in all, you can’t just cut off communication with him without getting closure.”
“Olivia, I’m exhausted. Maybe we’re people from different worlds and forcing ourselves together is against Heaven’s will, which is why our relationship is so turbulent. Or, perhaps I’m too timid. It’s also possible that my love for him has been depleted after all these obstacles,” Halma confided.
Olivia took her into her arms. “Don’t be sad anymore, okay? You did nothing wrong and it’s all that rascal’s fault. I gave him a good scolding today on your behalf, and if he can’t. settle this matter properly, you can send him. away as far as you want.”
Halma didn’t say anything and merely returned Olivia’s hug as tears rolled down her face silently.
Meanwhile, Nathan returned home and found. Ace and Jade at home. Frankly, Ace was getting impatient and was more than ready to leave. Alas, he received a call from the Snow. Family, who informed him that the viral news had been removed by someone. He couldn’t help but find it odd. So, he was in the midst of a discussion with Jade, trying to figure out just who the culprit was when Nathan made his appearance.
Nathan’s face was grim, as though he was there to settle scores, and he approached his parents in large strides. “Why?”
Even though it was a question that popped out of nowhere, Ace knew exactly what he meant. Still, he feigned ignorance and asked, “What do you mean? You didn’t even greet us after coming home and showed us such disrespect. Is this how you speak with me, your father?”
Nathan laughed yet there wasn’t even a hint of mirth in that laughter. ‘Oh, so you still remember that you’re my father. What a shock! It seems like you conveniently forgot that I’m your son when you set me up.”
Ace slammed his palm on the table heavily upon hearing such impudence. “Watch your attitude!”
Nathan merely snorted disdainfully. “Compared to the things you guys did, I think I’m already treating you with more respect than you deserve. I came home today to tell you that I won’t marry Lexie Snow and we didn’t spend the night together last night. I’m sorry to disappoint you,” he announced and turned to leave.
Ace couldn’t help but choke on his rising fury and he almost suffocated under his ire. By the time he came back to his senses, her immediately sprang to his feet. “Hold it right there!”
Nathan stopped in his tracks, tilted his head in Ace’s direction, and gave him a look of indifference. “I already told you that I have a girlfriend, and it’s none of my concern who you’re collaborating with.”
“What nonsense are you spouting?” Ace snapped impatiently. “Why do you think your mother and I are so anxious to plan ahead? It’s all because we want to build an empire for you. Nathan, you’re already twenty-three. Will you please grow up? It doesn’t matter who you like, but Lexie is the only one who can be your wife.
Do you understand what I mean?”
“No, I don’t understand!” Nathan snarled loudly. “Why can’t I marry someone I love? You guys are the ones who are interested in climbing the social ladder just for profit! Why bother packaging it with a pretty bow and claim that you’re doing this for my sake? I’m not like you, I can’t separate my wants and needs! I will never be capable of sharing my love with different women!”
Right after the words left his lips, a harsh slap landed on his face.
