《How I Accidentally Married a Billionaire》


 Chapter 1 - Chapter 1: Chapter 1

    Chapter 1: Chapter 1


    ¡°You¡¯re already married, why are you here to register again!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know the crime of bigamy?¡±


    ¡­


    Keira Olsen walked out of the courthouse in shock, holding the marriage certificate that the staff had just printed for her.


    The man who had accompanied her to register looked at the stunning girl before him and said with pity, ¡°Miss Olsen, you¡¯re already married, why pay me to have a sham marriage with you?¡±


    Leaving behind the words ¡°no refund on the deposit,¡± he hurried away.


    Keira Olsen pursed her lips, still unable to process what had happened.


    She had never even been in a relationship, how could she possibly be already married?!


    She looked down and gazed at the printout in her hands again.


    On the certificate photo, the girl looked somewhat constrained, smiling reluctantly with a teardrop mole at the corner of her eye; it was indeed her. As for the man¡­


    His features were distinctive, nose high and bridge prominent, thin lips curled in a faint, almost imperceptible smile. His deep gaze was fixed on the camera, piercing as if to penetrate the paper.


    Even in a black and white print, his mysterious and commanding presence could not be hidden.


    She looked again at the name: Lewis Horton.


    ¡­ She was sure she didn¡¯t know this man at all!


    What on earth was going on?!


    Keira Olsen took out her phone to snap a photo of the printout and opened WhatsApp, sent it to a contact with a black profile picture: [Help me find out who he is.]


    The reply came instantly: [Received.]


    Only then did Keira Olsen push aside the confusion in her heart, hopped on an old electric bike, and leisurely entered a luxurious villa complex, heading to the Olsen Family home.


    Today was her sister Isla Olsen¡¯s big day, as her fianc¨¦ was coming for the betrothal.


    The house was decorated with lights and festive ornaments, the servants bustled about orderly, and there were a few temporary workers hired as well.


    Keira Olsen parked her bike in a corner, as the voices of the temp workers and servants reached her from behind:


    ¡°Who is she? She¡¯s so pretty!¡±


    ¡°Shh, she is the illegitimate daughter who isn¡¯t acknowledged by the father.¡±


    ¡°Her mother was the other woman, who brazenly showed up heavily pregnant demanding justice while the lady of the house was about to give birth, resulting in both women delivering on the same day. That old woman has such thick skin, she¡¯s found various reasons to stay in the house for years without leaving.¡±


    ¡°Miss Keira knows her place though. She moved out ever since junior high and hasn¡¯t come back in years. I wonder what brings her here today¡­¡±


    Keira Olsen lowered her eyes, pretending not to hear the conversation, and entered the living room.


    Her mother, Poppy Hill, was waiting at the entrance, the still-charming woman anxiously pulled her upstairs the moment she stepped through the door, ¡°First, let¡¯s go find your sister. Oh, did you get your marriage certificate?¡±


    Keira Olsen¡¯s voice was soft and indifferent, betraying no emotion, ¡°I got it.¡±


    Even though the groom had changed, it still counted, didn¡¯t it?


    ¡°That¡¯s good. Remember your place, Jake Horton is your sister¡¯s fianc¨¦, part of a top-tier wealthy family, and not something an illegitimate daughter like you could aspire to! Only your sister is worthy of him!¡±


    Hearing this, a touch of irony flashed in Keira Olsen¡¯s eyes.


    Jake Horton was the legitimate grandson of the first branch of the Horton Family, Oceanion¡¯s most prestigious family. He¡¯d chased her for four years in college but proposed to Isla Olsen on the day of graduation¡­


    Upon learning this, Poppy Hill had demanded that Keira Olsen immediately find someone to marry her off and completely sever any potential ties with Jake Horton.


    It had always been this way since she was a child¡­


    Whenever there was even the slightest conflict of interest between her and Isla, Poppy Hill would insist on her unconditional retreat.


    Because she was an illegitimate daughter, her existence was seen as the original sin.


    As a child, she had been brainwashed to believe enduring all this was only natural.


    But now she had long since woken up to reality.


    Keira Olsen¡¯s face was solemn as she said with pause between words, ¡°We agreed this is the last time.¡±


    The fault was Poppy Hill¡¯s, she was the one who stayed at the Olsen house just to see her father every day, she was the one who wanted to please Isla Olsen, Keira wouldn¡¯t pay for her life with her own.


    This time, it was an opportunity to repay her for the grace of giving birth, to make a clean break.


    Poppy Hill was impatient, ¡°I know that.¡±


    As they talked, the two arrived at Isla Olsen¡¯s room.


    The pretty girl sat on the sofa in a gorgeous dress like a princess, selecting jewelry with the whole room shimmering with glitz and glamour.


    Keira Olsen, dressed in shabby clothes, had her spine straight as an arrow.


    Isla Olsen saw her and greeted, ¡°Keira, why are you here?¡±


    Before Keira could speak, Poppy Hill interjected, ¡°Isla, Keira got married today.¡±


    Isla Olsen was surprised, ¡°So soon? Who is the man, is he even better than Jake?¡±


    Poppy Hill said with sarcasm, ¡°How is that possible! There¡¯s no one in the whole of Oceanion with a status higher than young Mr. Horton! Isla, what kind of decent family could she possibly find? Nothing but a fallen household, she didn¡¯t dare bring him here, afraid his poverty-stricken appearance would dirty your eyes!¡±


    Isla Olsen¡¯s voice carried a hint of jealousy, ¡°How can that be? Keira is so beautiful, otherwise, Jake wouldn¡¯t have pursued her for four years.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the use of being pretty? A worn shoe fits a tattered sock, with her status she could only marry some lowlife who¡¯d be willing to take her. Young Mr. Horton just saw her as a toy, to play with casually, only someone with Isla¡¯s status is worthy of young Mr. Horton¡­¡±


    Keira Olsen frowned.


    The man in the photo, in terms of looks and temperament, how could he be linked to a fallen house or a lowlife?


    But she was too lazy to argue against these superficial remarks.


    At this moment, Isla Olsen had chosen her jewelry and intended to put on her high heels but found the dress too tight to bend over in.


    Isla Olsen smiled slightly, looking towards Keira Olsen.


    Poppy Hill immediately nudged Keira Olsen, ¡°You useless thing, can¡¯t you see what¡¯s needed? Your sister can¡¯t do it herself, aren¡¯t you going to help her with the shoes?¡±


    Keira Olsen: ¡°¡­¡±


    It was like this again.


    Did Poppy Hill really think she was still the naive and ignorant little girl who didn¡¯t know how to fight back when bullied?


    Her eyes cold, her voice laced with impatience, ¡°You can put them on for her.¡±


    ¡°Keira Olsen, what kind of attitude is that? Do you think you can be arrogant just because you¡¯re married now? Your husband is just living off a woman; in the future, he will still need to rely on the Olsen family!¡±


    Poppy Hill¡¯s voice rose, ¡°If you don¡¯t establish a good relationship with your sister now, there will come a day when you and your husband will have to beg in front of her! Besides, the Olsen family has raised you, so you should be a servant to the Olsen family!¡±


    At that moment, a towering figure appeared at the door, it was her father Taylor Olsen.


    The man frowned, ¡°We¡¯re expecting an important guest soon, what are you quarreling about here?¡±


    Isla Olsen didn¡¯t speak and acted innocent.


    While Poppy Hill complained, ¡°It¡¯s all because of this cursed girl, she got so high and mighty just because she got married today that she doesn¡¯t respect her own mother¡­¡±


    Taylor Olsen¡¯s gaze fell on Keira Olsen and he frowned, ¡°Married? Why didn¡¯t you let the family find someone for you? Let me see the marriage certificate¡­¡±


    Facing her estranged father¡¯s concern, Keira Olsen hesitated before taking out the printout from her bag.


    The next second, it was snatched away by Poppy Hill, ¡°Let me see, what¡¯s the name of your useless husband!¡±


    Meanwhile, Isla Olsen curiously asked, ¡°Dad, who¡¯s coming that¡¯s got you so worked up?¡±


    Remembering the visitor, Taylor Olsen felt invigorated, as he excitingly mentioned a name:


    ¡°Lewis Horton.¡±


    Keira Olsen was instantly stunned.


    ¡­Who?

 Chapter 2 - Chapter 2: Chapter 2

    Chapter 2: Chapter 2


    Isla Olsen was confused and puzzled, ¡°Who is Lewis Horton? Is he formidable?¡±


    Keira Olsen was also curious and listened attentively.


    She had some connections in Oceanion but had never heard of the name Lewis Horton.


    Taylor Olsen explained, ¡°It¡¯s normal that you don¡¯t recognize him; he is quite secretive, and even I haven¡¯t met him. He is Jake Horton¡¯s younger uncle, only 28 years old and has now become the real power holder of the Horton Family!¡±


    Poppy Hill instinctively exclaimed, ¡°Then wouldn¡¯t he be a better match for Isla than Jake?¡±


    Being a power holder is much more powerful than any legitimate grandson of the first branch!


    Taylor Olsen was annoyed, ¡°Nonsense, Mr. Horton is already married!¡±


    Keira Olsen narrowed her eyes.


    Married¡­


    If the person on the marriage certificate is really him, then it seems Lewis Horton would know what¡¯s going on.


    Poppy Hill was slightly disappointed, ¡°Who is his wife? To be even more fortunate than Isla.¡±


    Keira Olsen¡¯s gaze immediately turned straight to Taylor Olsen, but she heard him say, ¡°I don¡¯t know, they say both he and his wife don¡¯t enjoy socializing.¡±


    Taylor Olsen frowned and pondered, ¡°I don¡¯t know why he would come over on short notice today¡­¡±


    The Horton Family was the top wealthy family in Oceanion, and the power holder had an exceedingly prestigious status.


    The Olsen Family¡¯s standing was only moderately above average; this marriage itself was Isla reaching high above her station for Jake Horton. It would be enough if the power holder just attended the wedding, so why would he personally visit on a betrothal day?


    However, Poppy Hill decisively said, ¡°It must be because Isla is so outstanding that she caught the attention of the Hortons! Isla, this diamond necklace won¡¯t stand out enough. With such an important elder visiting today, you should choose something more elegant to wear!¡±


    She stuffed the printout she hadn¡¯t finished looking at back into Keira Olsen¡¯s hands and anxiously took Isla to re-select jewelry.


    She was even more invested than Mrs. Olsen, Isla¡¯s birth mother.


    Keira Olsen sneered sarcastically.


    ¡°Sir, the Hortons are almost here.¡±


    The butler¡¯s reminder caused Taylor Olsen to turn and go downstairs, passing by Keira Olsen and casually saying, ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since you¡¯ve been home, have a cup of joyous wine before you go.¡±


    Keira Olsen took the chance to nod.


    She was going to stay and see who Lewis Horton really was!


    In the room, Poppy Hill had chosen the jewelry for Isla and was helping her put it on herself.


    Looking at the radiant girl in front of her, Poppy Hill¡¯s eyes were filled with uncontrollable joy and satisfaction.


    Over twenty years ago, if it weren¡¯t for the appearance of Mrs. Olsen, Jodie South, she would have been the one to marry Taylor Olsen!


    She despised Jodie South, and so, on purpose, caused trouble to have their babies on the same day and switched the two children at the hospital.


    Now, her daughter was finally going to marry off in glory, and Jodie South will even prepare a generous dowry for her!


    While Keira Olsen could only marry off as an illegitimate daughter, penniless, to a little punk!!


    How the tables have turned, this is what Mrs. Olsen owes her!


    Downstairs.


    Keira Olsen leaned lazily in the dim corner next to the staircase, staring in the direction of the door, quietly waiting for the arrival of the Hortons.


    After some time, Mrs. Olsen appeared, coming down from upstairs with the help of a servant. She wore a purple cheongsam; her figure slightly thin, emanating the profound air of a scholar, and a cool aura.


    The servant said softly, ¡°Madam, you¡¯re not in good health, better not to come down.¡±


    Mrs. Olsen shook her head, ¡°No¡­ cough cough¡­ Isla¡¯s big day¡­ cough cough¡­ I cannot miss it¡­¡±


    They didn¡¯t notice Keira Olsen as they moved toward the door.


    Keira Olsen watched Mrs. Olsen¡¯s retreating figure, her eyes filled with longing.


    It¡¯s ironic, Mrs. Olsen, who should have had every right to hate her, was the only warmth she knew in the Olsen family.


    Poppy Hill was nothing like a mother, often forgetting to feed her when she was a child.


    Young and emaciated, she had barely learned to walk when she started rummaging through the trash can for food.


    After being discovered by Mrs. Olsen one day, she began to leave food for her in the garden at a set time every day.


    It went on like this for twelve years.


    If it weren¡¯t for Mrs. Olsen¡¯s kindness, she would have starved to death long ago.


    Watching Mrs. Olsen¡¯s receding figure, hearing her occasional coughs, Keira Olsen¡¯s brow furrowed with worry.


    Just then, there was a stir at the entrance¡ªthe Hortons had arrived!


    Taylor Olsen and Mrs. Olsen greeted them at the doorway, exchanging pleasantries before stepping aside to let a group of people march in.


    Kiera spotted Lewis Horton at first glance.


    He was wearing a tailored black designer suit, leading the way like the moon surrounded by stars. His face was even more sculpted than in photos, the contours sharp, with a clearly defined jawline.


    The man¡¯s deep eyes seemed unfathomable, his thin lips exuded a coolness, and his every move carried an air of nobility.


    Perhaps sensing her gaze, the man suddenly looked over.


    For a moment, their eyes met.


    His piercing look made Keira¡¯s heart tremble, and just as she tried to discern his emotions, he averted his eyes to somewhere else.


    This left Keira somewhat confused.


    Was he behaving like this because he recognized her, or because he didn¡¯t?


    Mr. Olsen said with a smile, ¡°Mr. Horton, where is your wife? Didn¡¯t she come with you?¡±


    At these words, Kiera felt as though Lewis Horton had glanced at her again before he replied indifferently, ¡°She¡¯s indisposed.¡±


    The group chatted as they made their way to the parlor.


    Jake Horton, who had pursued her for four years, followed behind their elders. Dressed in a suit, he had gained a mature steadiness since college. He didn¡¯t notice Keira and was chatting absentmindedly with Isla Olsen.


    Everyone gathered around Lewis Horton on the main seat, starting to discuss the marriage arrangements.


    It was then that Keira stepped out of the shadows.


    She stood quietly, watching the bustle in the parlor.


    Suddenly, her arm was yanked. Poppy Hill hissed, ¡°Keira Olsen, what are you still doing here? Have you not given up on Jake Horton yet? Let me tell you, he¡¯s your brother-in-law now!¡±


    Keira shook off her grip, scoffing, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not interested in being a homewrecker. It¡¯s Mr. Olsen who told me to stay for a celebration drink.¡±


    From the time she understood the concept, she had always referred to Taylor Olsen as ¡°Mr. Olsen.¡±


    Poppy Hill was so angry that she clenched her teeth, ¡°That was just his being polite, and you took it seriously? Do you really not know your place? Even I can¡¯t afford to disgrace the Olsens at such an event, let alone you, an illegitimate daughter. Do you think you deserve to be at the table? Get out of here right now.¡±


    ¡­ Endless nagging, so annoying!


    Keira frowned impatiently, about to retort, when she caught a glimpse of Lewis Horton rising to his feet out of the corner of her eye. He gestured at his phone and then headed towards the balcony, presumably to take a call.


    Keira¡¯s eyes lit up, ¡°Fine, I¡¯m going.¡±


    She brushed Poppy Hill off casually and walked out the parlor door but didn¡¯t leave. Instead, she turned in the direction of the balcony.


    The first-floor balcony led to the small garden outside.


    No sooner had Keira approached than the man on the phone hung up, his expression stern as he fixed her with a sharp gaze.


    Keira stopped in her tracks.


    Facing his dangerous look, she suddenly curved her lips and called out tentatively, ¡°Honey?¡±

 Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: Chapter 3

    Chapter 3: Chapter 3


    A glass door separated the liveliness of the drawing room.


    Kiera stared intently at Lewis Horton, observing his reaction.


    Yet upon hearing this address, the coldness about the man intensified, his dark eyes brimming with a chilling frost, void of any emotional fluctuation, he turned, intending to return to the drawing room.


    Kiera quickly stepped forward, blocking his path.


    Lewis Horton¡¯s eyebrows furrowed lightly, ¡°Step aside.¡±


    His voice was low and pleasant to the ear, enunciated with a refined melody that sparked an impulse to hear him speak again.


    Kiera sensed something, ¡°You¡­ don¡¯t recognize me?¡±


    Lewis Horton looked down at her from his superior height, ¡°Should I know you?¡±


    Since entering the Olsen Family home, he felt a peculiar gaze closely following him.


    The stare was forthright, unlike the others that were sycophantically nauseating.


    Lewis Horton thus gave her a few more glances.


    The girl was very pretty, with fair skin, her peach blossom eyes and the teardrop mole at the corner of her eye were beautiful but not flirtatious, and despite standing obediently in a corner, an untamable defiance seemed to emanate from her.


    And when she caught his gaze, she didn¡¯t shy away, looking right back at him openly.


    He initially thought she was different from those women who pounced on him at first sight, but unexpectedly, she was bolder than those women, directly calling him ¡®husband¡¯ upon approach¡­


    Lewis Horton grew more impatient, his tone becoming more forceful, ¡°Miss, I am married, please show some self-respect.¡±


    Kiera was a bit stunned.


    This man obviously didn¡¯t recognize her, yet he mentioned being married¡­ could it be the courthouse registered the wrong information?


    She inquired, ¡°May I ask who your wife is?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s none of your business.¡±


    Another four ice-cold words.


    Kiera pulled out a photocopy of the marriage certificate and presented it to him, ¡°Mr. Horton, the man listed here should be you, right?¡±


    Lewis Horton glanced at the photocopy, his eyes falling on the female¡¯s name: Kiera Olsen.


    Lifting his gaze, he mocked, ¡°Miss Olsen, an original isn¡¯t expensive, right? If you¡¯re going to forge something, you should at least make it professional!¡±


    With that, Lewis Horton didn¡¯t return to the drawing room but strode through the small garden toward the parking area.


    Kiera chased after him, intending to clarify, but was stopped by two black-suited bodyguards.


    Kiera halted, calling to the man¡¯s retreating figure, ¡°Mr. Horton, this document is real, if you don¡¯t believe it, you can check with the courthouse¡­¡±


    Lewis Horton continued without pausing, driving away immediately after getting into the car.


    His personal assistant stayed back, returning to the living room, where he encountered Isla Olsen right away.


    Just by chance, Isla had seen Kiera hassling Lewis Horton, though she hadn¡¯t heard exactly what they were discussing. Seeing Horton leave and Kiera chasing after him on her electric scooter, she immediately asked, ¡°Why did Mr. Horton leave? Did someone provoke him?¡±


    The personal assistant replied with a smile, ¡°Mr. Horton had something to deal with and left early, please inform the elders in your household for me, Miss Olsen.¡±


    Since the boss didn¡¯t leave a message to reprimand that girl, it meant he wasn¡¯t going to hold it against her.


    Isla immediately nodded, courteously escorting the assistant out.


    After deciding on a wedding date, the rest of the Horton Family finished lunch and took their leave.


    Once they had seen the guests out, Taylor Olsen fretted, ¡°Why did Mr. Horton leave? Was there something unsatisfactory about our hospitality at home?¡±


    Considering how Jake Horton had looked distracted all day, scanning around as though searching for someone, and now thinking of Kiera¡¯s disastrously beautiful face, Isla clenched her fists.


    Her eyes flickered, ¡°Dad, I saw Kiera harassing Mr. Horton, and he seemed very angry when he left; he even left a message¡­¡±


    ¡°What message?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Horton said for you to discipline your daughter well,¡± Isla Olsen bit her lip. ¡°Won¡¯t the Horton Family think our family¡¯s upbringing is poor because of what Kiera did?¡±


    Taylor Olsen¡¯s face turned ashen in an instant.


    ¨C


    Keira Olsen rode her electric bike, and as soon as she left the villa area, she lost her tail.


    While annoyed, her phone rang.


    Upon answering, an unfamiliar male voice came through; it was her subordinate, Samuel Morgan: ¡°Boss, lately many people have been searching for who Dr. South is.¡±


    Keira Olsen raised an eyebrow: ¡°It hasn¡¯t been exposed, has it?¡±


    ¡°Of course not, after all, nobody would think that Dr. South, the one who cracked the issue of Hydrogen Fuel, is actually just a harmless-looking young girl who just graduated from college¡­¡±


    ¡°Anything else?¡± Keira Olsen interrupted his rambling.


    ¡°Oh right, I found some info on Lewis Horton!¡±


    ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°Lewis Horton is the second son of Mr. Horton, known for his violent and ruthless nature; hence, he was sent abroad since he was young. Everyone thought the Horton Group would pass on to the eldest son, that is, Jake Horton¡¯s father, but no one expected Lewis Horton suddenly returned to the country last week. He used some decisive means to force the old man to step down and took control of the Horton Group.¡±


    Samuel Morgan asked curiously: ¡°Didn¡¯t you arrange a controllable sham marriage today? How did the groom suddenly turn into such an icy king of hell? Boss, if your marital status is unstable, it could affect the company¡¯s IPO¡­¡±


    Keira Olsen frowned: ¡°Find his contact details and schedule for me, I need to see him again.¡±


    The reason she agreed to Poppy Hill¡¯s ridiculous request to get married immediately was that being married as the company¡¯s legal representative was more favorable for the IPO application.


    But now, she had somehow got roped into a marriage and didn¡¯t even know what conspiracies were involved.


    Given Lewis Horton¡¯s complex status, the best course of action would be to divorce as quickly as possible to avoid unnecessary disputes.


    After hanging up, Keira Olsen rubbed her temples.


    Things were getting troublesome. With someone like Lewis Horton, who would have bodyguards when he traveled, he wasn¡¯t easy to meet.


    Today, she shouldn¡¯t have impulsively called out ¡°husband¡± and pissed him off¡­


    She sighed, started her rickety bike, and slowly headed home.


    Leaving the bustling city center, she headed for the village in the suburbs.


    When she moved out of the Olsen Family in junior high, she didn¡¯t have much money, so she could only afford to rent an old house here; having grown accustomed to it, she never moved.


    Right when she was about to turn the corner to her house, an elderly lady in her nineties suddenly popped out at the side of the road!


    Keira Olsen quickly braked, narrowly avoiding a collision.


    She looked at the old lady, initially thinking it was a scam, but soon realized something was off.


    The old woman, though gaunt and small, was decently dressed and didn¡¯t look like an ordinary person. She wore a tag around her neck with a contact number and a note at the bottom: ¡°If the elder is lost, please call this number. A substantial reward will be offered.¡±


    ¡­It was definitely Alzheimer¡¯s.


    No telling whose family member had wandered off.


    Keira Olsen immediately took out her phone and dialed the number on the tag.


    However, the dazed old woman suddenly reacted, grabbing Keira Olsen¡¯s wrist firmly. Her cloudy eyes sparkled with recognition: ¡°Daughter-in-law! You¡¯re my daughter-in-law!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Keira Olsen twitched the corner of her mouth.


    Single for 22 years, and suddenly she had acquired a husband.


    Was the courthouse holding a bulk sale today?


    Amused, she casually asked, ¡°Grandma, who is your grandson?¡±


    The old lady furrowed her brows in thought.


    What was her grandson¡¯s name again¡­ Oh, right, Lewis Horton!!

 Chapter 4 - Chapter 4: Chapter 4

    Chapter 4: Chapter 4


    Old Mrs. Horton spoke up, ¡°His name is Horton¡­ what was it again?¡±


    The name she had just remembered was forgotten the moment she spoke it.


    The old lady became slightly anxious, her mouth opening and closing, unable to utter those few words.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s okay if you can¡¯t remember,¡± Keira Olsen soothed, then dialed the phone.


    At this moment, not far away, on a street.


    Lewis Horton sat in a Bentley, his expression grim, while his subordinate, Tom Davis, hardly dared to breathe, ¡°It¡¯s my fault, I failed to look after old Mrs. Horton.¡±


    The man didn¡¯t speak, the chill emanating from him made Tom Davis tremble with fear.


    Old Mrs. Horton mostly remained dim-witted, who would have thought that today she would suddenly get better, send everyone away, and sneak out.


    It was only after checking the surveillance cameras that they found out old Mrs. Horton had taken a bus to the suburbs on her own.


    This area was rather run-down, many streets weren¡¯t covered by cameras, they had to search the area systematically.


    Just at that moment, a phone suddenly rang.


    Lewis Horton answered immediately, and a faint female voice came from the other end, ¡°Hello, your elderly woman is with me.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    The atmosphere in the car instantly tensed up, the air chilling a few degrees.


    Everyone sprung into action, some preparing to call the police, Tom Davis tracking the signal source of the incoming call.


    Lewis Horton¡¯s gaze was sharp, his voice steady, ¡°How much money do you want?¡±


    ¡°¡­.Just kidding.¡± The girl¡¯s voice sounded a bit cheeky, ¡°I just wanted to tell you to take better care of the elderly.¡±


    Then, she reported her location and hung up.


    Tom Davis sighed in relief, patting his chest.


    This good Samaritan was too mischievous!


    Lewis Horton¡¯s eyes slightly lifted.


    Suddenly, he felt that the lazy voice on the phone sounded somewhat¡­ familiar?


    Five minutes later, they reached the location of the elderly woman, but the girl who called had already disappeared; only a police officer was waiting there with the elderly woman.


    Lewis Horton asked, ¡°Grandma, how did you end up here?¡±


    Old Mrs. Horton spoke mysteriously, ¡°I came to look for my daughter-in-law; she lives nearby!¡±


    Lewis Horton paused, then sighed, ¡°Grandma, there is no daughter-in-law¡­¡±


    ¡°Impossible! I met her!¡± Old Mrs. Horton complained, ¡°That heartless girl, she handed me to the police and left. Oh right, give me your phone.¡±


    Lewis Horton handed over his phone, and the old lady noted down the number from his recent incoming calls in her notebook.


    She finally had her daughter-in-law¡¯s contact info!


    ¨C


    Keira Olsen was worried that if the family came looking for her, they would thank her profusely.


    She was not good at handling such situations.


    So, seeing the police on patrol, she simply handed over the elderly woman to them and went straight home.


    The very next morning, she received a call from her university advisor, ¡°Keira Olsen, come to the school immediately!¡±


    Keira Olsen, not knowing why, rode her electric bike swiftly to school, and as soon as she entered Professor Miller¡¯s office, she found Isla Olsen and Poppy Hill were also there.


    Keira Olsen narrowed her amorous eyes.


    She and Isla Olsen both attended Oceanion University, which was the best in the area.


    Isla Olsen had entered with excellent grades.


    She, on the other hand, had started a company and found it inconvenient to manage remotely, and she also could not surpass Isla Olsen, so she deliberately chose the least popular major¡ªEnergy Power.


    But she had not expected that the concept of ¡°new energy¡± would suddenly burst into popularity two years ago.


    Isla Olsen immediately switched her major and became her classmate again.


    Isla Olsen was still reasonably normal here, but why was Poppy Hill here?


    Just as she thought about this, she saw Professor Miller with a serious expression, ¡°Kiera, your qualification for guaranteed further study has been canceled.¡±


    Kiera Olsen looked slightly stunned, ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Your mother said you have improper behavior and background, which does not meet the requirements for guaranteed placement,¡± Professor Miller frowned. ¡°Is there a misunderstanding between you and your mother? Apologize to her quickly. You have a promising future, don¡¯t let a moment of anger ruin your prospects!¡±


    Upon hearing this, Isla Olsen sighed first, ¡°Professor Miller, Kiera¡¯s mother is just looking out for her best interests.¡±


    She looked at Kiera Olsen, ¡°You¡¯ve offended Mr. Horton, and Mr. Horton has made it clear he wants you to disappear from Oceanion.¡±


    It took Kiera Olsen a while to realize ¡°Mr. Horton¡± referred to Lewis Horton.


    But she had only exchanged a few words with him, and yesterday when he left, it didn¡¯t seem like he was angry. Was he holding such a grudge over this?


    Isla Olsen, on the other hand, was adept at lying¡­


    As she pondered this, Isla Olsen approached her, ¡°Kiera, this is the plane ticket Dad bought for you. He wants you to go abroad to avoid the storm; otherwise, even the Olsen Family cannot protect you.¡±


    A hint of scorn flashed through Kiera Olsen¡¯s eyes.


    Sounds nice, what ¡®avoid the storm.¡¯ The Olsen Family is just afraid of being implicated by me, that¡¯s all!


    She glanced at the destination on the plane ticket: Argentina.


    It was the country farthest from Crera.


    How afraid were they of her coming back?


    She pushed the plane ticket back and said coldly, ¡°No need.¡±


    Seeing that she did not take it, Isla Olsen then took out a bank card, seeming sincere, ¡°Are you worried about living abroad? Here is 50,000 yuan, from my personal savings for your expenses. I only have this much saved up, use it first; if it¡¯s not enough, I¡¯ll give you more when I get more pocket money¡­¡±


    Miss Olsen only has 50,000 yuan?


    Kiera Olsen found it amusing.


    Poppy Hill snatched the bank card from Isla Olsen¡¯s hand, ¡°Isla, what are you doing? The Olsen Family helping her buy a plane ticket is already more than generous!¡±


    She looked at Kiera Olsen and ordered, ¡°Pack your things and go abroad immediately; I have already processed your withdrawal from the university.¡±


    Kiera Olsen looked at her, ¡°What gives you the right to make decisions for me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m your mother! Besides, with your academic performance, pursuing further studies would just be a waste of time. It¡¯s doubtful you¡¯d even graduate! It¡¯s better to start working and earn money sooner.¡±


    Professor Miller immediately objected, ¡°Kiera¡¯s mother, you are mistaken. Student Kiera Olsen¡¯s courses are very solid during her university period¡­¡±


    Before he could finish, Poppy Hill interrupted sharply, ¡°Professor, you don¡¯t need to speak for her. Don¡¯t I understand what she is like? She only wants to pursue further studies because Isla is doing it. She should take a good look at herself in the mirror and see what she amounts to! What right does she have to compare herself to Isla?¡±


    Her vulgar words left Professor Miller choking, but then, with amazement, he looked at Isla Olsen, ¡°You are pursuing further studies? I remember you didn¡¯t have a guaranteed placement nor did you take the graduate entrance exam.¡±


    Isla Olsen smiled slightly, humbly, ¡°Yes, I am taking a special recruitment path.¡±


    If a tutor especially values a student, they are allowed private recruitment.


    The prerequisite is, they must be a renowned professor.


    Professor Miller understood and immediately asked, ¡°May I know which professor is recruiting you specially?¡±


    Still with a modest demeanor, Isla Olsen replied, ¡°It¡¯s Dr. South; his research on Hydrogen Fuel clean combustion and patent application earned him the title.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Kiera Olsen looked at her in surprise, ¡°Who did you say?¡±

 Chapter 5 - Chapter 5: Chapter 5

    Chapter 5: Chapter 5


    Dr. South?


    How did she not know she was specially recruiting Isla Olsen?


    Professor Miller also exclaimed, ¡°You actually know Dr. South?¡±


    Isla Olsen smiled faintly, ¡°It¡¯s also fate. My mom sponsored Dr. South¡¯s education years ago, so when Dr. South accomplished something in his field, he sought out my family, calling my mom his life-saving benefactor. Over the years, he has been providing technical support to our family¡¯s company; he wouldn¡¯t decline any of my requests.¡±


    Keira Olsen raised an eyebrow.


    As a child in the Olsen Family, she was entirely dependent on Mrs. Olsen¡¯s care to grow up.


    Therefore, after she gained capability, she contacted Mrs. Olsen under the pretense of being ¡°Dr. South,¡± to have a reason to repay Mrs. Olsen¡¯s kindness during upbringing, hence she fabricated a ¡°sponsored¡± identity.


    Over the years, she willingly helped with any technical issues in Mrs. Olsen¡¯s company-owned businesses.


    But when had she become at Isla Olsen¡¯s beck and call?


    That really was an exaggeration.


    However, Professor Miller believed it was true, ¡°Where is Dr. South currently employed?¡±


    Isla Olsen replied, ¡°I promised the Dean that I would invite Dr. South to teach at our university.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Professor Miller was overjoyed and turned to Keira Olsen, ¡°Keira, your research field is the same as Dr. South¡¯s. I¡¯ll introduce you to him, and if Dr. South agrees to vouch for you, you might still have a chance for a recommendation!¡±


    Isla Olsen pretended to be worried, ¡°Professor Miller, would that be all right? The Hortons are the wealthiest in Oceanion, and they allocate a lot of research funding to our school every year¡­¡±


    Professor Miller was unconcerned, ¡°Dr. South is currently in high demand. I¡¯ve heard that Heddon University and Oxford University both sent him invitations, and many companies want to invest in him. If Dr. South agrees to intervene, the school will definitely choose Dr. South!¡±


    Isla Olsen feigned a sigh, ¡°But Dr. South considers my mom¡¯s face. If it were me, he would certainly spare no effort to help, but Keira is my dad¡¯s illegitimate daughter and stands opposed to my mom¡­ Keira, shall I go and ask Dr. South for you?¡±


    Keira Olsen: ¡°¡­No need.¡±


    At that moment, Isla Olsen seemed like a court jester.


    She curled her lips and directly said to Professor Miller, ¡°Professor Miller, there¡¯s no need to trouble yourself. You know, I don¡¯t really want to pursue graduate studies.¡±


    Professor Miller looked stunned, his face full of regret.


    It was he who had discovered Keira Olsen¡¯s talent in the field, and, excited by the potential, had forcefully asked her to consider a graduate recommendation, not anticipating it would come to this.


    His eyes slightly reddened, ¡°Then I will write you a job recommendation letter.¡±


    Poppy Hill scoffed, ¡°Don¡¯t bother, offended Mr. Horton and still want to find a job in Oceanion? Dream on!¡±


    Professor Miller became furious, ¡°I refuse to believe that someone can really cover the sky with one hand in Oceanion! If you can¡¯t find a job, come and be my teaching assistant! I need you!¡±


    Keira Olsen felt a warm surge in her heart, she explained, ¡°Professor, there¡¯s just a slight misunderstanding between Mr. Horton and me, it will be cleared up, you don¡¯t have to worry.¡±


    Professor Miller sighed, ¡°If it can be cleared up, then come back and still be my student.¡±


    Keira Olsen looked at her teacher¡¯s eager expression, her voice soft, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll come back.¡±


    Being a mentor at Oceanion University wouldn¡¯t be too bad.


    But Isla Olsen clenched her fingers.


    She couldn¡¯t understand, she was a top student, why did Professor Miller only care about Keira Olsen, whose grades were just ordinary?!


    Had this old man also been charmed by her face?


    In her heart, Isla Olsen was infuriatingly annoyed; she glanced at Poppy Hill and suddenly spoke, ¡°Keira, are you really going to bother Mr. Horton again? He¡¯s already married, this really isn¡¯t right¡­¡±


    Poppy Hill, as expected, was furious.


    ¡°Slap!¡±


    A loud slap resounded in the office.


    Keira Olsen¡¯s cheeks burned with a stinging sensation as she stared incredulously at Poppy Hill, unable to believe she would strike her in front of Professor Miller!


    Without a trace of guilt, Poppy Hill pointed at her nose and scolded, ¡°You lowlife bitch, haven¡¯t seen you for years, and it seems you¡¯ve forgotten the rules of our home! Apologize to your sister right now, and swear you¡¯ll never meet the Hortons again!¡±


    The warmth in Keira¡¯s eyes slowly faded, leaving only a chilling coldness.


    It seemed that her declaration of ¡°the last time¡± the other day hadn¡¯t been taken to heart at all¡ªshe was still treated as that submissive, ignorant girl who revered Isla Olsen.


    Since reason couldn¡¯t get through to them, they couldn¡¯t blame her for not showing any mercy¡­


    Isla stood by, a surge of smugness rising in her heart.


    As a child, Keira would bow and scrape before her, tolerating scolding without retort and beatings without fighting back.


    Later, when she moved away and they met again at university, Keira, despite still looking destitute, straightened her spine in front of her.


    Years without a beating, and she had forgotten her place!


    Today, Poppy Hill was going to teach her a lesson.


    As Isla was about to relish this thought, she saw Keira Olsen slowly approaching her, presumably to apologize.


    Isla¡¯s lips curled up, but the next moment!


    Keira suddenly looked up, and her hands ferociously struck Isla¡¯s face in quick succession!


    ¡°Smack! Smack!¡±


    Isla¡¯s head reeled, momentarily stunned by the blows.


    Poppy Hill then roared as she charged over, ¡°Keira Olsen, how dare you!¡±


    Keira abruptly turned her head!


    Her gaze was malevolent, her entire demeanor like an Asura climbing up from hell, exuding a bloodthirsty aura!


    Poppy Hill was genuinely intimidated by her appearance, frozen in shock, ¡°You, what are you going to do? You ungrateful wretch, I¡¯m your mother; would you actually raise your hand against me? You unfilial bastard!¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re an unkind mother, don¡¯t blame me for being an unfilial child!¡±


    Keira¡¯s voice was very cold, each word pronounced clearly, ¡°Stop interfering in my life, or any action you take against me, I will repay double onto Isla!¡±


    She withdrew her gaze and bowed deeply to Professor Miller, ¡°Thank you for your care over these four years. I will come back.¡±


    With these words, she turned and left without hesitation.


    Only when her figure had disappeared from the room did Poppy Hill come back to her senses. She rushed to Isla, ¡°Isla, are you alright? That bitch dared to lay a hand on you; she¡¯s gone too far!¡±


    Isla, touching her swelling cheeks, trembling with anger but calmly asked, ¡°Where did she get such confidence?¡±


    Poppy Hill was taken aback, ¡°Could Mr. Horton really have taken a liking to her? Impossible, she¡¯s already married, how could Mr. Horton like damaged goods¡­¡±


    Isla thought so too.


    But thinking of her face that could ruin countries and cause disasters, she suddenly felt unsure¡­


    Professor Miller had been stunned by the series of events.


    He looked in disbelief at Poppy Hill, listening to her vile words, and couldn¡¯t help but wonder:


    Is this really Keira Olsen¡¯s mother? Not Isla¡¯s mother?


    He didn¡¯t know if it was psychological, but Professor Miller suddenly felt like the two women in front of him shared a slight resemblance¡­


    *


    Just as Keira Olsen stepped out of the school gates, Samuel Morgan called:


    ¡°Boss, I¡¯ve figured it out! I now understand why Lewis Horton claimed to be married but says he doesn¡¯t know you!¡±

 Chapter 6 - Chapter 6: Chapter 6

    Chapter 6: Chapter 6


    The school entrance was bustling with people, and every face brimmed with vibrancy and liveliness.


    Keira Olsen pushed her electric bike, enveloped in solitude.


    She licked her slightly swollen lip with her tongue, her voice a bit hoarse, ¡°Speak.¡±


    ¡°The Horton Family, despite their outward glory, have been fiercely infighting these past years. The old master favors the first branch and intends to pass the family¡¯s reins to them, continually suppressing Lewis Horton as the youngest son.¡±


    ¡°A few years ago, the old master chose several unreliable people for Lewis Horton to potentially marry. It caused a huge uproar until Lewis announced he had already registered his marriage with a wife from an ordinary family, which put an end to the matter.¡±


    ¡°Heh, speaking of his wife, she¡¯s quite an interesting case. She has never shown herself publicly nor attended any Horton Family banquets.


    In conclusion, there¡¯s only one truth! That is¡­¡±


    Samuel Morgan elongated his tone, trying to tease a cliffhanger, but before he could finish, Keira Olsen had already figured it out, ¡°Got it. Have you found his schedule and contact information?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Samuel Morgan choked for a moment, then sheepishly said, ¡°I¡¯ll send you his schedule for the next few days later. I can¡¯t find his private number.¡±


    Keira Olsen said indifferently, ¡°Never mind, I¡¯ll corner him.¡±


    For someone of Lewis Horton¡¯s status, it¡¯s normal that his private number is highly confidential.


    Samuel Morgan immediately gossiped, ¡°He is surrounded by bodyguards, not easy to approach. Do you plan to use force, or?¡±


    ¡°Keep it low-key for now,¡± Keira Olsen¡¯s lips curled into a mischievous smile. ¡°Besides, I¡¯m a woman, I can¡¯t be forceful.¡±


    Samuel Morgan: ¡°¡­¡±


    *


    Horton Group¡¯s headquarters, located in the heart of Oceanion, towered into the clouds as a symbolic skyscraper, showcasing the Horton Family¡¯s tremendous wealth.


    Keira Olsen straightened her courier uniform and, holding a delivery box, walked in. She said to the receptionist, ¡°This is a parcel for Mr. Horton, he needs to sign for it personally.¡±


    The receptionist allowed her upstairs after calling the secretary¡¯s office.


    Keira Olsen entered the private elevator, reaching the 88th floor.


    Stepping out of the elevator, the view in front of her suddenly opened up.


    The entire secretary office, serving Lewis Horton alone, housed over a hundred people.


    Keira Olsen followed the secretary who came to receive her, smoothly arriving at the president¡¯s office.


    She knocked on the door, and a pleasant voice from inside said, ¡°Come in.¡±


    Keira Olsen breathed a sigh of relief, thinking she was about to meet Lewis Horton smoothly, when a tall, slender figure suddenly blocked her way.


    Assistant Tom Davis frowned as he observed her, ¡°Miss Olsen? How is it you?¡±


    Just yesterday, this lady had harassed the boss at the Olsen Family home, and now here she was again, disguised as a courier, unabashedly pursuing her boss?


    Tom Davis¡¯s face clouded over, he gestured for two bodyguards, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Can just any Tom, Dick or Harry now make it to the top floor without checks? Get her out of here immediately!¡±


    Keira Olsen remained unflustered, ¡°What do you mean? Does Horton Group look down on couriers?¡±


    Tom Davis scoffed, ¡°Trying to turn the tables on us, are you? We respect every job, but are you really a courier?¡±


    ¡°I am.¡±


    ¡°Do you think I would believe your lies? If you are a courier, do you have your ID?¡±


    No sooner had Tom Davis finished speaking than an ID was thrust in front of him.


    Keira Olsen smirked, ¡°Actually, I do.¡±


    Tom Davis: ?


    His expression stiffened, and he scoffed, thinking of something, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you just registered today?¡±


    The ID in front of him was opened, marked with the registration date.


    Tom Davis was stunned, ¡°¡­Eight years ago?¡±


    She really was a courier?


    ¡°Can¡¯t work-study programs suffice?¡± Keira Olsen said in a languorous tone, addressing the person inside, ¡°Mr. Horton, can you cooperate with my work now?¡±


    A firm voice came from the room, ¡°Let her in.¡±


    Keira Olsen gave Tom Davis a provocative glance, and seeing him on the verge of losing his temper, she bypassed him and entered.


    Lewis Horton¡¯s office was styled in minimalist luxury, the black, white, and gray color scheme made it seem utterly devoid of warmth.


    He sat behind his large desk, the sleeves of his black shirt rolled up, revealing a small portion of his lean and muscular forearm, and his fingers, clearly defined, held a fountain pen.


    After signing the document he was working on, Lewis Horton finally looked up, his dark eyes betraying no emotion.


    Keira Olsen pointed at the courier slip and said, ¡°Mr. Horton, sign here.¡±


    The girl¡¯s fingers were pale and slender, the fingertips slightly calloused, giving off a sense of powerful beauty.


    Just like her, apparently fragile and slender, yet her spine was always straight, exuding pride.


    Lewis Horton¡¯s gaze lingered for a moment on her swollen lips before he took the pen to sign.


    At that moment, Keira Olsen suddenly spoke, her words astonishing, ¡°Mr. Horton, you¡¯re not actually married, are you?¡±


    The man¡¯s pen halted, and he abruptly looked up, his penetrating black eyes fixed on her, an imposing pressure overwhelming the space!


    Keira Olsen knew she had guessed correctly!


    At the courthouse, registration information had to be filled in by hand. There could be no mistake.


    Lewis Horton claimed to be married, yet he didn¡¯t know her at all.


    After Samuel Morgan¡¯s investigation¡­


    The only truth could be that Lewis Horton had invented a wife to fend off his family¡¯s pressure to marry.


    He had never been to the courthouse, so he was unaware of their supposed married status.


    Keira Olsen earnestly said, ¡°Mr. Horton, I know my words might sound bizarre, but we really are married.¡±


    Lewis Horton slowly straightened up, a hint of amusement on his face, ¡°Miss Olsen, don¡¯t waste your efforts. Even if I were unmarried, I wouldn¡¯t marry you just to spite Jake Horton.¡±


    Keira Olsen was momentarily stunned.


    Did he know about her past with Jake Horton and assume she approached him for revenge? Was that why he had never believed her?


    Keira Olsen explained, ¡°I¡¯m not here because of Jake Horton, I¡¯m here to ask you to¡­¡± to divorce.


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in your emotional entanglements.¡±


    Lewis Horton interrupted her, briskly finished signing, and handed her the courier slip, ¡°Don¡¯t bother me again, or don¡¯t blame me for being rude.¡±


    Keira Olsen was also irritated, ¡°Haven¡¯t you already been rude? You¡¯ve even said I should vanish from Oceanion!¡±


    Lewis Horton frowned, ¡°When did I¡­¡±


    He didn¡¯t finish his sentence as his phone suddenly rang.


    It was the exclusive ringtone for his grandmother.


    He immediately answered, and the voice of the caregiver came from the other side, ¡°Mr. Horton, old Mrs. Horton is missing again!¡±


    Lewis Horton abruptly stood up and rushed out anxiously.


    Keira Olsen wanted to chase after him to clear things up but was stopped by Tom Davis, ¡°Miss Olsen, I advise you to let it go.¡±


    Keira Olsen sighed.


    She was ¡°asked¡± to leave Horton Group and slowly made her way home.


    Just as she reached her doorstep, she suddenly turned around and saw the old woman she had encountered before sneaking up behind her, stealthy as a cat.


    Keira Olsen: ?


    About to speak, the little old lady suddenly grabbed her wrist:


    ¡°My dear daughter-in-law, don¡¯t you think of abandoning me again!¡±

 Chapter 7 - Chapter 7: Chapter 7

    Chapter 7: Chapter 7


    Kiera Olsen¡¯s rented house was neatly and cozily decorated by her.


    She looked at the old lady, who had already drunk three glasses of water at the dining table, and said earnestly, ¡°I really am not your granddaughter-in-law.¡±


    ¡°You are.¡±


    The little old lady was very stubborn, hugging her cup and guzzling down another glass.


    Kiera Olsen knew that she would not be able to talk sense into her and took out her phone to dial the number from last time.


    It rang once and was promptly answered: ¡°Hello.¡±


    Kiera Olsen faintly felt that the man¡¯s voice was somewhat familiar; just as she was about to say something, the old lady suddenly snatched away the phone.


    At that moment, Lewis Horton was searching nearby with a group of people.


    He appeared calm on the surface but felt somewhat anxious inside.


    The grandma didn¡¯t just have Alzheimer¡¯s; at eighty-seven years old, her body¡¯s organs had long begun to degenerate, posing a risk to her life at any moment.


    The moment the phone rang, he immediately answered, and then he heard his grandma¡¯s robust voice from inside:


    ¡°Brat, don¡¯t come to pick me up; I¡¯m with my granddaughter-in-law.¡±


    Granddaughter-in-law¡­


    The number was that of the girl from last time; so was grandma with her again?


    Lewis Horton¡¯s face darkened as he asked, ¡°Where are you?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t tell you.¡±


    ¡°You think I can¡¯t find you if you don¡¯t say?¡±


    ¡°¡­You mustn¡¯t come to me or send people to check on me!¡±


    Lewis Horton rubbed his temples and quietly asked his primary care doctor while covering the phone: ¡°Can we forcefully bring old Mrs. Horton back?¡±


    The doctor shook his head and softly replied, ¡°Old Mrs. Horton should not be subjected to any stress right now. It¡¯s best to go along with her wishes. The girl from last time doesn¡¯t seem like a bad person either¡­¡±


    Lewis Horton clenched his jaw and then coaxed into the phone, ¡°Grandma, I still need to bring you your medicine.¡±


    ¡°No need for medicine, I brought it with me; just rest easy, dear, I¡¯ll wait until I can take my granddaughter-in-law back home!¡±


    The little old lady hung up the phone after saying that.


    She handed the phone back to Kiera Olsen, ¡°Granddaughter-in-law, all settled!¡±


    Kiera Olsen: ¡°¡­¡±


    What kind of unreliable relatives are these, leaving an older person with a stranger?


    Just as she was about to call back, her WhatsApp notification tone chimed once. Someone had sent a friend request using the phone number, with the message: grandson.


    Kiera Olsen accepted his friend request and input the remark: Grandson.


    ¡°Grandson¡± quickly sent a message: [Please take care of my grandma for a while, her health has been bad recently, and she can¡¯t be agitated.]


    Kiera Olsen snorted and typed coolly into her phone, ¡°It¡¯s inconvenient for me; my place isn¡¯t a charity organization¡­¡±


    Before she could finish typing, a noise suddenly came from the kitchen.


    She quickly went to check and found the old lady cooking eggs.


    Kiera Olsen casually asked, ¡°Hungry? Just eating eggs won¡¯t do.¡±


    ¡°Not that.¡± The little old lady turned around, her wrinkled face lit with a kind smile: ¡°Granddaughter-in-law, if you apply egg on your face, it will reduce the swelling.¡±


    Kiera Olsen was stunned.


    Perhaps she hadn¡¯t even realized that after being hit by her own mother today, she seemed outwardly unbothered, but actually, a layer of indifference enveloped her, distancing her from the world.


    At that moment, the old lady¡¯s words melted the coldness surrounding her, and warmth returned to the depths of her eyes¡­


    She pursed her lips and looked at her phone again.


    But saw an orange alert suddenly appear on the interface:


    [You have received a transfer of 300,000 yuan from your grandson.]


    Jake: [This is your living expenses for one week. Let me know if it¡¯s not enough.]


    Keira looked at her input field, deleted the words she had just typed, and composed a new message instead: [Alright then.]


    She couldn¡¯t understand why she suddenly started to meddle¡ªit must have been because the amount of money was too much!


    *


    The Olsen Family.


    Isla Olsen¡¯s cheeks were swollen on both sides, with clear slap marks. Her eyes were red and swollen as she sat on the living room couch, silently weeping.


    Poppy Hill lowered her head: ¡°Isla, that little slut must be jealous you¡¯re getting married into the Horton Family and that¡¯s why she lashed out. Don¡¯t cry. Wait for your dad to come back, and let Lewis teach her a lesson!¡±


    Mrs. Olsen, Jodie South, dragged her ill body down the stairs; her voice was weak, but her tone was firm: ¡°Cough cough, Keira isn¡¯t that kind of person. You must have done something first to anger her¡­¡±


    Isla clenched her fingers and said with a lowered head and a grievance: ¡°It¡¯s my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have accepted Jake¡¯s proposal. She likes Jake so much, she must have gotten involved with Mr. Horton because of this¡­¡±


    Mrs. Olsen¡¯s face was pale, sickly: ¡°How could that be? Keira knew manners and morals when she was a child.¡±


    Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have stubbornly moved out of the house.


    Poppy Hill said with hatred: ¡°She must have been led astray by others over the past few years! Her heart is black. Not only did she hit Isla today, but she even wanted to hit me, her own mother!¡±


    Mrs. Olsen still didn¡¯t believe it.


    Isla¡¯s eyes flickered and suddenly said: ¡°Mom, it¡¯s us who have neglected her over the years¡­¡±


    These words struck Poppy Hill: ¡°It¡¯s also because she never comes home! Mrs. Olsen, you were so good to her before. But she never comes to see you; she¡¯s truly an ungrateful wretch! She doesn¡¯t remember your kindness at all, just a cold-hearted person at her core!¡±


    Mrs. Olsen was stunned.


    She had no prejudice against Keira Olsen, having raised her with her own hands, there were feelings involved.


    When that child left, she did tell her to come back and visit when she could.


    But for so many years, Keira never returned home.


    Had the child really become cold and detached as she grew up?


    Isla was satisfied seeing her hesitation.


    She changed the subject and said coyly: ¡°Mom, could you invite Dr. South to take a teaching position at Oceanion University?¡±


    Mrs. Olsen immediately refused sternly: ¡°Isla, you mustn¡¯t use favors to seek recompense. Besides, Dr. South has done enough for the family¡¯s company over these years!¡±


    Isla wasn¡¯t surprised by her response and smiled saying: ¡°Mom, that¡¯s not what I meant. Oceanion University is the best university around here, and maybe Dr. South wants to go there himself? We could just help him make connections with the school, it would be a way to thank Dr. South for all the help over the years.¡±


    Mrs. Olsen thought there was logic to this, took out her phone, and opened WhatsApp: ¡°Then I¡¯ll ask him.¡±


    Isla sat next to Mrs. Olsen and blinked: ¡°Dr. South has done so much for our family, any debt of gratitude is long repaid. Shouldn¡¯t the family hold a banquet to treat him? Would it not be better to ask him in person then?¡±


    Dr. South always responded to Mrs. Olsen¡¯s requests.


    As long as he came, if she then expressed her desire to become his graduate student, Dr. South would certainly not refuse.


    Mrs. Olsen was persuaded. She messaged Dr. South on WhatsApp: [South, do you have time to come over to the house?]


    When Keira saw the message, her heart immediately leapt.


    Why would Mrs. Olsen suddenly want to meet?


    Could it be that her health was failing?


    Thinking of Mrs. Olsen¡¯s coughing¡­


    Keira got up to leave: [I¡¯m free. Shall I come over now?]

 Chapter 8 - Chapter 8: Chapter 8

    Chapter 8: Chapter 8


    Keira Olsen clenched her jaw, feeling extremely anxious.


    She was about to leave the house when Mrs. Olsen¡¯s WhatsApp message came through, ¡°No need to rush now, working overtime on Saturday? I¡¯d like to invite you for a simple meal.¡±


    It was then that Keira realized her concern had clouded her judgment.


    To go to the Olsen house for a meal?


    A bitter smile curled the corners of her lips.


    Ten years ago, when she moved out of the Olsens¡¯ house, she had gone back on the first weekend.


    She had entered the yard and, through the glass window, she saw Mrs. Olsen, Isla Olsen, and Taylor Olsen chatting and laughing together, Mrs. Olsen¡¯s face alight with a radiant smile she had never seen before.


    Poppy Hill had said, ¡°See? Without you, they are the real family of three. If you really care about Mrs. Olsen, don¡¯t disturb her again in the future.¡±


    In the end, Keira had quietly left.


    Each year, she would only leave a small gift at the door on Mrs. Olsen¡¯s birthday¡­


    After so many years, perhaps it was time to meet?


    Keira replied to the message, ¡°Actually, it should be me treating you. Saturday at six in the evening, don¡¯t stand me up.¡±


    She sent a restaurant location.


    Going to the Olsen house would only cause unnecessary arguments, better to meet outside. She could have a quiet talk with Mrs. Olsen and also check up on her health¡­


    Mrs. Olsen: ¡°Alright, don¡¯t stand me up.¡±


    Keira exited the chat with Mrs. Olsen and saw several messages from ¡°grandson¡±:


    ¡°The older old Mrs. Horton gets, the more she resembles a child, with a quick temper, requiring ample patience.¡±


    ¡°Old Mrs. Horton suffers from insomnia, finding it hard to fall asleep at night.¡±


    ¡°Two blue pills a day, one in the morning and one in the evening¡­¡±


    A string of five reminders, the last one being:


    ¡°The above is forwarded from the family doctor¡¯s advice, thank you for your trouble. If grandma has any discomfort, please contact me immediately.¡±


    Keira read this, then silently walked into the guest room and made a short video for ¡°grandson¡±.


    *


    Not far away on the street, two cars were parked unobtrusively.


    Leading was a nanny car, equipped with a full range of features, essentially a small suite.


    Lewis Horton, dressed in a black suit, was sitting on the sofa, working on a computer.


    The family doctor of old Mrs. Horton sat in the corner with a grave expression, ready for any emergency.


    If old Mrs. Horton changed locations suddenly, she would surely have trouble sleeping that night.


    Her frail body meant that insomnia could lead to abnormal heart rates; any lack of attention could be life-threatening.


    The car in the rear was equipped with medical devices, in case of an emergency. Old Mrs. Horton lived nearby, so they could rush to her aid at a moment¡¯s notice.


    While contemplating this, Lewis¡¯s WhatsApp notification sounded.


    He looked at it and, to his ever-unchanging stoic expression, a hint of¡­ surprise appeared?


    The family doctor immediately asked, ¡°Is something wrong with old Mrs. Horton?¡±


    Lewis pressed his lips together and passed the video for him to see.


    There was old Mrs. Horton, sprawled out on a small floral bedsheet, sleeping soundly and even snoring softly!


    It was only nine in the evening!


    Usually, they would thank their lucky stars if old Mrs. Horton managed to fall asleep before one in the morning!


    The family doctor looked astounded, ¡°Old Mrs. Horton truly feels differently about this girl. If she could always stay with old Mrs. Horton, I¡¯m sure it would bring improvements to her health!¡±


    With old age and a weak body, sleep was crucial for old Mrs. Horton.


    Lewis clenched his jaw, his gaze deepening.


    The next day.


    Before leaving the house, Keira instructed the well-rested and rosy-cheeked elderly lady who had had a good night¡¯s sleep, ¡°I¡¯ve asked Samuel Morgan to come and keep you company; he¡¯ll be here soon.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± the little old lady nodded obediently, ¡°Granddaughter-in-law, what are you off to do?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to see someone.¡±


    ¡°Who are you seeing? Is it a must?¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡±


    If she didn¡¯t go to find Lewis Horton, he would find out they were married when he tried to register his marriage in the future.


    But the company was waiting to go public, and Keira Olsen was anxious to get a divorce.


    The old lady grandly gestured, ¡°Then I¡¯ll have my grandson arrange a meeting for you! My grandson¡¯s face is well recognized!¡±


    Keira Olsen smiled, ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m afraid your grandson won¡¯t be able to handle it.¡±


    With the Horton Family being the wealthiest in Oceanion, how could the old lady¡¯s family be more influential?


    She rode her electric bike and arrived at the Horton Group.


    Lewis Horton¡¯s personal schedule was actually quite monotonous; the man had no leisure or entertainment, he was either at work or on his way to work.


    Keira Olsen approached the front desk and, before she could speak, the receptionist said, ¡°You again? Mr. Davis informed us that Mr. Horton has no express delivery today, you¡¯re not allowed upstairs!¡±


    Keira Olsen said, ¡°I¡¯m not here to deliver a package, I¡¯m¡­¡±


    The receptionist cut her off impatiently, ¡°Do you have an appointment then? Without an appointment, you can¡¯t go upstairs!¡±


    Just as Keira Olsen was about to say something, the receptionist¡¯s eyes suddenly lit up; the impatient look on her face instantly vanished as she eagerly said to someone behind Keira, ¡°Miss Olsen? You¡¯re here!¡±


    Keira Olsen frowned and turned to see Isla Olsen.


    With a gentle and refined demeanor, Isla Olsen smiled slightly at the receptionist, ¡°I¡¯m here to see Jake.¡±


    Her gaze swept over Keira Olsen and she added, ¡°But I forgot to make an appointment in advance¡­¡±


    ¡°Miss Olsen, you must be joking. With your status, why would you need an appointment? Young Mr. Horton will definitely be delighted to see you!¡±


    The receptionist used a card to help her through the security gate, ¡°Please, come in.¡±


    However, Isla Olsen looked towards Keira Olsen and sighed disapprovingly, ¡°Keira, the Horton Group isn¡¯t a place just anyone can enter whenever they wish. If you want to cling to Mr. Horton, don¡¯t make things difficult for the receptionist here¡­¡±


    Keira Olsen: ?


    When did she give the receptionist a hard time?


    But the receptionist furrowed her brows.


    Mr. Davis just said to not let this girl upstairs but hadn¡¯t specified why.


    Was it because of this?


    The receptionist showed a disdainful look and said with full annoyance, ¡°Some people really don¡¯t know their place, thinking they can become a phoenix by relying on their face? Look around, this isn¡¯t just any place. Miss, please keep your distance and don¡¯t disturb my work, or I¡¯ll have to call security!¡±


    Keira Olsen raised an eyebrow, about to say something, but seeing the receptionist¡¯s high-and-mighty attitude, she smiled and said, ¡°Well, it¡¯s you who won¡¯t let me upstairs.¡±


    Meanwhile, upstairs.


    After Lewis Horton finished processing an urgent document, he took out his phone and saw the pinned contact ¡°Iron-deficient.¡±


    That was the girl¡¯s WhatsApp name, quite a weird one.


    He sent a message, ¡°Hello, how¡¯s grandma today?¡±


    The reply came quickly, ¡°Everything was fine when I left home.¡±


    Lewis Horton frowned, ¡°Did you go out to work?¡±


    ¡°Iron-deficient¡±: ¡°Sort of.¡±


    Lewis Horton¡¯s expression turned displeased; she had just left his grandmother alone at home?


    But she wasn¡¯t the caregiver he had hired; she had no obligation to stay put and take care of his grandma.


    Right now, he was the one seeking a favor¡­


    Lewis Horton pondered for a moment, ¡°Where are you? I¡¯ll come to you, let¡¯s talk about my grandmother.¡±


    ¡°Iron-deficient¡± didn¡¯t decline, immediately sending an address via WhatsApp.


    After seeing it, Lewis Horton paused.


    Wasn¡¯t that¡­ right outside the Horton Group?


    He got up and headed downstairs.

 Chapter 9 - Chapter 9: Chapter 9

    Chapter 9: Chapter 9


    The receptionist personally escorted Isla Olsen into the elevator.


    While waiting for the elevator, Isla Olsen saw that Keira Olsen had not left; instead, she was sitting on the sofa in the Horton Group lobby, obviously with no intention of leaving.


    Truly shameless.


    Isla Olsen looked towards the receptionist, ¡°It¡¯s really not easy on you guys; I¡¯ll mention it to Jake, to give you a raise¡­¡±


    Joy appeared on the receptionist¡¯s face, ¡°Thank you, Miss Olsen! If you need anything, just say the word!¡±


    Isla Olsen sighed, ¡°My sister is so stubborn; don¡¯t let her really wait for Mr. Horton¡­¡±


    Having said that, Isla Olsen entered the elevator.


    As the elevator doors closed, she saw the receptionist approaching Keira Olsen, with a triumphant smile tugging at the corner of her lips.


    Did Keira Olsen think she could gain Mr. Horton¡¯s favor just with her face?


    How foolish.


    In the world of the wealthy, talk less about emotions, more about interests.


    Jake Horton had pursued her for four years, liked her so much, but in the end, he still proposed to her¡­


    All because she had the bargaining chip to form an alliance through marriage with Jake Horton!


    The elevator quickly reached the 68th floor; when Isla Olsen entered the office, her face had already regained its calm and gentle expression.


    Jake Horton was impeccably dressed in a suit, having shed the youthful look he had in school, his eyes and brows now carried a trace of sharpness. His gaze fell on her face and he casually asked, ¡°What happened to your face?¡±


    Isla Olsen looked down, ¡°Keira hit me¡­¡±


    Jake Horton frowned with displeasure and warned, ¡°I¡¯ve told you not to provoke her.¡±


    Isla Olsen paused, ¡°It was my fault.¡±


    She walked over to Jake¡¯s side, ¡°Jake, I heard your new project is on renewable energy?¡±


    Jake Horton looked at her seriously, ¡°Yes, if the Horton Group can¡¯t come up with the latest technology, we will get surpassed in the future.¡±


    Isla Olsen smiled, ¡°I¡¯ve arranged a dinner with Dr. South and mom; how about I get Dr. South to join your R&D team?¡±


    Jake Horton¡¯s expression softened a lot, ¡°Good.¡±


    His attitude shifted, he wrapped an arm around Isla Olsen¡¯s waist and his fingers brushed her cheek, ¡°Keira is indeed too ignorant. Does it still hurt? Let me blow on it¡­¡±


    Isla Olsen kept her eyes demurely lowered, feigning shyness.


    But inwardly, she scoffed coldly.


    With a connection like Dr. South in her hand, what chance did Keira Olsen have to compete with her?


    As for who Jake Horton truly loved¡­


    She didn¡¯t care at all!


    She just wanted to marry into the Horton family and become Mrs. Jake Horton!


    That way, even if her true background couldn¡¯t be concealed in the future, her life of wealth would be secured¡­


    *


    In the lobby downstairs.


    Keira Olsen sent the address to ¡°Grandson¡±.


    The elderly man currently lived with her, and indeed, it was important to clarify responsibilities with his family in advance to avoid any trouble down the line.


    Just as she was about to arrange a meeting time with the other party, her view was suddenly obscured.


    The receptionist, accompanied by two security guards, stood in front of her and haughtily ordered, ¡°You can¡¯t sit here; you¡¯re disrupting my work. Please leave immediately.¡±


    Keira Olsen¡¯s face darkened.


    The lobby sofas were there for anyone to sit on, and she had been silent. How had she disrupted the receptionist¡¯s work?


    Keira Olsen leaned back lazily, ¡°If your work is so easily disrupted, perhaps you should find a private office?¡±


    The receptionist choked, flustered, and said to the security guards, ¡°Throw her out at once!¡±


    Just as the security guards were about to move forward, the noisy lobby suddenly quieted down.


    The elevator reserved for the president slowly opened, and a composed Lewis Horton, accompanied by Tom Davis, walked out with a low profile.


    The man in a suit and shoes glanced over here once, then redirected his gaze to survey his surroundings as though he was looking for someone.


    Tom Davis noticed the situation and walked over quickly.


    His brows were deeply furrowed as he looked at Keira Olsen, ¡°Why is it you again?¡±


    The receptionist rushed to complain first, ¡°Mr. Davis, she said she wanted to go upstairs to deliver a parcel to Mr. Horton. I didn¡¯t agree, and she¡¯s just been lingering here, refusing to leave.¡±


    Keira Olsen said indifferently, ¡°I told you I¡¯m not here to deliver a parcel.¡±


    The receptionist scoffed, ¡°Mr. Davis, did you hear that? She isn¡¯t even pretending anymore, just straight up says she wants to go upstairs to meet someone. When I wouldn¡¯t let her go, she started making a scene here. I¡¯ll have security throw her out right this instant!¡±


    Keira Olsen replied with a lazy tone, ¡°Which Horton Group policy states I can¡¯t sit on this sofa?¡±


    The receptionist was once again left speechless.


    Tom Davis impatiently said to Keira Olsen, ¡°Then just sit here, since the boss won¡¯t pay you any attention, anyway.¡±


    He then turned to the receptionist, annoyed, ¡°What¡¯s important right now is that the air conditioning on the top floor is broken. The repairman said he¡¯d arrived a while ago. Why is the front desk stopping people from going upstairs?¡±


    The receptionist was startled, ¡°I didn¡¯t see any repairman coming¡­¡±


    Tom Davis furrowed his brow, ¡°Really didn¡¯t see anyone?¡±


    The receptionist nodded at once, ¡°I¡¯ve been right here the whole time, not to mention something as important as the top floor issue, how could I possibly stop anyone?¡±


    Tom Davis took out his phone, ¡°Then I¡¯ll call them to see if they went to the wrong place¡­¡±


    But before he could make the call, a languid voice said, ¡°No wrong place.¡±


    Tom Davis was startled.


    Keira Olsen smiled, ¡°It¡¯s true, the front desk wouldn¡¯t let me go upstairs.¡±


    Tom Davis: ?


    Receptionist: ?


    Both were confused.


    After a moment, Tom Davis finally realized, ¡°You are the repairman? That¡¯s impossible!¡±


    A work badge was presented to him.


    The date on it was nine years ago.


    Tom Davis couldn¡¯t believe it, ¡°Is this another part-time job you found through hard work and thrift?¡±


    Keira Olsen didn¡¯t deny it, her gaze drifting towards Lewis Horton not far away, ¡°Not even allowing me to speak, they wanted to throw me out, even accusing me of making a scene here. Mr. Horton, your receptionist sure has quite the attitude.¡±


    The receptionist looked towards Lewis Horton in a panic, ¡°Mr. Horton, I¡­¡±


    Lewis Horton¡¯s face was expressionless as he said coldly, ¡°You¡¯re fired.¡±


    The receptionist turned pale instantly but didn¡¯t dare to beg for mercy.


    Only then did Lewis Horton turn his heavy gaze towards Keira Olsen.


    Tom Davis had investigated the girl; she had moved out of the Olsen Family home after junior high and had been supporting herself with various jobs ever since.


    Yesterday a courier, today a repairman, how many jobs had she taken on?


    Despite the apparent poverty of her life, her spine remained ever straight¡­


    How could such a proud woman debase herself and pester him time and time again?


    Thinking this, any flicker of admiration that had risen in Lewis Horton vanished instantly, replaced by utter impatience, ¡°Miss Olsen, are you satisfied now?¡±


    Keira Olsen nodded and stood up, ¡°Mr. Horton, have you gone to the courthouse to check?¡±


    Lewis Horton didn¡¯t respond to her but coldly told Tom Davis, ¡°Take her upstairs to work, and remember, I don¡¯t want to see her again.¡±


    Keira Olsen: ?


    Tom Davis grabbed her arm, ¡°Miss Olsen, let¡¯s go this way. I advise you to give up. Even if you try your hardest and enter the top floor legitimately, our boss won¡¯t spare you a second glance.¡±


    Although the identities of courier and repairman were real, was she really coming to the Horton Group to work? Everyone knew the answer.


    Lewis Horton no longer looked at her, instead taking out his phone and dialing a voice call to ¡°Metal-Deficient¡± on WhatsApp.


    Simultaneously, Keira Olsen¡¯s phone began to ring.

 Chapter 10 - Chapter 10: Chapter 10

    Chapter 10: Chapter 10


    When Kiera Olsen¡¯s ringtone sounded, Lewis Horton was slightly taken aback.


    He turned his head to look at Kiera Olsen.


    ¡°Lacks all five elements but iron, is that her?¡±


    Kiera Olsen answered the phone, ¡°Hello.¡±


    Lewis Horton¡¯s phone remained silent. Looking at his device, he realized that the caller was already on another call and the voice call had not gone through.


    ¡­He was overthinking it.


    Meanwhile, several people in the lobby were making phone calls; it was impossible to discern which one was her¡­


    Just then, ¡°Lacks all five elements but iron¡± sent a message: [Sorry, it¡¯s not convenient to meet now. Let¡¯s reschedule.]


    The rooftop.


    While Kiera Olsen was on the phone with Samuel Morgan, she was also texting her grandson.


    Samuel Morgan took delight in her misfortune, ¡°Boss, can you still pull it off? It¡¯s been many years since you¡¯ve done any repair work, right?¡±


    Kiera Olsen replied coolly, ¡°If you¡¯re that idle, help me check Lewis Horton¡¯s personal phone number, so I don¡¯t have to look for him over and over again.¡±


    If she had his number, she could call him every hour to remind him to check at the courthouse. With such a bombardment, even if he couldn¡¯t believe this ludicrous matter, he would eventually check it out.


    Samuel Morgan immediately exclaimed, ¡°How is that possible? You don¡¯t know, there¡¯s no information about him online. I¡¯ve already put a lot of effort into tracking his personal itinerary¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re not skilled enough.¡±


    Kiera Olsen hung up the phone and saw Tom Davis beside her with a disdainful expression, ¡°Miss Olsen, our boss¡¯s personal number is classified. Ordinary people can¡¯t get it.¡±


    Kiera Olsen teased him on purpose, ¡°Do you believe that not only will I have your boss¡¯s number in the future, but I¡¯ll also have his WhatsApp¡­¡±


    The divorce procedures are a bit complicated. There would definitely be more communication with Lewis Horton in the future.


    Tom Davis scoffed, ¡°Dream on!¡±


    No sooner had he spoken, Kiera Olsen¡¯s phone buzzed. ¡°Grandson¡± had sent a WhatsApp message: [Whenever you¡¯re free, just let me know.]


    *


    Ten minutes later, Kiera Olsen finished repairing the air conditioner.


    She dusted off her hands, ¡°The filter has been used for too long and accumulated dirt, affecting the cooling system. Just replace it after cleaning.¡±


    Seeing her adept movements and how quickly she solved the problem, Tom Davis felt less hostile toward her.


    To prevent her from seeking out his boss again, Tom Davis personally escorted her downstairs.


    At the entrance, he said meaningfully, ¡°Miss Olsen, we won¡¯t have any more direct-signed deliveries on the top floor, nor will there be any more appliance malfunctions.¡±


    Kiera Olsen discerned the implication in his words but simply smiled, ¡°Mm, see you at noon.¡±


    She turned and left.


    Tom Davis: ?


    He didn¡¯t take her words to heart and returned to the rooftop.


    At noon, Lewis Horton had a lunch appointment.


    He didn¡¯t enjoy socializing, but now that he was back in Crera, he still needed to respect the local drinking culture, such occasions were not that frequent.


    Tom Davis accompanied him throughout.


    They arrived at a private restaurant. As Tom Davis took a look at the uniformly dressed waitstaff, he suddenly became more alert.


    Isn¡¯t being a restaurant waiter the most common choice for students to earn while they learn?


    He scrutinized the surroundings, almost checking out every waiter and only when he didn¡¯t find Kiera Olsen did he breathe a sigh of relief.


    But he quickly found his own behavior laughable.


    Kiera Olsen had already been a courier and a repair worker. How could she possibly be working other jobs?


    It was that ¡°see you at noon¡± comment from her that had him on edge!


    Tom Davis relaxed and entered the private room. After the meals were served and the chef came to express his gratitude,


    ¡°Hello everyone, are you satisfied with today¡¯s dishes?¡±


    A familiar female voice rang out, and Tom Davis¡¯s body stiffened!


    He swung his head around as if he saw a ghost and saw Kiera Olsen standing at the door, wearing a chef¡¯s hat. She wore a faint smile, briefly introducing today¡¯s menu, and finally approached Lewis Horton, speaking softly, ¡°Mr. Horton, why don¡¯t you go check at the courthouse.¡±


    Lewis Horton: ¡°¡­¡±


    His jaw tightened, and for the first time, a faint trace of fissures appeared on his usually composed face.


    Tom Davis was even more shocked as he looked at her, ¡°You, you¡¯re the head chef? The certified kind?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Keira Olsen reached into her fanny pack, intending to take out her chef¡¯s certification, but accidentally dropped one, two, three¡­ a total of five different job IDs!


    Tom Davis swallowed hard, ¡°You have five part-time jobs?¡±


    Keira Olsen: ¡°No.¡±


    Tom Davis had just taken a breath of relief when he heard her say indifferently,


    ¡°There are some I didn¡¯t bring with me.¡±


    Tom Davis: !!!


    Keira Olsen smiled slyly at Lewis Horton, ¡°It depends on what Mr. Horton needs; I can do anything. I suppose Mr. Horton wouldn¡¯t want me to keep bothering him, right? Why don¡¯t we check at the courthouse?¡±


    Lewis Horton¡¯s face was tense.


    The woman, with her amorous eyes like mist over water, always seemed to speak with a hint of tenderness, causing everyone else at the table to look at her involuntarily.


    Lewis Horton¡¯s expression turned grim in an instant, still ignoring Keira Olsen, he only said to Tom Davis, ¡°Go check¡­¡±


    Keira Olsen felt a surge of happiness inside.


    Had this man finally been persuaded by her?


    But then she heard him say coldly, ¡°Who has leaked my schedule.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Tom Davis took a step forward, blocking Keira Olsen¡¯s path again, ¡°Miss Olsen, please leave immediately.¡±


    Keira Olsen was once again chased out of the private room, standing outside and sighing.


    Why couldn¡¯t Lewis Horton just trust her?


    Even with her patience, she was getting annoyed now!


    She didn¡¯t leave but decided to wait outside instead.


    She hadn¡¯t been treated with such indifference in the past two years.


    The more she thought about it, the angrier she became¡­


    Keira Olsen took out her phone, wanting to vent to someone, but as she scrolled through WhatsApp, she found no suitable person and simply posted a status to her circle of friends.


    Inside the private room.


    The guests ate while showering Lewis Horton with compliments.


    He was getting somewhat impatient, taking out his phone and pretending to be busy with something.


    Browsing through his circle of friends list out of boredom, he saw a post from ¡°Lacking Iron¡± from two minutes earlier: [Don¡¯t be mad, you have to be patient with grandkids.]


    Lewis Horton paused for a moment.


    He immediately messaged ¡°Lacking Iron¡±: [How old are you? Already have grandkids?]


    After all, you can¡¯t expect an old person to take care of Granny¡­


    ¡°Lacking Iron¡±: [?]


    ¡°Lacking Iron¡±: [¡­You¡¯re talking about my circle of friends post, right? That¡¯s me cursing someone. There¡¯s someone who just never understands what I say!]


    Lewis Horton: ¡°¡­¡±


    He then realized he¡¯d made a fool of himself.


    So he sent a message to cover up his embarrassment: [The brain is a daily necessity, he must be using it as a decorative item.]


    ¡°Lacking Iron¡±: [I¡¯ll curse you a couple more times.]


    Lewis Horton smiled: [We only scold people, let¡¯s not waste it on him.]


    ¡°Lacking Iron¡±: [Seeing how you talk, I¡¯ll prepare an extra meal for Granny tonight. Does she have any dietary restrictions?]


    Lewis Horton: [The doctor said she should eat less sweets and spicy food, everything else is fine.]


    ¡°Lacking Iron¡±: [Okay.]


    Their chat always made Lewis Horton feel like he was talking to an old friend, very comfortable.


    He suddenly asked: [Can I come to visit Granny tonight?]


    ¡°Lacking Iron¡±: [Of course, you¡¯re welcome anytime.]


    Then she sent him a specific address with the door number included.

 Chapter 11 - Chapter 11: Chapter 11

    Chapter 11: Chapter 11


    Lewis Horton remembered the address and replied, ¡°Then I¡¯ll have to trouble you.¡±


    He had to bring the family doctor over to check on his grandmother tonight, he felt uneasy otherwise.


    ¡°Five Elements Lacking Iron¡± didn¡¯t send another message.


    ¡­She seemed not to like such politeness from others.


    Lewis Horton silently took note of her little quirk.


    ¡°Mr. Horton, are you sending a message to Mrs. Horton?¡±


    The person beside him suddenly teased, ¡°You can¡¯t hide the smile on your face.¡±


    The curve of Lewis Horton¡¯s lips stiffened.


    He put away his phone and looked at the speaker.


    As he became the CEO of Horton Group, Mrs. Horton still had not appeared in public, which had led many to doubt the existence of this ¡°Mrs. Horton.¡±


    So he didn¡¯t deny it.


    That person took his silence as an affirmation and flattered him, ¡°Mr. Horton is truly virtuous, loyal and devoted to Mrs. Horton. That head chef was quite attractive, yet Mr. Horton wasn¡¯t swayed at all, truly a role model for our generation!¡±


    Seeing this, the others immediately chimed in, ¡°We are so curious about Mrs. Horton, what kind of person she could be to have captured Mr. Horton¡¯s heart¡­ Old Mrs. Horton must be very pleased with this granddaughter-in-law, right?¡±


    Everyone vaguely knew that Lewis Horton didn¡¯t have a great relationship with the Horton Family, with the only person he truly cared about being Old Mrs. Horton.


    Lewis Horton looked down and said indifferently, ¡°Yes, Grandmother indeed likes her very much.¡±


    Outside.


    Kiera Olsen was idly waiting when suddenly a familiar voice came through:


    ¡°Kiera Olsen!¡±


    She turned her head to face a familiar, handsome visage.


    Jake Horton was wearing a black suit. The face that was always gentle and caring in her memory was now looking at her with a grim expression, ¡°You¡¯re really here.¡±


    Kiera Olsen pursed her lips.


    In college, she was always solitary, like a lone ranger.


    Jake Horton was warm and outgoing, sticking by her side, the only friend she had.


    Only now their statuses were somewhat awkward.


    She hesitated, ¡°¡­Is there something you need?¡±


    Jake Horton snorted coldly, ¡°Isla Olsen told me about your background. Why did you hide it from me? I hate mistresses and illegitimate daughters the most in my life, yet I pursued someone like you for four years like a fool. Is this amusing to you?¡±


    Kiera Olsen felt as if a large hand had abruptly seized her heart¡­


    She had never understood why, when Jake Horton had told her he would give her a surprise at the graduation ceremony and hoped she would not reject him again, he ended up proposing to Isla Olsen.


    So that was it.


    His family was not harmonious at home; it seemed there was an illegitimate sister.


    Just by revealing her identity, Isla Olsen had easily shattered four years of camaraderie.


    Kiera Olsen took a step back, distancing herself from him.


    Jake Horton, however, stepped forward to confront her, ¡°Don¡¯t you have anything to explain to me?¡±


    Explain what?


    Explain why she was an illegitimate daughter? Why she chose to be born from Poppy Hill¡¯s womb?


    Kiera Olsen scoffed, ¡°No.¡±


    She turned to leave.


    If their beliefs were not aligned, it was better not to maintain such a friendship, especially since he looked down on her background.


    Her resolute demeanor irritated Jake Horton inexplicably. Seeing her getting further and further away, he panicked suddenly and, without thinking, grabbed her arm, ¡°You can¡¯t leave!¡±


    Kiera Olsen turned back to look at him, ¡°Is there something else?¡±


    Jake Horton¡¯s face was taut. He found Kiera Olsen¡¯s aloof and indifferent demeanor to be very heartless.


    Anger surged in his chest, accompanied by a sense of inexplicable grievance.


    He was the one who let go first, so why did it seem like he was the one being abandoned?


    He said with a sneer, ¡°You¡¯re still working here, which means you haven¡¯t found a formal job, right? Kiera, how about you come and be my personal assistant?¡±


    Kiera Olsen broke free from his grasp and coldly declined, ¡°I¡¯m afraid I wouldn¡¯t be up to the task.¡±


    Jake Horton persisted, ¡°You won¡¯t need to do much; I have an apartment near the company, you just need to live there and tend to my daily needs. I¡¯ll pay you fifty thousand a month, is that enough?¡±


    Kiera Olsen¡¯s gaze grew colder, her tone like the depth of winter, ¡°Do you want me to be your mistress?¡±


    Jake Horton laughed scornfully, ¡°You would definitely be up to that task, after all, your mother was a mistress. Growing up in such an environment, you must have learned a lot. I¡¯m confident you would be professional¡­¡±


    ¡°Slap!¡±


    Kiera Olsen slapped him across the face and exclaimed, ¡°Jake Horton, enough is enough!¡±


    Jake Horton was slapped but laughed instead of getting angry, his gaze turning crazed and malicious:


    ¡°Kiera Olsen, believe it or not, if I don¡¯t want you, no one in Oceanion would dare take you in! You won¡¯t be able to find a job or husband, and you¡¯ll end up as someone¡¯s plaything. If that¡¯s the case, why not choose me? At least I could be more compassionate towards you, for old times¡¯ sake as classmates¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you time to think it over; come find me anytime you change your mind. You have my number.¡±


    After leaving those words behind, Jake Horton walked away with large strides.


    Kiera Olsen gave a self-mocking smile.


    Turning around, she suddenly saw Lewis Horton standing at the door of the private room.


    ¡­


    Lewis Horton, not fond of socializing, ultimately found an excuse to leave with Tom Davis, but just as he stepped out of the private room, he witnessed the scene that had just unfolded in the corridor.


    His gaze was deep, showing no sign of pleasure or anger.


    Tom Davis clicked his tongue twice at Kiera Olsen: ¡°I was wondering why you didn¡¯t find a stable job after college and kept doing so many part-time jobs. Turns out it¡¯s due to Jake Horton¡¯s incessant pressure, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Kiera Olsen: ?


    Tom Davis sighed again, ¡°So the reason you came to entangle with the boss is because you had no other choice, right? After all, there¡¯s hardly anyone in Oceanion who dares to go against the Horton Family¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Kiera Olsen¡¯s eyes, amorous as they were, narrowed slightly, but she didn¡¯t object.


    For two days, this was their first peaceful conversation!


    Tom Davis said with compassion, ¡°Boss, shall we help her out? She seems rather pitiful.¡±


    Kiera Olsen felt a glimmer of hope.


    Right, right, right¡­help the poor kid, and accompany her to the courthouse for a trivial divorce procedure? Her company is still waiting to go public!


    But just as this thought crossed her mind, she heard Lewis Horton say coldly, ¡°Why should I upset Jake Horton for someone who is insignificant?¡±


    He strode past Kiera Olsen without stopping.


    She¡¯s pitiful?


    Although the girl pretended to be obedient, her eyes couldn¡¯t hide cunning and joy; there wasn¡¯t a trace of pity, she was detestable!


    What¡¯s more, the fact that she got hold of his personal itinerary showed she was cunning and resourceful!


    The corridor quickly fell silent.


    Kiera Olsen stood there, feeling how cold-hearted Lewis Horton was!


    ¡­Forget it, the ¡°grandson¡± was right; she only got angry with people, so she wouldn¡¯t waste it on him.


    Kiera Olsen left, riding her electric bike leisurely home.


    There was an elderly person at home; she really couldn¡¯t stay out for too long. She would continue the search tomorrow.


    That evening.


    Lewis Horton got off work on time and headed to an old residential area in the suburbs.


    Carrying fruit in his hand, he found a residence according to the address on WhatsApp, and knocked on the door.


    Soon, a familiar voice from the grandmother came from inside, ¡°Coming, coming~¡±

 Chapter 12 - Chapter 12: Chapter 12

    Chapter 12: Chapter 12


    The door opened.


    Lewis Horton looked toward Old Mrs. Horton and saw her with a rosy complexion, appearing very healthy.


    Only then did he look around the room.


    The room was tidy and clean, a cozy little two-bedroom apartment of sixty square meters, with four dishes of light, nutritious food on the dining table, very suitable for the elderly.


    But from the bathroom, there was the sound of running water. Was ¡°Calming Incense¡± taking a bath?


    The door was made of frosted glass, and through it, he could vaguely see the graceful figure of a young girl¡­


    Lewis Horton retracted his gaze as if electrified, feeling a bit uncomfortable.


    The family doctor, who was following behind him and about to enter, was stopped by him. The man turned sideways to block his view, ¡°Give me the equipment, and wait for me in the car.¡±


    The family doctor nodded and left, considerately closing the door behind him.


    Lewis Horton quickly checked the old lady¡¯s blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rate, and more. Perhaps because she had slept well the night before, all her readings were very healthy.


    Old Mrs. Horton proudly said, ¡°My daughter-in-law has taken great care of me!¡±


    Seeing is believing, Lewis Horton finally felt relieved.


    His gaze glanced toward the bathroom again, and then he began packing up his equipment. ¡°Since you¡¯re fine, I¡¯ll be leaving now.¡±


    The old lady looked stunned, ¡°Aren¡¯t you staying for dinner? My daughter-in-law cooks delicious meals!¡±


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s not very convenient.¡±


    Lewis Horton put down the medical equipment, ¡°Leave this here.¡±


    Old Mrs. Horton¡¯s eyes shifted, ¡°Take it with you, my daughter-in-law won¡¯t use it. And I don¡¯t want Dr. May here, I want you to come check on me every day!¡±


    If her grandson visited daily, wouldn¡¯t that mean he¡¯d see his daughter-in-law? They could foster a relationship and end their separation¡­


    Old Mrs. Horton felt her great-grandson waving at her!


    Lewis Horton was about to say something when the sound of water in the bathroom suddenly stopped.


    He immediately stood up, grabbing his medical kit in a flurry and headed for the door: ¡°Then I¡¯ll be leaving now.¡±


    ¡°Come again tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°¡­Okay.¡±


    Just as he closed the door, the bathroom door opened. It wasn¡¯t the tantalizing scene Lewis Horton had imagined. Keira Olsen was fully dressed, drying her freshly washed hair, ¡°Eh, where¡¯s your grandson?¡±


    ¡°He left, said it wasn¡¯t convenient¡­ He¡¯s always so uptight and likes to frown. Daughter-in-law, is that why you don¡¯t like him? It can all be changed¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not your daughter-in-law¡­¡±


    ¡°You are!¡±


    Keira Olsen felt helpless.


    After two days of interaction, she found the old lady very kind, accommodating her in everything, except she was very stubborn about this matter.


    She dried her hair and joined the old lady for dinner.


    At nine in the evening, Keira Olsen lit the Calming Incense. The old lady obediently lay down in bed and soon fell asleep.


    She did her duty well and sent another video to her ¡°grandson.¡±


    He replied quickly: [Grandma is in good health, thanks.]


    Keira Olsen: [You¡¯re welcome.]


    ¡°Grandson¡±: [How did everything go today? Need any help?]


    Keira Olsen knew he was talking about the incident shared on the social circle, her lips curved slightly:[No need.]


    In the RV, Lewis Horton¡¯s stern face softened a bit upon seeing this reply.


    This girl, unaware of her own identity, had kindly agreed to take in Grandma and took great care of her. In the end, she didn¡¯t ask for anything in return, nor did she ask him for help.


    How different from Keira Olsen, who had no relation to him but tangled with him constantly, wanting to use him to intimidate Jake Horton¡­


    Compared to each other, it was clear who was superior.


    Lewis Horton messaged: [I owe you a favor, just say the word whenever you need anything.]


    Keira Olsen didn¡¯t take that comment to heart.


    Currently, the only help she needed was with her divorce, which could only proceed if Lewis Horton cooperated; the ¡°grandson¡± was of no use in this matter.


    The next day, morning.


    Keira Olson took the old lady to Oceanion¡¯s largest luxury mall for shopping and to buy her some change of clothes.


    The old woman¡¯s grandson was generous, and she was clearly a rich elderly lady; she must not be aggrieved in their store.


    As expected, as soon as they entered the store, the old lady acted very naturally and seemed quite familiar with the place.


    Old Mrs. Horton loved the clothes from this store; the brand manager would send the newest designs to her house every season for her to choose first.


    This was her first time visiting the store, which was quite novel¡­


    Not far away.


    Isla Olsen, hanging on Taylor Olsen¡¯s arm, said affectionately, ¡°Dad, you¡¯re so busy, you really don¡¯t need to come shopping with me¡­¡±


    Taylor Olsen smiled indulgently, ¡°Tonight is your first visit to the Horton family, the gifts for the elders must not be taken lightly, especially old Mrs. Horton¡­¡±


    Isla asked, ¡°That Great Grandmother is said to be eighty-seven, why does the Horton family value her so much?¡±


    Taylor Olsen lowered his voice, ¡°The first branch of the Horton family and Lewis Horton have been covertly competing to regain control of the clan. Old Mrs. Horton holds twenty percent of the shares; if you can win her favor, your position in the Horton family will be secure!¡±


    Isla immediately responded, ¡°Does old Mrs. Horton have any preferences?¡±


    Taylor Olsen recalled the elderly lady he had briefly seen two years ago, and said slowly, ¡°She has Alzheimer¡¯s, and is a bit peculiar, but she really likes Hermes¡¯ clothes. You should cater to her tastes. Even if you can¡¯t win her affection, at least avoid making her dislike you¡­¡±


    Isla nodded immediately.


    The two of them entered Hermes.


    Taylor Olsen sat on the sofa while Isla began to browse.


    She walked towards the fitting room area and suddenly saw Keira Olsen and an old lady.


    The old woman just came out of the fitting room, ¡°Granddaughter-in-law, what do you think of this one?¡±


    Granddaughter-in-law?


    This old lady, is she the grandmother of her wayward husband?


    Isla curled her lips, then saw Keira Olsen shake her head.


    The old lady tried on another piece, and Keira Olsen shook her head again.


    The old lady sighed, ¡°Why don¡¯t any of these clothes look good?¡±


    A flash of disdain crossed Isla¡¯s face.


    What doesn¡¯t look good, merely can¡¯t afford it, right?


    She approached and spoke, ¡°Keira, what a coincidence. Is this your husband¡¯s grandmother?¡±


    Keira¡¯s expression turned cold, but she ignored her.


    Isla then looked at the old lady, ¡°Grandma, you haven¡¯t bought this brand before, have you? The clothes here are very expensive, each piece requires a certain demeanor to pull off, not suitable for just anyone¡­¡±


    The old lady immediately became fuming, clutching her chest, ¡°Who are you calling lacking in demeanor! How can you be so rude?¡±


    Keira hurriedly supported the old lady, fearing she might get seriously upset.


    Isla continued, ¡°Keira, for someone of your grandmother¡¯s status, it¡¯s more suitable to shop at a wholesale market where things are cheap and of good quality¡­¡±


    ¡°Get lost!¡±


    Keira yelled fiercely.


    The commotion caught Taylor Olsen¡¯s attention.


    He strode over, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Isla complained, ¡°Dad, Keira and her husband¡¯s grandmother tried on many outfits but didn¡¯t buy any¡­ so I just made a little suggestion¡­¡±


    Taylor Olsen understood her implication and frowned as he looked at Keira Olsen.


    Then, he finally saw the old lady being supported by Keira Olsen, and he was instantly startled.


    Old Mrs. Horton?

 Chapter 13 - Chapter 13: Chapter 13

    Chapter 13: Chapter 13


    The nearly ninety-year-old¡¯s flesh sagged, her youthful features no longer discernible. Her gaunt hands pressed against her chest as if she might breathe her last at any moment.


    Taylor Olsen, however, thought he was overthinking it.


    Old Mrs. Horton, with her status, how could she possibly come to the store in person¡­


    Fearing Isla might be harassed by the old lady, he said to Keira Olsen sternly, ¡°Enough, your sister is only looking out for you. Is such a big reaction necessary? Are you not ashamed to cause a scene here?¡±


    The little old lady immediately looked at Keira, ¡°My granddaughter-in-law, is this your father?¡±


    Keira lowered her eyes.


    The title ¡°Dad¡± was strange to her, her feelings towards him complex.


    As a child in the Olsen Family, Poppy Hill kept her away from Taylor Olsen.


    Little her would hide in the shadows, secretly looking up at him as he smiled at Isla, lifted her up and spun her around, his towering figure like a god of salvation.


    Therefore, during the countless nights of being beaten by Poppy and denied food, she had fantasized whether ¡°Dad¡± would descend from the heavens, embrace her, and take her away from the misery, if only just once.


    But he never did.


    He never cared about her; on the rare occasions they met, he only instructed her to ¡°listen to Mom more¡±¡­


    The Olsen¡¯s way of interaction was strange, as if they all accepted the presence of Poppy Hill, but aside from Mrs. Olsen, nobody was willing to accept a little girl like her¡­


    Keira pursed her lips, not responding to the old lady¡¯s question.


    She looked at the clothes she had just tried on, picked out one that was barely acceptable, and handed it to the salesperson, ready to pay and leave.


    Seeing this, Taylor Olsen said, ¡°I know you don¡¯t have much money. I¡¯ll pay for this piece of clothing; consider it a gift for the mother-in-law.¡±


    Yet Isla suddenly spoke up, ¡°Dad, I just looked around, and I found that this clothing is the most suitable for a gift in the entire store¡­¡±


    The adjacent salesperson immediately smiled and said, ¡°Miss has good taste indeed. This piece is purely handmade embroidery, the only one in Oceanion. Perhaps you¡¯d like to look at something else¡­¡±


    Hearing this, Taylor Olsen¡¯s eyes lit up, ¡°Then let¡¯s choose this one!¡±


    He turned to Keira, ¡°This piece is for your sister. You can pick another one.¡±


    Keira¡¯s eyes revealed obscure emotions, ¡°Why should I?¡±


    ¡°Your sister is going to visit the Hortons. This is a gift prepared for Old Mrs. Horton!¡±


    ¡°So I should just give it to her?¡±


    Taylor Olsen scolded, ¡°Isn¡¯t your grandmother-in-law just an old lady who can wear anything? Is she more important than Old Mrs. Horton?¡±


    Keira was adamant, ¡°I won¡¯t allow it.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you be reasonable? Why must you compete with your sister?!¡±


    Keira found it amusing, unable to understand how the clothing she liked first suddenly became a competition with Isla.


    Taylor Olsen then proposed, ¡°Alright then, this piece is fifty thousand, I¡¯ll give you two hundred thousand, as a supplement to your wedding dowry.¡±


    Isla feigned concern, ¡°Keira, you haven¡¯t found a job since graduation. Quickly agree to Dad, don¡¯t let anger at me make you miss out on such a big benefit, you¡¯ll regret it later.¡±


    In the end, Taylor Olsen threatened, ¡°Think it over. If you insist on choosing this one, I won¡¯t help you pay for it.¡±


    True to form as a seasoned businessman, he employed threats and financial enticement, all to buy a piece of clothing for Isla.


    What a great father indeed¡­


    Keira, tired of arguing with them, was about to take out her card to pay, when the little old lady who had been silent suddenly grabbed her hand, ¡°My granddaughter-in-law, I don¡¯t want this one, it¡¯s not pretty.¡±


    Keira looked at her, ¡°Grandma, the rest are even less suitable for you.¡±


    The little old lady was stubborn, ¡°Then I don¡¯t want to settle.¡±


    She had already bought all the suitable clothes for this season! All that¡¯s left here are her hand-me-downs, how could there be anything of interest?


    And listening to their conversation, did Kiera¡¯s sister buy these clothes planning to give them to Old Mrs. Horton?


    Old Mrs. Horton, that sounds so familiar¡­


    Who am I again?


    The little old lady was a bit confused.


    Seeing this, Kiera didn¡¯t dare insist further, and went with her wishes, saying, ¡°Then let¡¯s not buy it.¡±


    It was only then that Taylor Olsen was satisfied, ¡°Why couldn¡¯t you be this sensible earlier? Why waste so much talk? If you can¡¯t afford it, don¡¯t just walk into such stores, in case acquaintances see you and you lose face for the Olsen family!¡±


    Isla also snickered.


    Just now she was going along with the old lady, acting as if it was all real.


    It was simply because she didn¡¯t have the money to buy!


    She asked the salesperson to pack the clothes and then turned to Kiera, ¡°Thank you for letting me have them. When I marry into the Horton family, I¡¯ll find a good job for you and your husband.¡±


    Kiera didn¡¯t even bother with her, preparing to leave with old Mrs. Horton.


    ¡°Wait!¡±


    Taylor Olsen stopped her, handing over a check, ¡°Take this 200,000. It was promised as your dowry and can also help support your life.¡±


    Kiera was slightly stunned, ¡°That¡¯s not necessary.¡±


    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s too little? The Olsen company belongs to Isla¡¯s mother, it will only be left to Isla in the future. This is the most I can give you!¡±


    Taylor Olsen said as if bestowing charity, ¡°Take this 200,000, you and your husband can run a small stall and get by. From now on, live your life honestly, don¡¯t aspire for things that aren¡¯t meant for you!¡±


    Kiera had actually thought that Taylor Olsen had some fatherly love for her, but now she only felt ridiculed, ¡°What isn¡¯t meant for me?¡±


    ¡°Like hanging out in this kind of mall, or¡­ trying to seduce Mr. Horton!¡±


    Taylor Olsen warned, ¡°If you¡¯re looking for trouble, don¡¯t drag the Olsen family into it! The staff today didn¡¯t dare to mess with an old woman of this age, that¡¯s the only reason they didn¡¯t argue with you. If you anger Mr. Horton, it won¡¯t just be an old lady playing tough to calm things down!¡±


    Kiera¡¯s hope completely died, ¡°Rest assured, I have long since had nothing to do with your Olsen family!¡±


    She left without looking back.


    After walking a distance, the little old lady held her hand, ¡°My dear daughter-in-law, your father and sister are truly cruel. In the future, let my grandson take care of you; I guarantee no one will dare to look down on you!¡±


    A warmth rose in Kiera¡¯s heart, ¡°Okay.¡±


    The little old lady continued indignantly, ¡°As for that ugly outfit, they can give it to that Old Mrs. Horton they mentioned. I certainly don¡¯t want it!¡±


    At that moment, the old lady¡¯s phone began to ring.


    She answered, and a man¡¯s voice came through, ¡°Mom, why don¡¯t you and Lewis Horton come home tonight? Jake¡¯s fianc¨¦e is visiting for the first time, to get acquainted with the family.¡±


    The little old lady paused. The muddy thoughts in her head that she couldn¡¯t remember seemed to be suddenly pulled away!


    In a flash, she remembered who she was.


    Turns out she was that foolish Old Mrs. Horton!


    Thinking back to the disdain and mockery she¡¯d just endured¡­


    The little old lady immediately gritted her teeth, ¡°I will definitely come home!¡±


    She hung up the call and sent a voice message to Lewis Horton on WhatsApp, ¡°My dear grandson, I¡¯ve been bullied! You must come home tonight and stand up for me!¡±


    After sending the message, the little old lady took hold of Kiera¡¯s hand, whispering mysteriously, ¡°My dear daughter-in-law, I remember what my grandson¡¯s name is!¡±

 Chapter 14 - Chapter 14: Chapter 14

    Chapter 14: Chapter 14


    Keira Olsen asked, ¡°What¡¯s his name?¡±


    She was quite curious about who ¡°the grandson¡± was.


    Given the broad scope of her work, it was quite possible they had met before.


    The little granny beckoned to her, and Keira Olsen bent down and leaned in, bringing her ear close to hear the secret, ¡°I¡¯m only telling you, and you mustn¡¯t say a word to anyone else!¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    The granny cleared her throat, ¡°His nickname is Puppy.¡±


    Keira Olsen: ?


    The granny explained, ¡°My grandson was born in the Year of the Dog. When he was born, he weighed only three pounds and two ounces, and the doctors said he wouldn¡¯t grow much, so I gave him this name. Cheap names make it easier to raise them!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Keira Olsen¡¯s mouth twitched, and she nearly laughed out loud.


    From what the old lady said, it sounded like her grandson was at least the CEO of a company. Did his subordinates know that he¡¯s called Puppy?


    Just as she was about to inquire about his formal name, the old lady spoke up again, ¡°Daughter-in-law, the clothes here aren¡¯t good looking. Why don¡¯t you accompany me home to pick out a couple tonight?¡±


    Keira Olsen had just heard the voice message the granny sent to ¡°the grandson¡± and knew he would be returning as well.


    The two had already planned to meet, so she didn¡¯t refuse, ¡°Okay.¡±


    After finding a clean place to have lunch outside, Keira Olsen intended to send the little granny home to rest while she went to confront Lewis Horton.


    But the little granny said, ¡°I¡¯m not tired at all. I¡¯ll accompany you to work, and we can go back to my place when you finish.¡±


    She seemed to fear that Keira Olsen would go back on her promise to accompany her home for clothes.


    Such a childlike elder¡­


    Keira Olsen agreed, albeit helplessly.


    ¨C


    They arrived at a charity donation event organized by the government.


    Keira Olsen settled the granny into a resting room, and then, with her press ID in hand, she found a place to sit inside the venue.


    Today, Lewis Horton would donate on behalf of the Horton Group.


    She sat right in the center of the front row, a spot from where she could easily be seen by him.


    She even got in touch with the organizers ahead of time, ensuring they would choose her to stand up and ask questions when the time came.


    In front of the whole gathering, she planned to hint to Lewis Horton that he should check his marital status at the courthouse!


    The expression on Lewis Horton¡¯s face would certainly be unsightly¡­


    Keira Olsen indulged in her delightful thoughts.


    The event began, and soon the host mentioned the Horton Group.


    Keira Olsen, full of anticipation, waited for Lewis Horton, but then she saw¡­ Tom Davis taking the stage?


    Tom Davis glanced meaningfully at Keira Olsen, ¡°I apologize, but Mr. Horton had to change his schedule last minute. However, the Horton Group¡¯s donation will still be made as promised¡­¡±


    The smile on Keira Olsen¡¯s face stiffened.


    She took out her phone only to find a message from Samuel Morgan sent five minutes earlier: [Boss, all of Lewis Horton¡¯s recent itineraries have suddenly been changed!]


    ¡­This man is such a dog!


    But it probably wasn¡¯t because of her, after all, in the eyes of Lewis Horton, she was just someone he could easily do without.


    He probably changed things because he realized his schedule was leaked; for safety reasons, he had to make changes at the last minute.


    Tsk, who is he guarding against?


    ¡­


    Keira Olsen continued her interviews, and afterward, she handed over her equipment and interview materials to a colleague from the same newspaper and had them leave first.


    She went to pick up the little old lady from the rest area and then arrived at an automobile manufacturing factory.


    This was a division under the Horton Group.


    All other engagements for Lewis Horton might be canceled, but a visit to the grassroots level factories was something the factory had been well prepared for. He couldn¡¯t change it at the last minute; it would be disrespectful to so many workers.


    Indeed, she and the little old lady waited for a moment inside the coffee shop near the factory, and then saw a low-profile black Bentley drive through the factory gates.


    Keira Olsen asked a coffee shop employee to take care of the old lady, and then she walked over.


    She took out her temporary worker¡¯s ID for the place and handed it to the security guard, who glanced at it and said, ¡°Sorry, Mr. Davis has ordered that during Mr. Horton¡¯s inspection, no delivery personnel, repairmen, interns, or temporary workers are allowed entry.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Keira Olsen knew it would be like this!


    Tom Davis really was trying every possible way to stop her from seeing Lewis Horton¡­


    Keira Olsen gave a smirk, took out another work badge, and passed it over. The guard saw it and instantly stood up straight, looking at her with admiration in his eyes, ¡°Please come in.¡±


    Keira Olsen took back her work badge and confidently entered through the gates.


    She soon found Lewis Horton.


    The man was inspecting the workspaces accompanied by the factory manager. All the workers stayed outside, and the entrance was guarded by bodyguards, rendering it completely inaccessible.


    Keira Olsen could only watch him from a distance through the glass window.


    The man, in his suit and leather shoes, presented a visual feast as his handsome face and noble aura collided with the dim, cold machinery around him.


    He listened intently to the manager¡¯s introduction, occasionally asking questions that left the manager visibly astonished, and after three to five minutes, the manager was wholeheartedly impressed with this new authority figure.


    Suddenly, as if sensing something, the man slowly turned his head, locking eyes with Keira Olsen.


    Keira Olsen waved at him.


    Lewis Horton furrowed his brow and looked away.


    At that moment, Tom Davis approached the window and ¡°swoosh¡±¡ªpulled down all the blinds, cutting off every gaze.


    Keira Olsen: ¡°¡­¡±


    She was once again ¡°invited¡± out of the factory by the bodyguards. Tom Davis stood at the entrance, chastising the guard: ¡°Didn¡¯t I say interns and temporary workers are not allowed in?¡±


    The guard nodded repeatedly, ¡°But she¡¯s not just any temporary worker, she¡­¡±


    Tom Davis snickered, cutting off the guard¡¯s words, ¡°She¡¯s really quite extraordinary¡­¡±


    After all, how could a normal person hold so many jobs at the same time!


    Tom Davis was extremely annoyed; he said angrily to Keira Olsen, ¡°Miss Olsen, our boss didn¡¯t want to lower himself to deal with you before, but you just don¡¯t know when to stop. You¡¯ve come to bother him again and again. If you dare to show up in front of our boss once more, we will call the police and accuse you of harassment!¡±


    Keira Olsen sighed, ¡°If you don¡¯t want me to keep bothering you, then go check at the courthouse. I am truly Mr. Horton¡¯s wife. Why won¡¯t you believe me?¡±


    Tom Davis snickered, ¡°The marriage registration process requires everything to be complete in our country, and there¡¯s no such thing as getting it done without the parties present. The lie you¡¯re telling is so incredible it¡¯s laughable. Only someone with a broken brain would believe such preposterous claims!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Keira Olsen truly couldn¡¯t talk sense into them.


    She shrugged her shoulders helplessly, ¡°Then I have no choice but to keep bothering you.¡±


    Tom Davis scoffed, ¡°You really think you can see our boss whenever you want? If you get to see the boss again, then that would mean I¡¯m incompetent as an assistant! By then, I¡¯ll live stream myself eating shit!¡±


    Keira Olsen said nothing more and turned to leave.


    It looked like tomorrow she would have to take a more aggressive approach.


    After picking up the little old lady, Keira Olsen sent a WhatsApp message to her ¡°grandson¡±: [The Empress Dowager wants to go home to pick up a few clothes, what¡¯s the address of your place?]


    Her ¡°grandson¡± quickly sent her a location.


    He then messaged her: [I¡¯m about to finish up, where are you? I¡¯ll come to get you.]


    Keira Olsen opened the location and glanced at it, then froze.


    House One Manor¡­ Isn¡¯t that the Horton Family¡¯s place?!

 Chapter 15 - Chapter 15: Chapter 15

    Chapter 15: Chapter 15


    House One Manor in Oceanion is legendary.


    It is located on the mid-slope of a hill, covering three thousand acres, with the Horton¡¯s ancestral home occupying over two thousand acres.


    The remaining dozens of small villas are scattered around the Horton¡¯s estate.


    It is the most famous rich neighborhood in Oceanion.


    Keira Olsen thought that the little old lady¡¯s home was one of those small villas; she didn¡¯t dare to think it could be the Horton¡¯s.


    She replied to the message, ¡°No need, we are already in a taxi.¡±


    The little old lady showed signs of weariness and fell asleep as soon as she got into the car.


    The taxi wound its way up the spacious and clean mountain road, entered House One Manor, and dropped them off at the location set by the navigation before leaving.


    Keira Olsen looked up at the ancient and elegant gate adorned with exquisite carvings and hesitantly asked, ¡°Grandma, is this your home?¡±


    The little old lady, still groggy from sleep, looked a bit dazed, ¡°Daughter-in-law, I can¡¯t remember.¡±


    Keira Olsen: ¡°¡­¡±


    She messaged her ¡°grandson¡±, ¡°I think we took a wrong turn.¡±


    ¡°Grandson¡±: ¡°Wait there, I¡¯ll be there shortly.¡±


    During the drive, Keira Olsen noticed that the nearest house was a five-minute drive away, indeed, it wasn¡¯t suitable to wander around.


    She helped the little old lady sit on a stone bench nearby.


    Suddenly, a BMW X7 stopped in front of them.


    Isla Olsen and Poppy Hill got out of the back seat and rushed over to them.


    Poppy Hill frowned and scolded, ¡°Keira Olsen? It really is you! What are you doing here?¡±


    Today, she accompanied Isla Olsen to the Hortons as a nanny and from a distance, she saw a young girl loitering in front of the Horton family gate, never expecting it was actually her!


    Isla Olsen, looking at the tightly closed gates of the Hortons, asked, ¡°Keira, are you here to pester Mr. Horton again?¡±


    As soon as she said this, Poppy Hill yelled, ¡°Bitch, don¡¯t you know what day it is today? Get lost at once! If you ruin Isla¡¯s reunion, I¡¯ll never let you off the hook!¡±


    Keira Olsen was truly fed up with them.


    But the little old lady was here, and she didn¡¯t want to have a conflict with them, so she suppressed her impatience and explained, ¡°I am here to bring an old lady home, and we lost our way.¡±


    Isla Olsen said subconsciously, ¡°Isn¡¯t that your husband¡¯s grandma? How could she possibly live in this neighborhood!¡±


    Keira Olsen retorted, ¡°Why not? Does this neighborhood belong to your family?¡±


    Isla Olsen was at a loss for words.


    But Poppy Hill cursed, ¡°Stop pretending! Could the grandma of your poor-ass husband even live here?¡±


    She looked directly at the little old lady, ¡°You old thing, then tell me, which villa do you live in?¡±


    Hearing this, Keira Olsen frowned, about to say something when the little old lady suddenly stood up, ¡°I remember now! I live here! Daughter-in-law, follow me home!¡±


    She grabbed Keira Olsen¡¯s hand and walked towards the Horton¡¯s gate.


    There was still a hundred meters to the gate from here.


    But after only a couple of steps, Isla Olsen spoke up, ¡°Keira, after all the excuses, are you still using the old lady as a pretext to go to the Hortons?¡±


    Keira Olsen paused in her steps, looking sharply ahead!


    The Hortons?


    Although she had some suspicions in her heart when she saw the grandeur of the gate¡­


    It was hard for her to associate the polite ¡°grandson¡± on WhatsApp with the cold and ruthless Lewis Horton¡­


    Maybe the little old lady got it wrong?


    Just as she was about to confirm, Poppy Hill suddenly charged over, reaching for the little old lady, ¡°You old hag, coming up with such lies to freeload, shameless! You are not allowed to cause a disturbance at the Horton¡¯s!¡±


    Keira Olsen was startled, she protected the little old lady with one hand and grabbed Poppy Hill with the other, pushing her away fiercely, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    The little old lady was so old, she couldn¡¯t withstand any jostling!


    Poppy Hill stumbled back from the push, and once she regained her footing, she cursed vehemently, ¡°Ungrateful wretch, you even attack your own mother for such an old hag! I¡¯m calling the police, accuse you of being unfilial!¡±


    Keira Olsen ignored her, but the little old lady immediately retorted, ¡°My granddaughter-in-law is not unfilial. You¡¯re talking nonsense!¡±


    Poppy Hill sneered, ¡°You old thing, just how poor have you become to send your granddaughter-in-law into the arms of another man for money? What? Did she share the profits with you? Or is this what your family does? You must have served plenty of men when you were younger, huh? You disgrace!¡±


    ¡°Shut up!!¡±


    Keira Olsen scolded, quickly glancing at the little old lady.


    The little old lady had never been insulted like this before and was indeed shaking all over.


    Her hand pressed against her chest, her body uncontrollably began to tremble, and she slumped to the ground.


    Keira Olsen quickly caught her, ¡°Grandma, what¡¯s wrong with you!¡±


    The little old lady gasped for breath, unable to speak.


    Keira Olsen immediately took the nitroglycerin out of her pocket, but upon opening the bottle, she found it empty!!


    Her pupils constricted.


    The old lady¡¯s health was very poor, and it was not suitable to perform manual CPR unless it was absolutely necessary. The best option was medication.


    She abruptly turned towards the door.


    The Horton family must have medicine!


    Even though the little old lady wasn¡¯t a Horton, she was their neighbor, and they wouldn¡¯t let her die without helping!


    Keira Olsen picked up the old lady, ¡°Grandma, don¡¯t be afraid, I¡¯ll take you to find medicine!¡±


    But she was forcefully pulled back by Isla Olsen, ¡°Kiera, don¡¯t do this. It was one thing to take advantage of your age to buy clothes, but how can you stir up trouble at the Horton family? They won¡¯t let you in¡­¡±


    She looked at the little old lady, a dark flash crossing her eyes.


    This old lady¡¯s complexion was very poor; she looked like she might really be dying.


    If she were to die, Keira Olsen¡¯s husband would surely hate her! Then she¡¯d see how Keira dares to seduce other men outside!


    At this moment, Kiera Olsen felt like she was going to explode with anger!


    Rage churned in her peach-blossom eyes, and she raised her foot to kick Isla Olsen.


    ¡°Get lost!¡±


    Her voice was hoarse with fury.


    The next moment, someone tightly hugged her leg.


    Poppy Hill sat on the ground, embracing her without any dignity:


    ¡°You think you¡¯re the only ones who can provoke trouble? Anyone can do that! I¡¯m going to die too, I¡¯m being killed by my own daughter!¡±


    ¡°My chest hurts so much, I can¡¯t take it!¡±


    ¡°Even if I have to die today, I won¡¯t let this wretched old hag stir up trouble at the Hortons¡¯!¡±


    Kiera Olsen trembled with rage, her eyes growing colder.


    She forcefully kicked Poppy Hill away and struck Isla Olsen¡¯s abdomen with her elbow, then strode forward!


    Isla Olsen bent over, forehead breaking out in cold sweat from the pain.


    But Poppy Hill ignored her pain and lunged at her again, clinging to her legs and screaming, ¡°Help! Murder!¡±


    Kiera Olsen, mindful of the little old lady in her arms, couldn¡¯t break free for the moment!


    Just then!


    A black Bentley slowly approached.


    Lewis Horton got out of the car and asked sternly, ¡°What are you doing?!¡±


    Isla Olsen quickly spoke up, ¡°Mr. Horton, it¡¯s Kiera who insisted on bringing a dying old lady to the Hortons to cause trouble. It¡¯s all my fault for not stopping her¡­¡±


    Hearing this, Kiera Olsen slowly turned around.


    Upon seeing the grandmother she was holding, Lewis Horton¡¯s pupils shrank abruptly!


    Volume Two

 Chapter 16 - Chapter 15: Chapter 15

    Chapter 15: Chapter 15


    House One Manor in Oceanion is legendary.


    It is located on the mid-slope of a hill, covering three thousand acres, with the Horton¡¯s ancestral home occupying over two thousand acres.


    The remaining dozens of small villas are scattered around the Horton¡¯s estate.


    It is the most famous rich neighborhood in Oceanion.


    Keira Olsen thought that the little old lady¡¯s home was one of those small villas; she didn¡¯t dare to think it could be the Horton¡¯s.


    She replied to the message, ¡°No need, we are already in a taxi.¡±


    The little old lady showed signs of weariness and fell asleep as soon as she got into the car.


    The taxi wound its way up the spacious and clean mountain road, entered House One Manor, and dropped them off at the location set by the navigation before leaving.


    Keira Olsen looked up at the ancient and elegant gate adorned with exquisite carvings and hesitantly asked, ¡°Grandma, is this your home?¡±


    The little old lady, still groggy from sleep, looked a bit dazed, ¡°Daughter-in-law, I can¡¯t remember.¡±


    Keira Olsen: ¡°¡­¡±


    She messaged her ¡°grandson¡±, ¡°I think we took a wrong turn.¡±


    ¡°Grandson¡±: ¡°Wait there, I¡¯ll be there shortly.¡±


    During the drive, Keira Olsen noticed that the nearest house was a five-minute drive away, indeed, it wasn¡¯t suitable to wander around.


    She helped the little old lady sit on a stone bench nearby.


    Suddenly, a BMW X7 stopped in front of them.


    Isla Olsen and Poppy Hill got out of the back seat and rushed over to them.


    Poppy Hill frowned and scolded, ¡°Keira Olsen? It really is you! What are you doing here?¡±


    Today, she accompanied Isla Olsen to the Hortons as a nanny and from a distance, she saw a young girl loitering in front of the Horton family gate, never expecting it was actually her!


    Isla Olsen, looking at the tightly closed gates of the Hortons, asked, ¡°Keira, are you here to pester Mr. Horton again?¡±


    As soon as she said this, Poppy Hill yelled, ¡°Bitch, don¡¯t you know what day it is today? Get lost at once! If you ruin Isla¡¯s reunion, I¡¯ll never let you off the hook!¡±


    Keira Olsen was truly fed up with them.


    But the little old lady was here, and she didn¡¯t want to have a conflict with them, so she suppressed her impatience and explained, ¡°I am here to bring an old lady home, and we lost our way.¡±


    Isla Olsen said subconsciously, ¡°Isn¡¯t that your husband¡¯s grandma? How could she possibly live in this neighborhood!¡±


    Keira Olsen retorted, ¡°Why not? Does this neighborhood belong to your family?¡±


    Isla Olsen was at a loss for words.


    But Poppy Hill cursed, ¡°Stop pretending! Could the grandma of your poor-ass husband even live here?¡±


    She looked directly at the little old lady, ¡°You old thing, then tell me, which villa do you live in?¡±


    Hearing this, Keira Olsen frowned, about to say something when the little old lady suddenly stood up, ¡°I remember now! I live here! Daughter-in-law, follow me home!¡±


    She grabbed Keira Olsen¡¯s hand and walked towards the Horton¡¯s gate.


    There was still a hundred meters to the gate from here.


    But after only a couple of steps, Isla Olsen spoke up, ¡°Keira, after all the excuses, are you still using the old lady as a pretext to go to the Hortons?¡±


    Keira Olsen paused in her steps, looking sharply ahead!


    The Hortons?


    Although she had some suspicions in her heart when she saw the grandeur of the gate¡­


    It was hard for her to associate the polite ¡°grandson¡± on WhatsApp with the cold and ruthless Lewis Horton¡­


    Maybe the little old lady got it wrong?


    Just as she was about to confirm, Poppy Hill suddenly charged over, reaching for the little old lady, ¡°You old hag, coming up with such lies to freeload, shameless! You are not allowed to cause a disturbance at the Horton¡¯s!¡±


    Keira Olsen was startled, she protected the little old lady with one hand and grabbed Poppy Hill with the other, pushing her away fiercely, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    The little old lady was so old, she couldn¡¯t withstand any jostling!


    Poppy Hill stumbled back from the push, and once she regained her footing, she cursed vehemently, ¡°Ungrateful wretch, you even attack your own mother for such an old hag! I¡¯m calling the police, accuse you of being unfilial!¡±


    Keira Olsen ignored her, but the little old lady immediately retorted, ¡°My granddaughter-in-law is not unfilial. You¡¯re talking nonsense!¡±


    Poppy Hill sneered, ¡°You old thing, just how poor have you become to send your granddaughter-in-law into the arms of another man for money? What? Did she share the profits with you? Or is this what your family does? You must have served plenty of men when you were younger, huh? You disgrace!¡±


    ¡°Shut up!!¡±


    Keira Olsen scolded, quickly glancing at the little old lady.


    The little old lady had never been insulted like this before and was indeed shaking all over.


    Her hand pressed against her chest, her body uncontrollably began to tremble, and she slumped to the ground.


    Keira Olsen quickly caught her, ¡°Grandma, what¡¯s wrong with you!¡±


    The little old lady gasped for breath, unable to speak.


    Keira Olsen immediately took the nitroglycerin out of her pocket, but upon opening the bottle, she found it empty!!


    Her pupils constricted.


    The old lady¡¯s health was very poor, and it was not suitable to perform manual CPR unless it was absolutely necessary. The best option was medication.


    She abruptly turned towards the door.


    The Horton family must have medicine!


    Even though the little old lady wasn¡¯t a Horton, she was their neighbor, and they wouldn¡¯t let her die without helping!


    Keira Olsen picked up the old lady, ¡°Grandma, don¡¯t be afraid, I¡¯ll take you to find medicine!¡±


    But she was forcefully pulled back by Isla Olsen, ¡°Kiera, don¡¯t do this. It was one thing to take advantage of your age to buy clothes, but how can you stir up trouble at the Horton family? They won¡¯t let you in¡­¡±


    She looked at the little old lady, a dark flash crossing her eyes.


    This old lady¡¯s complexion was very poor; she looked like she might really be dying.


    If she were to die, Keira Olsen¡¯s husband would surely hate her! Then she¡¯d see how Keira dares to seduce other men outside!


    At this moment, Kiera Olsen felt like she was going to explode with anger!


    Rage churned in her peach-blossom eyes, and she raised her foot to kick Isla Olsen.


    ¡°Get lost!¡±


    Her voice was hoarse with fury.


    The next moment, someone tightly hugged her leg.


    Poppy Hill sat on the ground, embracing her without any dignity:


    ¡°You think you¡¯re the only ones who can provoke trouble? Anyone can do that! I¡¯m going to die too, I¡¯m being killed by my own daughter!¡±


    ¡°My chest hurts so much, I can¡¯t take it!¡±


    ¡°Even if I have to die today, I won¡¯t let this wretched old hag stir up trouble at the Hortons¡¯!¡±


    Kiera Olsen trembled with rage, her eyes growing colder.


    She forcefully kicked Poppy Hill away and struck Isla Olsen¡¯s abdomen with her elbow, then strode forward!


    Isla Olsen bent over, forehead breaking out in cold sweat from the pain.


    But Poppy Hill ignored her pain and lunged at her again, clinging to her legs and screaming, ¡°Help! Murder!¡±


    Kiera Olsen, mindful of the little old lady in her arms, couldn¡¯t break free for the moment!


    Just then!


    A black Bentley slowly approached.


    Lewis Horton got out of the car and asked sternly, ¡°What are you doing?!¡±


    Isla Olsen quickly spoke up, ¡°Mr. Horton, it¡¯s Kiera who insisted on bringing a dying old lady to the Hortons to cause trouble. It¡¯s all my fault for not stopping her¡­¡±


    Hearing this, Kiera Olsen slowly turned around.


    Upon seeing the grandmother she was holding, Lewis Horton¡¯s pupils shrank abruptly!


    Volume Two

 Chapter 17 - Chapter 16: Chapter 16

    Chapter 16: Chapter 16


    The woman was holding the grandmother who had a ghastly pale complexion, her arms hanging down limply¡­


    Lewis Horton suddenly strode towards them!


    He seemed calm on the outside, but his heart was filled with panic and fear!


    Great Grandmother was the person he was closest to in this world¡­


    In recent years, her health had been deteriorating, and the family doctor had already hinted that old Mrs. Horton might not survive the year¡­


    He couldn¡¯t lose Great Grandmother!


    Keira Olsen saw him approaching and guessed what was happening, but this wasn¡¯t the time to talk about that; she urgently said, ¡°Old Mrs. Horton is having a heart attack, and she just ran out of the nitroglycerin she carries with her; she needs her medication immediately.¡±


    She paused, then added, ¡°There won¡¯t be any problems if she takes the medicine on time.¡±


    Lewis Horton pursed his lips.


    He reached out to take Great Grandmother and without looking back, dashed into the Horton estate.


    Keira didn¡¯t follow them inside; her legs were still being clutched by Poppy Hill.


    Isla Olsen watched Lewis Horton¡¯s retreating back and suddenly felt a wave of intense anxiety, ¡°Could she possibly be Old Mrs. Horton?¡±


    ¡°How could Old Mrs. Horton possibly be with Keira Olsen? She is the grandmother of Keira¡¯s husband!¡±


    Poppy Hill released Keira, stood up, and dusted herself off, ¡°Mr. Horton was so anxious, probably afraid it would turn into a fatal issue, which would make the Horton family appear negligent if word got out¡­ Not a good look¡­¡±


    She glared fiercely at Keira, ¡°Isn¡¯t she just relying on this, bringing the old woman to rush into the Hortons¡¯ place?¡±


    Isla frowned in thought.


    Indeed.


    It¡¯s not possible that Keira¡¯s punk husband could be Lewis Horton, right?


    She was really overthinking it¡­


    At this time, the gates of the Horton estate opened, and Jake Horton walked out.


    Isla¡¯s eyes lit up, and she said with a smile, ¡°Jake, you could have just waited for me in the parking lot, why did you come all the way to the gate?¡±


    Jake Horton had a displeased look on his face.


    Isla had messaged that she was almost there but had a lot of gifts, coquettishly asking him to come out and meet her.


    He had waited in the parking lot for a long time without seeing her and decided to come out to take a look.


    He caught sight of Keira Olsen and paused in his step.


    For a moment, his impatience faded, replaced with a trace of tenderness as he gently told Isla, ¡°Right, it¡¯s your first time here, and I was worried you might get lost.¡±


    Isla ran up to him and, as if to proclaim her territory, shyly latched onto his arm and said, ¡°Jake, you¡¯re so kind~¡±


    She probed, ¡°Is Old Mrs. Horton at home?¡±


    ¡°She is.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s been at home all along? She didn¡¯t go out today?¡±


    ¡°Right, Great Grandmother¡¯s health isn¡¯t good, she¡¯s been resting at home.¡±


    Old Mrs. Horton lived alone in a separate courtyard, not wanting them to disturb her.


    Jake Horton spoke as if this was obvious; Isla believed it implicitly and completely relaxed.


    Jake Horton blatantly stared at Keira Olsen.


    He didn¡¯t miss any subtle expression on the woman¡¯s face, trying to find jealousy, envy or resentment.


    But there was none, not a trace.


    His expression gradually darkened.


    Keira Olsen was preoccupied with thoughts of the old lady and didn¡¯t pay any attention to their display of affection.


    By now, she had pretty much confirmed that ¡°the grandson¡± was indeed Lewis Horton.


    She looked at the door, pondering whether she would be stopped if she entered now?


    Suddenly, the scenery before her darkened.


    Jake Horton stood in front of her and said directly, ¡°Keira Olsen, you came to see me because you¡¯ve come to your senses?¡±


    Keira Olsen: ?


    Jake Horton sneered venomously, ¡°Just give me a call when you figure it out, who gave you permission to come to the Horton¡¯s? Is the Horton family¡¯s front door a place an illegitimate daughter can enter?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Keira Olsen pursed her lips.


    That stubborn look made Jake Horton¡¯s heart suddenly soften, ¡°If you really want to go in and take a look, you can also¡­¡±


    Before he could finish, Isla Olsen interrupted, ¡°Jake, you misunderstood, Keira is waiting for her husband¡¯s grandmother. The old lady just had a heart attack and was carried inside by Mr. Horton to be saved¡­¡±


    Jake Horton was slightly startled, ¡°¡­Husband?¡±


    Isla Olsen smiled, ¡°Right, I haven¡¯t had the chance to tell you yet, Keira is married¡­¡±


    Jake Horton¡¯s eyes turned red all of a sudden, his teeth clenched as he said, ¡°Keira Olsen, who is that man?!¡±


    He looked like he was catching an adulterer.


    Keira Olsen¡¯s eyes were filled with scorn, ¡°Jake Horton, who my husband is has nothing to do with you.¡±


    Jake Horton¡¯s volume suddenly rose, ¡°How does it have nothing to do with me? I want to see who dares to marry you without my consent!¡±


    Isla Olsen quickly answered, ¡°According to what Keira¡¯s mom said, he¡¯s a little punk.¡±


    Jake Horton clenched his fists, speaking without a filter, ¡°So you demean yourself like this? Well, an illegitimate daughter and a little punk are really a perfect match!¡±


    Isla Olsen kept fanning the flames, ¡°Keira must be very unwilling, that¡¯s why she always clings to Mr. Horton¡­¡±


    Keira Olsen sneered coldly, ¡°Isla Olsen, you pride yourself on being a lady from a prestigious family, why is your mind filled with nothing but filthy thoughts? Is that all you have?¡±


    Isla Olsen¡¯s face stiffened, and she clenched her fingers tightly.


    She sighed, ¡°Keira, I know you¡¯re doing this to get back at me and Jake, but Mr. Horton is already married, and you shouldn¡¯t be trying to break up someone else¡¯s marriage¡­¡±


    Jake Horton exploded when he heard this.


    He had been waiting for Keira Olsen¡¯s call all these days, thinking that if she begged for mercy and showed some remorse, he might let her off the hook.


    But it turned out she had already found someone new?!


    He was enraged, ¡°I was wondering why your husband¡¯s grandmother would have an attack right at my door, turns out you were here to find my uncle? Keira Olsen, how shameless can you be!!¡±


    He was burning with anger, his fury reaching the sky.


    Pointing at Keira Olsen, he addressed the security guard, ¡°See clearly? Remember this face, don¡¯t let her step half a foot into the Horton¡¯s!¡±


    Isla Olsen looked down, hiding a triumphant smile at the corner of her lips.


    At the Horton¡¯s main gate, she could still make decisions¡­


    However, the next moment, the housekeeper of the Horton¡¯s came out from inside.


    Her gaze swept over everyone and stopped in front of Keira Olsen, ¡°Miss Keira, the master invites you in.¡±


    Isla Olsen was stunned.


    Jake Horton was dumbfounded.


    Keira Olsen, however, lifted her eyes, her gaze mocking as she looked towards the security guard, ¡°So, can I go in now?¡±


    The security guard carefully glanced at Jake Horton and without hesitation, opened the door.


    Who held the real power in the Horton¡¯s was something he was well aware of¡­


    ¡­


    The Horton¡¯s home was vast.


    Upon entering, a shuttle took Keira Olsen directly to the main house¡¯s front door.


    The housekeeper was respectful, ¡°Old Mrs. Horton is already fine, she and the master are waiting for you in the reception room.¡±


    Keira Olsen was relieved.


    Just as she got out of the car, she saw the Olsen Family¡¯s BMW X7 parked not far away in the parking lot.


    Isla Olsen and Poppy Hill, led by Jake Horton, were storming her way, meeting Keira Olsen at the door.


    Poppy Hill glared at Keira, ¡°Mr. Horton probably wants you to take your grandmother home. After picking her up, leave quickly if you know what¡¯s good for you, you nasty creature, don¡¯t dirty the Horton¡¯s carpet!¡±


    As those words were spoken, everyone entered the living room and immediately saw Old Mrs. Horton seated in the main spot on the sofa.


    The elderly lady glared at them, angrily saying:


    ¡°Wicked woman, whom are you calling a nasty creature?¡±

 Chapter 18 - Chapter 17: Chapter 17

    Chapter 17: Chapter 17


    The old lady had changed into a lavish outfit, but her complexion was still not very good.


    Lewis Horton sat coldly to her left.


    To the right sat a man over sixty years old, Lewis Horton¡¯s father.


    On the sofa to the side sat a couple in their forties, Lewis Horton¡¯s older brother and sister-in-law, who were also Jake Horton¡¯s parents.


    Although no one introduced the old lady¡¯s identity, anyone who could sit in the main seat at the Horton¡¯s must certainly be old Mrs. Horton!


    Poppy Hill stood frozen in place, ¡°You, you¡­¡±


    She stuttered for a long time, unable to form a complete sentence.


    Isla Olsen¡¯s legs went weak, and she almost fell, but Jake Horton steadied her.


    Jake Horton was puzzled, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Isla Olsen¡¯s hands were trembling.


    She was indeed reaching far beyond her station in trying to join the Horton Family, where every elder was someone she had to painstakingly please, yet even before she had entered the door, she had managed to offend old Mrs. Horton!


    She suddenly laughed bitterly, ¡°Kiera, why did you deceive us, telling us that old Mrs. Horton was your husband¡¯s grandmother? You made us disrespectful to the old lady¡­¡±


    Kiera Olsen immediately felt several suspicious gazes turn toward her.


    Poppy Hill also realized and shouted, ¡°Disgraceful girl, knowing full well that the old lady has dementia, you still dared to deceive her! What do you take the Horton Family for? Get down on your knees and apologize to me right now!¡±


    Kiera Olsen¡¯s eyes darkened.


    This was an attempt to shift the blame and pin all the faults on her, allowing Isla Olsen to clear herself.


    Quite the tactic.


    ¡°Smack!¡±


    A teacup was thrown by the old lady, hitting Poppy Hill directly.


    The boiling tea splashed all over her, yet Poppy Hill dared not scream out loud.


    ¡°Rubbish!¡± old Mrs. Horton shouted angrily, ¡°She is indeed my granddaughter-in-law!¡±


    Despite the scalding pain, Poppy Hill yelled, ¡°Old Mrs. Horton, you¡¯ve been deceived by her! I¡¯m sure her husband is just a little punk!¡±


    ¡°No need to argue, why not just ask the person in question?¡±


    Jake Horton¡¯s mother spoke up, ¡°Lewis, is she truly the wife you¡¯ve hidden away and not brought home?¡±


    Kiera Olsen suddenly looked towards Lewis Horton, then she heard the expected answer, ¡°No.¡±


    The man was as cold and heartless as ever.


    ¡­Truly a small-minded man who repays kindness with ingratitude!


    A flicker of indignation passed through Kiera Olsen¡¯s peach-blossom eyes.


    Isla Olsen¡¯s face showed joy, and she breathed a sigh of relief.


    Poppy Hill sneered, ¡°I told you all this trouble was caused by Kiera Olsen!¡±


    Kiera Olsen snorted coldly, about to speak, but then she heard the man¡¯s deep voice rise again:


    ¡°It was Grandma who mistook her, so I asked Miss Olsen to help take care of Grandma for a while.¡±


    Kiera Olsen:¡­


    Alright, she admitted she might have raised her voice too much at ¡°grandson.¡±


    Everyone fell silent, none having expected such a development.


    After a moment, Isla Olsen lowered her head, ¡°So that¡¯s it, Kiera, why didn¡¯t you tell us the truth? If you had told us earlier, this misunderstanding wouldn¡¯t have happened.¡±


    ¡°Miss Isla Olsen¡­¡±


    Lewis Horton leaned back on the sofa, his posture casual but his tone forceful, ¡°Hiding behind others and shirking responsibility when something happens, is this how the Olsen Family raises their daughters?¡±


    Stirred by these words, old Mrs. Horton immediately exclaimed angrily:


    ¡°Right, you think I can¡¯t see through your little schemes just because my mind is ailing?¡±


    ¡°Making mistakes without showing remorse, and trying to deflect the blame onto others, you two really have no shame!¡±


    old Mrs. Horton directly addressed Jake Horton, ¡°Call off the engagement, I don¡¯t recognize this great-granddaughter-in-law!¡±


    Isla Olsen was shocked to her core!


    The marriage she had worked so hard to obtain couldn¡¯t just end like this!


    She looked at Jake Horton, but the man seemed dazed, his eyes fixed on Keira Olsen, obviously still reeling from the shock of her being married.


    Isla clenched her fingers.


    She bowed her head, walked up to Jake Horton, and tears began rolling down her cheeks, ¡°Jake, it¡¯s my fault¡­ Don¡¯t worry, even if the marriage is canceled, I will still introduce the person I promised to you.¡±


    Jake Horton regained his composure.


    Isla still intended to introduce Dr. South to him¡­


    In Crera¡¯s current new energy projects, Dr. South was among the top!


    He hurriedly said to Old Mrs. Horton, ¡°Great Grandmother, Isla didn¡¯t know, so it¡¯s not her fault. Please forgive her. Besides, our families have already exchanged betrothal gifts, it really isn¡¯t good to call off the engagement.¡±


    Old Mrs. Horton gazed at him deeply, ¡°You¡¯ve grown up, I can¡¯t control you anymore, do as you please.¡±


    Old Mrs. Horton knew a principle well.


    Neither deaf nor mute, one should not be the family head.


    Her great-grandson¡¯s affairs should be managed by his parents, she didn¡¯t want to interfere.


    But¡­


    Jake Horton¡¯s mother chuckled, ¡°Grandmother, did you forget to give a meeting gift?¡±


    Old Mrs. Horton¡¯s eyelids drooped, ¡°I will have someone transfer 200,000 to Jake.¡±


    Jake Horton¡¯s mother¡¯s face stiffened, ¡°But didn¡¯t you previously say you would give them two percent of the shares because they might be tight on cash as newlyweds¡­¡±


    If you were to ask who was the wealthiest in the Horton family, it would certainly be Old Mrs. Horton!


    She was born into a wealthy family from Clance, with a substantial dowry, and controlled twenty percent of the Horton Family¡¯s shares¡­


    Jake Horton¡¯s mother had long wanted to secure a hefty sum through the marriage!


    Everything had been agreed upon, but the old lady changed her mind at the last minute!


    Old Mrs. Horton looked at her with a mocking smile, ¡°I¡¯m not satisfied with this great-granddaughter-in-law, I¡¯m not giving it!!¡±


    Isla¡¯s face turned deadly pale, feeling deeply humiliated.


    The Horton family had many servants; these words would surely spread, and soon the whole of Oceanion would know that she was disliked by Old Mrs. Horton!


    Face was most important to a wealthy family heiress, and today Old Mrs. Horton had trampled her dignity underfoot¡­


    The old lady didn¡¯t care about these things; she left those words and directly took Keira Olsen and Lewis Horton to her residence¡¯s courtyard.


    Then, using the excuse of a sudden need to urinate, she asked Lewis Horton to ¡°properly¡± entertain the bride and hurriedly took people away.


    In the blink of an eye, only two people were left in the courtyard.


    The night was as dark as ink.


    Keira Olsen and Lewis Horton stood side by side, and she realized the man was actually a head taller than she was, probably about six-foot-two.


    Didn¡¯t the old lady say he was very small when he was born?


    As she was silently grumbling, Lewis Horton suddenly looked at her, his eyebrows tightly furrowed, disdain apparent, ¡°Lacking iron in your five elements?¡±


    Keira Olsen, not to be outdone, suddenly looked at him seriously, ¡°Puppy?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Lewis Horton¡¯s face turned steely.


    She had tricked grandmother into even mentioning that!


    Indeed, her intentions were not pure!


    It might have been an accident that grandmother got involved with her, and there were no signs of scheming in that. But this woman took in grandma under the pretense of kindness, possibly because grandmother unwittingly revealed her identity.


    Keira Olsen, having countered him sharply, didn¡¯t forget the main issue, ¡°I remember you said you¡¯d do me a favor, could you go to the courthouse with me to check the marital status?¡±


    Lewis Horton¡¯s expression darkened, his tone impatient and harsh,


    ¡°Fine, let¡¯s go! If it¡¯s not true, I hope you stop using my grandmother to bother me!¡±

 Chapter 19 - Chapter 19: Chapter 19

    Chapter 19: Chapter 19


    Keira Olsen stared dumbfounded at the marriage certificate in her hand.


    She suddenly realized that the old lady had called her granddaughter-in-law the first time they met¡­ she had known all along that they were married!


    Keira felt she had grasped a clue.


    She immediately asked, ¡°Grandma, how did this marriage certificate end up with you?¡±


    The old lady paused, her eyes becoming somewhat confused: ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t remember.¡±


    Keira continued to ask, ¡°Then how did Mr. Horton and I get married?¡±


    The old lady kept shaking her head: ¡°I don¡¯t remember.¡±


    Keira was a bit anxious, ¡°Grandma, please think carefully¡­¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡±


    Lewis Horton interjected sternly, his tall figure standing between her and the old lady, his eyes cold, ¡°Miss Olsen, is this certificate real?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Lewis¡¯s eyes darkened, ¡°Then next, are you going to say there¡¯s no need to go to the courthouse?¡±


    So that was her aim!


    First, she used the legitimate excuse of going to the courthouse as a pretext, then tempted the grandmother to produce this fake document, making him believe it was real.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the grandmother¡¯s compliance towards her just now, he would have almost believed it!


    Keira sensed a faint murderous intent in the man¡¯s tone and felt it was absurd: ¡°We don¡¯t have to go today.¡±


    Divorce was not just a matter of visiting the courthouse once.


    In the two years they were legally married, there were many issues of property division involved, which required first signing a divorce agreement.


    ¡°We must.¡±


    After Lewis said this, he scrutinized Keira closely.


    Yet the girl simply blinked and indifferently said, ¡°As you wish.¡±


    Was she acting so well because she wouldn¡¯t back down until she saw her defeat?


    Or was the marriage certificate real?


    Suddenly, Lewis felt uncertain, and he picked up the marriage certificate and headed out first: ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you in the parking lot.¡±


    Keira smiled reassuringly at the old lady and followed him out.


    The man walked briskly, and she almost had to jog to keep up.


    As they reached the parking lot, they saw Poppy Hill, looking distressed, supporting Isla Olsen, who appeared pale, sneezed, and trembled.


    Upon seeing her, Poppy¡¯s eyes brightened: ¡°Kiera!¡±


    She hurried over, cautiously bypassing Lewis, and came up to her, declaring emphatically, ¡°You must help your sister!¡±


    Keira raised her eyebrows.


    She didn¡¯t understand why these two were here so early.


    Had they not left since last night?


    Before she could speak, Poppy rambled on:


    ¡°Kiera, you are an illegitimate daughter, but the Olsen family raised you without considering your background, and even if they didn¡¯t look at their merits, but at their hardships, you should repay the Olsen family¡­


    ¡°Your sister was even better to you, not only letting you go to school with her, but she also shared her clothes with you.


    ¡°Also, when you were just born and too weak to survive, your mom had no milk, and it was your sister¡¯s milk that you took to stay alive¡­


    ¡°Back then, the Olsen family had no intention of taking us in, but they did because you and your sister were born on the same day, Mrs. Olsen and your dad decided to keep us¡­


    ¡°So, you owe your sister, and you have to be good to her for life¡­¡±


    These familiar words, Keira hadn¡¯t heard them for a good ten years already.


    Thinking back to her younger self who believed these absurd tales and slaved away for the Olsen family, enduring Isla¡¯s endless bullying¡­now she just found it laughable!


    The Olsen Family did raise her, but parents are legally obligated to care for their children. If they had neglected her, they would have committed the crime of abandonment!


    Indeed, she attended school with Isla, but she had to carry Isla¡¯s backpack to and from school, and act as her little follower on campus.


    If Isla coughed even once, it was her fault for not taking good care, and Poppy Hill would beat her.


    At school, she could only ever rank last because she couldn¡¯t surpass Isla!


    As for clothes¡­ her parents never prepared any for her, she could only wear what Isla discarded, so her clothes were always a bit too short.


    Mrs. Olsen did buy her a new skirt once, but as soon as she put it on, Poppy Hill took it off her and gave it to Isla, saying she didn¡¯t deserve it. She couldn¡¯t be prettier than Isla!


    As for being physically weak¡­


    Which infant wouldn¡¯t be weak after being starved for four or five days?


    ¡­


    The irony in Keira Olsen¡¯s eyes grew more intense.


    But Poppy Hill didn¡¯t notice her change in demeanor. After finishing her speech, she immediately said, ¡°Now that you¡¯ve grown up, you finally have a chance to repay the Olsen family. Keira, old Mrs. Horton listens to you, doesn¡¯t she? Go ask her to return the two percent of shares to your sister!¡±


    Keira Olsen lowered her eyes and smiled, ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    Poppy Hill¡¯s face lit up, thinking she had persuaded her, but the next moment, she heard the girl lightly say:


    ¡°I¡¯m just a despicable illegitimate daughter. How could Old Mrs. Horton possibly listen to me?¡±


    Poppy Hill was stunned and wanted to say more, but Keira Olsen had already walked past her and got straight into Lewis Horton¡¯s car: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Lewis Horton: ¡°¡­¡±


    He looked at the girl sitting in the back seat, wanting to say the driver hadn¡¯t arrived yet.


    Seeing Poppy Hill looked like she was about to chase after them¡­


    Lewis Horton directly got into the driver¡¯s seat, with a ¡°click¡± he closed the door, leisurely fastened his seatbelt, then started the car and drove away!


    The black stretch Bentley drove smoothly on the road.


    Through the rearview mirror, Lewis Horton could see the girl gazing out of the window, her delicate and beautiful face bearing a serene expression.


    He turned his gaze back to the road and continued driving.


    The words he intended to warn her with, in the end, remained unsaid.


    The car soon arrived at the courthouse.


    As he parked, Tom Davis knocked on the driver¡¯s window.


    Lewis Horton rolled down the window, and Tom Davis¡¯s voice came through: ¡°Boss, the driver said you drove off by yourself. I got scared and chased you down using the GPS. What happened?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    Lewis Horton was as sparing with his words as ever.


    Tom Davis then looked towards the courthouse: ¡°Why are you here? Could it really be that Keira Olsen bothered you into confusion? Don¡¯t worry, as I said, she won¡¯t see you again, otherwise I would¡­¡±


    ¡°Live stream eating shit?¡±


    Tom Davis hadn¡¯t finished speaking when he heard a lazy female voice come through.


    He stiffened, slowly looking back at the back seat, and saw Keira Olsen with a slightly mischievous look in her peach blossom eyes: ¡°Which is your live channel?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Tom Davis was flabbergasted!


    The three entered the courthouse and approached the service window.


    Tom Davis asked first, ¡°Hello, I want to know if it¡¯s possible to get a marriage certificate without the person being present?¡±


    Staff member: ¡°Definitely not.¡±


    ¡°Did you hear that?¡± Tom Davis said mockingly, looking at Keira Olsen. After glancing at the marriage certificate in her hand, he scoffed, ¡°You even prepared a fake one? Haha, I¡¯m calling the police right now! I¡¯ll charge you with document forgery and harassment!¡±


    But Lewis Horton handed over his marriage certificate, ¡°Please check if this marriage certificate is genuine.¡±

 Chapter 20 - Chapter 20: Chapter 20

    Chapter 20: Chapter 20


    The staff member gave him a strange look, took the marriage certificate, and began entering information into the computer for the inquiry.


    Lewis Horton pursed his lips.


    Suddenly, he found his own actions ridiculous.


    He was certain he had never married, yet he had bizarrely come here¡­


    Even putting off a very important meeting.


    The staff member quickly gave him the answer, ¡°It¡¯s real.¡±


    Lewis Horton was slightly stunned.


    Upon hearing the staff member¡¯s words, Tom Davis exclaimed instinctively, ¡°How is that possible?! Is it possible there¡¯s a mistake in your information registration?¡±


    The staff member glared at him, ¡°What nonsense are you talking about? Marriage is a serious matter. Both parties who come to register must carefully check their identities and sign a guarantee!¡±


    A guarantee¡­


    Keira Olsen spoke up, ¡°Can we take a look at our guarantee?¡±


    ¡°Please fetch the guarantee.¡±


    Lewis Horton spoke at the same time.


    The two exchanged glances, then immediately looked away.


    The staff member stood up helplessly, ¡°You two as a couple do have some tacit understanding. Fine, I¡¯ll go find it for you.¡±


    He returned quickly, holding their registration materials. He pulled out the guarantee and handed it to them to see.


    Keira Olsen discovered that the handwriting on it was indeed hers!


    Tom Davis also blustered on the side, ¡°Boss, this is your handwriting!¡±


    After pondering for a moment, Keira Olsen looked around at the surveillance cameras, ¡°Hello, can we take a look at the video from the day we registered?¡±


    The staff member replied, ¡°Sorry, we only keep the recordings for six months.¡±


    ¡­


    The staff member repeatedly assured them that the marriage certificate would only be processed when both were present, and there would absolutely be no mistakes in their work.


    The three of them eventually walked out of the courthouse, helpless.


    Standing at the entrance, Tom Davis said blankly, ¡°Boss, what do we do now?¡±


    Lewis Horton¡¯s eyes darkened.


    Keira Olsen, on the other hand, lifted her peach-blossom-like eyes.


    ¡°Divorce.¡±


    ¡°Divorce.¡±


    The two again spoke in unison.


    Tom Davis was taken aback and then asked, ¡°So we divorce now? Shouldn¡¯t we discuss the divorce terms?¡±


    ¡°I will have my lawyer contact you.¡±


    ¡°Talk to my lawyer.¡±


    Lewis Horton and Keira Olsen once more spoke simultaneously.


    After saying this, both couldn¡¯t help but look at each other.


    Keira Olsen laughed it off and simply said, ¡°Otherwise, let¡¯s each have our lawyers draft an agreement, look it over first? If there are any issues, then the lawyers can discuss it.¡±


    Tom Davis scoffed, ¡°With the way you are, can you even afford a lawyer?¡±


    Yet Lewis Horton nodded in agreement.


    Ignoring Tom Davis, Keira Olsen took out her phone, ¡°Mr. Horton, shall we add each other on WhatsApp? It¡¯ll make communication easier later on.¡±


    Lewis Horton paused for a moment, held out his phone with a meaningful gesture to open the QR code for WhatsApp, and saw Keira Olsen scan it. Then a chat box appeared on her phone, marked with the note: Grandson.


    His face instantly darkened.


    Keira Olsen: ¡°¡­¡±


    She had forgotten they had already added each other on WhatsApp!


    Withstanding his surly expression, she coughed and said, ¡°The nickname was randomly set, I¡¯ll change it¡­¡±


    She blocked her phone and deftly changed ¡°Grandson¡± to ¡°Puppy.¡±


    Then leaving a ¡°See you later,¡± she hailed a taxi and left.


    Watching her receding figure, Tom Davis hesitantly looked towards Lewis Horton, ¡°Boss, you two are actually married, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    The two were just too in sync!!


    Lewis Horton glanced at him, ¡°Find the best divorce lawyer, draft an agreement, and protect the ¡®outside¡¯ assets.¡±


    Tom Davis stood straight, ¡°Yes!¡±


    After saying this, Tom Davis suddenly realized something, ¡°I get it, the marriage thing must have been that woman¡¯s doing. Now that she can¡¯t win your heart, she¡¯s decided to take a slice of your wealth! No wonder she has the money to hire a lawyer to fight a divorce lawsuit with you. Even just a bit of what she takes will cover a hefty legal fee!¡±


    Tom Davis was so angry he was grinding his teeth:


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I absolutely won¡¯t let her take a penny from you!¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°I absolutely cannot let him take a penny from me.¡±


    In the taxi, Kiera Olsen was also making a call to Samuel Morgan, ¡°Find the best divorce lawyer.¡±


    ¡°No problem.¡± Samuel Morgan gossiped, ¡°Boss, what¡¯s the deal with your marriage? Neither you nor Lewis Horton remember anything, it can¡¯t be that both of you have amnesia, can it?¡±


    Kiera Olsen said coolly, ¡°Do you think this is a novel?¡±


    Samuel Morgan, ¡°I¡¯m just curious! It¡¯s absurd and thrilling. I wish the courthouse would also send me a wife like that.¡±


    Kiera Olsen sighed silently and after a while said, ¡°There¡¯s someone who must know what¡¯s going on.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Old Mrs. Horton.¡±


    ¡°¡­Isn¡¯t she unable to remember?¡±


    ¡°Is the clinical trial for the Alzheimer¡¯s treatment still in the experimental stage?¡± asked Kiera Olsen with a frown. ¡°Speed it up, otherwise, it¡¯ll be too late.¡±


    ¡°Too late for what?¡±


    Kiera Olsen looked down and didn¡¯t answer.


    She soon returned home.


    After entering the familiar room by opening the door, she suddenly noticed that the sixty-square-meter apartment seemed a bit empty.


    Just then, the little old lady walked in from the hallway with a suitcase, ¡°My dear daughter-in-law, you¡¯re back? I¡¯ve been waiting for you for a long time! I brought a lot of clothes this time~¡±


    Kiera Olsen paused for a second, then suddenly smiled.


    ¨C


    That day, the most famous divorce attorney¡¯s office in Oceanion received two commissions to draft divorce agreements.


    Both parties were anonymous, and the demands were the same, ¡°Neither side can take a penny of my money.¡±


    The terms were quite harsh.


    An assistant lawyer complained, ¡°I¡¯ve seen many divorces, but never any this heartless. One client is a man, the other a woman¡­ Men and women are equally ruthless when it comes to money!¡±


    The lawyer was used to seeing loving couples turn into enemies and had seen even crueler cases.


    He chuckled, ¡°One contract, earning money twice! Get it ready and send it to our employers!¡±


    ¨C


    Horton Group, top floor.


    Lewis Horton had been busy ever since he returned from the courthouse.


    It was nearly the end of the workday when he received a call from home, saying grandma had gone looking for the ¡°granddaughter-in-law¡± again.


    Grandma needed to be tested every day to ensure all her values were good¡­


    He frowned slightly and subconsciously opened WhatsApp, found ¡°Puppy,¡± thought about saying something, but didn¡¯t know what to say.


    It seemed ever since he knew ¡°Puppy¡± was Kiera Olsen, things had felt awkward.


    He casually scrolled through the chat history.


    Their previous chats had been very casual, like old friends.


    Especially when he helped her insult someone¡­ Wait, the person she insulted at the restaurant that day could possibly be himself?!


    Lewis Horton¡¯s face darkened instantly.


    At that moment, his phone vibrated with a message from ¡°Puppy,¡± a divorce contract:[Mr. Horton, the asset division in the agreement is my bottom line. Have a look, does it suit you?]


    Asset division¡­


    Was this woman really after the money when she married me?


    Just as Lewis Horton opened the contract, the door was pushed open, and Tom Davis walked in:


    ¡°Boss, we¡¯ve got the results of the investigation into your marriage!¡±

 Chapter 21 - Chapter 21: Chapter 21

    Chapter 21: Chapter 21


    As soon as Tom Davis finished speaking, Lewis Horton had already opened the divorce agreement Kiera had sent over on his computer.


    He quickly skimmed through the agreement, his eyes landing on the property division clause.


    After seeing the contents, he was slightly surprised.


    Seeing this, Tom Davis craned his neck to look at his computer screen and scoffed, ¡°Isn¡¯t that woman being ridiculous? She¡¯s not letting you take any of her property¡­ What can you take from her? Her Ant CreditPay debt?¡±


    Lewis Horton looked down and asked, ¡°What did you find out?¡±


    ¡°Boss, we found out that Kiera realized you were married only a few days ago when she and her boyfriend went to register their marriage. This divorce agreement seems to be for the purpose of getting a divorce as quickly as possible, as if she really had no idea.¡±


    At this point, Tom Davis changed the subject: ¡°But I actually think this is too deliberate. We checked her out, and after she left the Olsen Family, there¡¯s a lot we can¡¯t find! Boss, don¡¯t you find that strange? Why would an ordinary person hide themselves?¡±


    Lewis Horton¡¯s eyes were half-closed, thoughtful, ¡°So, you think this matter is related to her?¡±


    ¡°Exactly! As for her purpose, it¡¯s unknown.¡±


    Lewis Horton: ¡°Anything else?¡±


    Tom Davis scratched his head: ¡°It¡¯s been two years, and our whereabouts were unpredictable at the time, we really¡­ don¡¯t have any clue, maybe we can only wait for Old Mrs. Horton to remember something one day.¡±


    Lewis Horton cast a glance at him.


    Tom Davis hurriedly lowered his head: ¡°It¡¯s our incompetence, we will continue to investigate.¡±


    Lewis Horton printed two copies of the divorce agreement, stood up, and walked out, ¡°Have you made contact with Researcher Nora?¡±


    It was said that Researcher Nora was close to developing a clinical drug for Alzheimer¡¯s disease.


    Lewis Horton wanted to use the medicine on his grandmother as soon as possible.


    Tom Davis hung his head even lower: ¡°Researcher Nora is elusive, and because of her research, she¡¯s being watched by all the major biotech companies, making her even more cautious¡­¡±


    Feeling the chill emanating from Lewis Horton, his voice got lower and lower: ¡°Boss, rest assured, I will definitely make contact with her!¡±


    ¡­


    Just after Kiera finished dinner with old Mrs. Horton, she received a WhatsApp message from Lewis Horton: ¡°I¡¯m downstairs. Come down.¡±


    She used taking out the trash as an excuse to go downstairs and saw the familiar black stretched Bentley. She got in the car directly.


    Lewis Horton handed her the divorce agreement: ¡°I have no objections. Sign it.¡±


    His dark eyes stared straight at her, thinking she would find an excuse to refuse.


    But he saw the girl sign both copies of the agreement without hesitation and even asked him, ¡°Shall we divorce tomorrow?¡±


    Lewis Horton¡¯s gaze deepened, ¡°In such a hurry?¡±


    Kiera: ¡°I¡¯m dying of urgency.¡±


    The company was eager to go public!


    Lewis Horton scrutinized her for a moment: ¡°Okay.¡±


    Kiera also reminded him, ¡°Tomorrow morning then. Bring your ID card, household registration book, and marriage certificate. We¡¯ll meet at the courthouse.¡±


    Lewis Horton nodded, but his expression suddenly changed.


    Suddenly, Old Mrs. Horton had come downstairs without them knowing, her face pale as she looked at them.


    She clutched at her chest, her voice trembling, ¡°Are you two getting divorced?¡±


    Then her eyes closed and she collapsed to the ground.


    ¡°Grandma!¡±


    ¡­


    Outside the VIP ward of the First Hospital.


    ¡°The patient is now out of life-threatening danger.¡± The attending doctor said solemnly, ¡°Old Mrs. Horton can¡¯t be subjected to any more emotional shocks. You must not make her angry!¡±


    Hearing this, Kiera thought of the emergency measures that had just been taken on Old Mrs. Horton and still felt a little scared.


    She looked towards Lewis Horton standing beside her.


    The man¡¯s face was expressionless, seemingly very calm.


    But when the doctor said ¡°out of life-threatening danger,¡± he unclenched and relaxed his shirt collar, slowly sitting on the hallway bench, his hands clasped on his knees, trembling uncontrollably.


    At that moment, a nurse¡¯s voice came from the ward: ¡°Old Mrs. Horton, you¡¯re awake!¡±


    Lewis Horton rushed into the ward immediately.


    When Kiera followed in, Old Mrs. Horton had already opened her eyes.


    Looking at Kiera, she spoke in a hoarse voice, ¡°My granddaughter-in-law, I dreamt you and the brat were getting divorced. It¡¯s not true, is it?¡±


    Keira Olsen didn¡¯t speak, but Lewis Horton interjected, ¡°It¡¯s not true.¡±


    ¡°So, no divorce?¡±


    ¡°No divorce.¡±


    ¡°Give me your household registration book and marriage certificate.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Lewis Horton was always responsive to her requests.


    Old Mrs. Horton then looked towards Keira Olsen, ¡°Granddaughter-in-law, the brat isn¡¯t lying, right?¡±


    Keira Olsen thought of the doctor¡¯s advice and fell silent for a moment, ¡°It¡¯s true.¡±


    Only then was old Mrs. Horton satisfied.


    Although she had been overcome with emotion for a while, she would still stay in the hospital for observation tonight.


    Keira Olsen and Lewis Horton stayed to keep her company in the ward.


    Dusk fell.


    Keira Olsen lazily sat on the sofa browsing her phone.


    She was writing a pure English document about clinical drug research on Alzheimer¡¯s disease; she had been struggling with a technical issue in the concluding work.


    She needed to consult some biomedical literature.


    While pondering, a new message suddenly appeared on WhatsApp:


    Puppy: [Miss Olsen, wait until grandma¡¯s condition stabilizes before getting a divorce.]


    This request was inescapable.


    The divorce agreement was already signed, and their assets would have nothing to do with each other after this. Her marital status was still married, which wouldn¡¯t affect the company going public, so it didn¡¯t really matter when the divorce happened.


    Keira Olsen: [Okay.]


    Lewis Horton stared at these two characters on his phone and narrowed his eyes: [Do you have any other conditions?]


    Keira Olsen: [As soon as grandma is well, we can proceed with the divorce quickly.]


    Lewis Horton frowned and suddenly felt this woman was unfathomable.


    Old Mrs. Horton on the sickbed looked at Keira Olsen and then at Lewis Horton.


    The two of them barely exchanged words.


    This wouldn¡¯t do.


    Old Mrs. Horton suddenly said, ¡°Brat, I want to arrange a job for my granddaughter-in-law at Horton Group!¡±


    If they went to work together every day and were constantly seeing each other, wouldn¡¯t their feelings develop?


    Lewis Horton paused slightly: ¡°Okay.¡±


    He was especially agreeable tonight.


    But old Mrs. Horton was worried again: ¡°What job should I arrange?¡±


    Then, an idea struck her: ¡°Granddaughter-in-law, I¡¯ll make the arrangements! You¡¯ll go to work with the brat tomorrow!¡±


    Keira Olsen blinked her amorous eyes and said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    She suddenly remembered that Horton Group¡¯s database was extensive, and it might just have the literature she needed!


    Lewis Horton still had a meeting, so he left the room with Tom Davis.


    Just as they reached the corridor, Tom Davis said, ¡°No wonder that woman signed the divorce agreement so readily¡ªit turns out she summoned old Mrs. Horton downstairs. This marriage is basically unbreakable!¡±


    He then looked at Lewis Horton: ¡°Boss, she¡¯s even coaxed old Mrs. Horton into getting a job at Horton Group, there must be a plot! Why did you agree?¡±


    ¡°How can we expose the fox¡¯s tail if we don¡¯t keep her under our eyes?¡±


    A sharp light flashed through Lewis Horton¡¯s eyes.


    For grandma¡¯s sake, he couldn¡¯t possibly get a divorce now.


    As for whether that woman was innocent¡­ let¡¯s see what her purpose is for going to the company!


    In the hospital room.


    Keira Olsen lay on the sofa, when suddenly she heard old Mrs. Horton¡¯s voice: ¡°Granddaughter-in-law, let me tell you a secret¡­¡±


    Keira Olsen immediately inquired, ¡°What secret?¡±


    Could it be that old Mrs. Horton had remembered something else?

 Chapter 22 - Chapter 22: Chapter 22

    Chapter 22: Chapter 22


    Keira Olsen was hoping she¡¯d remember some crucial clue.


    For example, how did the little old lady come to know her?


    Or, how did she and Lewis Horton end up getting married?


    ¡°What secret does grandma actually have?¡±


    Keira Olsen asked expectantly.


    With a mischievous air, the little old lady began, ¡°That brat has an unknown weakness that I¡¯m going to tell you about now. If he ever bullies you, you fight back!¡±


    Keira Olsen: ¡°¡­¡± She wasn¡¯t actually very interested.


    But the little old lady was enthusiastic: ¡°Don¡¯t be fooled by his tough and unapproachable demeanor, he¡¯s actually afraid of cats.¡±


    Keira Olsen was momentarily stunned.


    She suddenly remembered a little brother she knew as a child who was also afraid of cats¡­


    But he was just a kid; could Lewis Horton, standing at a towering six feet two inches, really be afraid of cats?


    The little old lady then asked, ¡°Granddaughter-in-law, do you prefer cats or dogs?¡±


    ¡°Dogs.¡±


    She used to like cats too, but since the little brother didn¡¯t like them, she stopped liking them as well.


    Keira Olsen quickly understood why the little old lady had asked that question.


    The next day, on the top floor of Horton Group.


    ¡°Woof! Woof!¡± A cute little Shiba Inu was wagging its tail and circling Keira Olsen.


    Tom Davis was speechless: ¡°The task that old Mrs. Horton has arranged for Miss Olsen, is to take care of this little puppy.¡±


    Lewis Horton: ¡°¡­¡±


    They say elderly people return to a childlike state of mind as they age, acting on a whim.


    But to have the job be petting a dog¡­ that was just absurd!


    He ordered, ¡°Take her¡­ take them to the New Energy Research and Development Department Group for orientation.¡±


    This had been his plan all along.


    The New Energy Research and Development Department wasn¡¯t involved with the core of the group, yet it was crucial for the future development of the group; placing her there to see what slips she might make.


    Tom Davis immediately nodded.


    Keira Olsen didn¡¯t mind these arrangements. She picked up the puppy and followed Tom Davis, asking, ¡°Does it have a name?¡±


    Tom Davis: ¡°No, old Mrs. Horton said you should name it.¡±


    Keira Olsen glanced at Lewis Horton, who was sulking, and suddenly smiled mischievously: ¡°Then let¡¯s call it Kitty.¡±


    ¡°You want to name a dog Kitty?¡±


    ¡°Is that not okay?¡±


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡­


    The New Energy Research and Development Department was on the 38th floor of Horton Group.


    In the elevator.


    Tom Davis said, ¡°Miss Olsen, most of our employees in the research and development department are PhDs, the least being graduate students from prestigious universities, and you¡¯re the first with just a bachelor¡¯s degree! Take this opportunity to learn earnestly from your seniors here; it will benefit your future greatly. This special arrangement is the boss¡¯s way of rewarding you for pampering old Mrs. Horton¡ªno need to feel indebted, of course.¡±


    Keira Olsen: ¡°¡­¡± That really wasn¡¯t necessary.


    ¡°Right, about your relationship with the boss, he doesn¡¯t wish to make it public to avoid any complications should you divorce in the future.¡±


    Keira Olsen gave him a look, saying lazily: ¡°That suits me just fine, as I happen to share that concern.¡±


    Tom Davis: ?


    This woman actually despises the boss?


    He wanted to say something more, but the elevator arrived.


    The New Energy Research and Development Department was divided into two groups, located on the left and right sides of the elevator, with a common resting area in the middle.


    As soon as Kiera Olsen stepped out of the elevator, she heard several male colleagues chatting:


    ¡°I heard we¡¯re getting a young and beautiful intern in our group today!¡±


    ¡°Wow! Our monk temple is finally going to have a beauty! That¡¯s awesome!¡±


    Someone from the second group scoffed: ¡°Our group is about to invite Dr. South for technical support, what¡¯s so special about an undergraduate intern? Is she just a pretty face to act as a vase?¡±


    The first group glared at him, ready to retort, but a scolding voice came: ¡°A bunch of grown men gossiping like women? Aren¡¯t you supposed to be working?¡±


    The man speaking was Jalen Riley, the team leader of the first group, around 26 or 27 years old, tall and handsome, with an impatient look on his face, and an air of arrogance.


    Everyone immediately scattered.


    He frowned as he sized up Kiera Olsen and said discontentedly, ¡°Mr. Davis, an undergraduate with no experience at all, and you dare to just shove her in my team?¡±


    Tom Davis apologized with a smile: ¡°The boss told me to do it.¡±


    Jalen Riley still displeased, looked down on Kiera Olsen arrogantly, ¡°I don¡¯t care who you are, in my team, you follow my rules! Next time don¡¯t bring a dog to work!¡±


    Kiera Olsen didn¡¯t explain much: ¡°Okay.¡±


    Only then did Jalen Riley point to an empty office for her workstation.


    After she went in, he looked at Tom Davis: ¡°Mr. Davis, this is the last time. Of course, if my cousin can manage to hire Dr. South, you can give me a hundred and eighty clients with connections, and I won¡¯t complain!¡±


    Being a distant relative of the Horton family, he joined Horton Group relying on his own abilities!


    That¡¯s why he hated clients with connections the most!


    ¡­


    This was Kiera Olsen¡¯s first day at work, and it was quite novel to her.


    No one had assigned her any tasks, and she enjoyed the freedom.


    She played with ¡°the kitten¡± in the office for a while until the little guy curled up in a corner, basking in the sun and fell asleep.


    Only then did she stand up, gently get up, close the office door, and prepare to head to the Horton Group¡¯s research and development department¡¯s data library.


    Only by creating a specific drug for Alzheimer¡¯s disease and improving old Mrs. Horton¡¯s health could she remember something, then maybe she would understand the ins and outs of her inexplicable marriage to Lewis Horton!


    Kiera Olsen asked a colleague who seemed more gentle and introverted: ¡°I¡¯d like to look up some materials, could you tell me how to get to the data library?¡±


    The male colleague blushed, about to give her directions, when a questioning voice came: ¡°What do you need from the data library?¡±


    Kiera Olsen turned around and saw it was Jalen Riley.


    She answered, ¡°I want to study a bit.¡±


    Jalen Riley immediately scoffed, ¡°You? What right does an undergraduate have to enter the data library? That place is full of technical knowledge on the level of international puzzles, you¡¯d better understand the basic theory of our group before you talk!¡±


    Kiera Olsen: ¡°¡­¡±


    She took out her phone, intending to go straight to Lewis Horton, as having privileges certainly meant using them!


    But before she could send a message, Jalen Riley spoke up: ¡°It¡¯s no use who you contact, I am not some low-level employee they can easily push around. Once you¡¯re in my team, do your job and don¡¯t go around putting on airs and annoying people!¡±


    The gentle-looking male colleague suddenly spoke up: ¡°Team leader, she graduated from Oceanion University. Her transcript shows she didn¡¯t do badly on her specialized courses¡­¡±


    Jalen Riley immediately retorted: ¡°What¡¯s the use of that knowledge from books? Isn¡¯t every fresh graduate a novice when they start working?¡±


    He casually picked up a stack of materials from the male colleague¡¯s desk and threw it into Kiera Olsen¡¯s hands: ¡°This is the new energy project our team is currently working on; ask her if she understands it. Newcomers need to look the part!¡±


    Kiera Olsen glanced down at the project document and quickly flipped through it¡­


    Jalen Riley couldn¡¯t help but say: ¡°Flipping so fast, do you think you are Dr. South? If you don¡¯t understand, don¡¯t waste everyone¡¯s time and roll back to your office!¡±


    It was said that Dr. South had the ability to read lines with a single glance, reading very quickly.


    Upon hearing this, Kiera Olsen looked up and said coldly, ¡°Who said I don¡¯t understand?¡±

 Chapter 23 - Chapter 23: Chapter 23

    Chapter 23: Chapter 23


    Jalen Riley blinked with mild surprise, ¡°You can understand this?¡±


    Just as Keira Olsen was about to speak, the introverted male colleague interjected, ¡°Team leader, she really can understand it.¡±


    Jalen Riley shot him a glare, ¡°You know each other?¡±


    The male colleague smiled shyly, ¡°I was a graduate student of Professor Miller at Oceanion University. Last year when I was still studying, Professor Miller brought her with us to work on a project¡­¡±


    Keira Olsen looked at him seriously, trying to recall, ¡°Luca Barker, senior?¡±


    Luca Barker nodded shyly, explaining to Jalen Riley, ¡°Junior Miss is the only undergraduate student Professor Miller took on for a project. She reads very fast, and she has been exposed to all these fundamental frameworks.¡±


    Jalen Riley still looked at her disapprovingly, ¡°These are just the basics. There¡¯s nothing to be proud of just because you can understand them! If you¡¯re capable, then solve the core technology!¡±


    Luca Barker immediately said, ¡°Team leader, that¡¯s a bit too much to ask.¡±


    Jalen Riley smirked, ¡°If you don¡¯t have the ability, then just nestle nicely in the team, go to the information library and look up the most basic stuff. It¡¯s not shameful at all!¡±


    He left right after saying that.


    Luca Barker sighed and explained to Keira Olsen, ¡°The core technology has always been a stumbling block, and the team leader hasn¡¯t slept well for several days now. He¡¯s in a foul mood. Still, he¡¯s not a bad person, so don¡¯t take his words to heart.¡±


    Keira Olsen didn¡¯t mind at all.


    She didn¡¯t join Horton Group to make enemies, found out the information library¡¯s address, and headed straight there.


    The information library of Horton Group was located on the 60th floor and was in fact an enormous private library that only allowed employees of the Group to enter.


    Books here covered knowledge of various industries, including some scientific research materials that were completely inaccessible outside.


    Keira Olsen felt vaguely excited, her intuition telling her that she could find what she was looking for here.


    ¡­


    At the top floor.


    Lewis Horton was handling some backlogged documents when his phone chirped. It was a WhatsApp message from Old Mrs. Horton with the nickname ¡°Blossoms of Wealth and Honor¡±:


    [Brat, remember to have lunch with your daughter-in-law at noon and send me a photo of you two dining intimately.]


    Lewis Horton frowned.


    Just as he was about to refuse, claiming he had a meeting, the chat box suddenly flashed, and Great Grandmother changed her nickname from ¡°Blossoms of Wealth and Honor¡± to ¡°Fragile Grandmother That Cannot Be Agitated¡±.


    Lewis Horton: ¡°¡­¡±


    He stared at the note for a long time, finally sighing helplessly and pressing the call button on the desk beside him.


    Tom Davis quickly entered, ¡°Boss, what can I do for you?¡±


    ¡°Prepare two lunches to be sent up.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Lewis Horton then messaged ¡°Lacking in Iron¡± to come to the top floor for lunch.


    But by the time the food was laid out on the adjacent dining table, the girl had yet to respond to the message.


    Lewis Horton stood up, ¡°Where is she?¡±


    Tom Davis: ¡°Miss Olsen? She¡¯s in the information library.¡±


    Lewis Horton went down to the 60th floor and began searching slowly behind the rows of bookshelves.


    He quickly spotted her¡­ and Jake Horton, who was staring at her.


    ¡­


    Keira Olsen was so engrossed in searching for books that she didn¡¯t hear her phone vibrating.


    This library boasted the most advanced technological materials of today, which made her utterly absorbed.


    She lingered by the bookshelves, lost to the world, and accidentally bumped into someone when she stepped back.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    When Keira Olsen turned around, she saw a familiar face.


    Jake Horton stared at her with a complex expression, ¡°Kiera Olsen, you¡¯re trying so hard to please Great Grandmother, could it be you¡¯re doing this to get close to your uncle-in-law?¡±


    Kiera Olsen¡¯s face turned cold in an instant, ¡°It has nothing to do with you.¡±


    Yet Jake continued, ¡°The uncle has never been close to women for all these years. Don¡¯t think you can seduce him with that face of yours; he¡¯s not that superficial! Hasn¡¯t he just gotten rid of you by giving you an insignificant job?¡±


    Kiera Olsen sneered, ¡°Are you saying, then, that the reason you chased me for so long was because you¡¯re more superficial?¡±


    Jake Horton was choked up!


    Kiera Olsen looked at the young man before her.


    He had been her only friend in university.


    She had seriously considered him, even when he said he would surprise her at the graduation ceremony, she had pondered whether to accept his pursuit.


    She never thought it would come to this.


    She sighed, ¡°Jake Horton, can¡¯t we just part on good terms?¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    Jake Horton¡¯s eyes suddenly reddened, ¡°I know you hate me for proposing to Isla Olsen, but I had no choice, there are many factors to consider in a marriage of convenience! I tried for you before, my mom even agreed to me being with an ordinary person, but your status¡­ no matter what, I could never marry an illegitimate daughter! How would I face myself in the Horton family after, not to mention becoming the laughingstock of Oceanion?¡±


    Kiera Olsen looked at him.


    As a child, she also felt humiliated by her status.


    But when she left the Olsen family, she understood the importance of self-respect.


    She withdrew her gaze, ¡°Thanks for not marrying me.¡±


    As she tried to leave, Jake Horton blocked her again, ¡°I heard you were having trouble in Research and Development Team One; I can arrange for you to come to Team Two. Team Two is under my supervision, and I¡¯ll find capable people to train you¡­ I know you¡¯re strong-minded. You¡¯re so smart, and you will catch on quickly, be independent before you know it, and won¡¯t have to work odd jobs anymore¡­¡±


    Kiera Olsen cut off his rambling, ¡°What¡¯s the condition?¡±


    ¡°You divorce, and follow me.¡±


    Jake Horton couldn¡¯t allow another man to share her!


    The very thought drove him mad!


    Kiera Olsen said coldly, ¡°You¡¯re not worthy!¡±


    ¡°Why? Do you love your gangster husband that much? You believe if I offer him a sum of money, or have someone intimidate him, he¡¯d leave you! How could he compare to me?¡±


    Jake Horton, burning with rage, grabbed Kiera Olsen¡¯s wrist and pinned her against the bookshelf.


    His eyes rimmed with red, ¡°Or are all you women so cheap, falling for him just because you¡¯ve slept with him? If that¡¯s the case, then you should see who¡¯s better between him and me!¡±


    With that, he harshly bent his head down and fiercely kissed her!


    At the right end of the bookshelf, Lewis Horton stood there, having heard everything.


    Sensing Jake Horton¡¯s misconduct, his face turned iron blue, ready to step in, yet he saw¡ª


    The slender girl suddenly bent her knee and delivered a harsh blow to Jake Horton¡¯s groin!


    He stepped back in pain, and without hesitation, she slapped him!


    ¡°Smack!¡±


    After hitting Jake Horton, Kiera Olsen, still not satisfied, cast a cold glance at him,


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to hurt your pride, but since you insisted on getting to the bottom of it, I¡¯ll tell you that my husband is taller than you, more handsome than you, and his stamina is countless times better than yours. Unlike you, who can only be ineffectively pushed away; you might want to work on that if you have the time!¡±


    After dropping these words, Kiera Olsen turned to leave only to see Lewis Horton standing at the corner ahead.


    Kiera Olsen: ¡°¡­¡±


    Lewis Horton: ¡°¡­¡±


    At that moment, Jake Horton, bending over in pain, yelled out frantically, ¡°What good is his stamina? I can play with you in the company as I please, and your husband can¡¯t do anything about it!¡±


    At these words, a male voice came through, ¡°Who says he can¡¯t?¡±

 Chapter 24 - Chapter 24: Chapter 24

    Chapter 24: Chapter 24


    Several people turned their heads in unison, looking towards the speaker.


    It was Jalen Riley.


    He had dark circles under his eyes and a look of annoyance on his face.


    Jake Horton was astonished, ¡°You¡¯re her husband?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Jalen Riley curled his lip, ¡°If her husband were any bit of a man and knew you were bullying her here, he would definitely come and fight you! How could he do nothing at all?¡±


    Jake Horton: ¡°¡­¡±


    He suppressed his pain and stood up, staring at Jalen Riley with a sinister gaze, ¡°I want to transfer her to our second group.¡±


    ¡°No way,¡± Jalen Riley stated dominantly, ¡°You don¡¯t get to make decisions about people in my group.¡±


    He still had that arrogant demeanor, but to Keira Olsen, it suddenly seemed much more agreeable.


    Jake Horton, puzzled, asked, ¡°She¡¯s just a nepotism hire, don¡¯t you hate those the most?¡±


    Jalen Riley scoffed, ¡°What right do you have to mock her? At least she¡¯s just a junior employee, but you, a bachelor¡¯s degree holder, are the leader of the second group! You have the nerve to call others nepotism hires?¡±


    Jake Horton was so irritated his teeth hurt, ¡°It¡¯s not the same, I¡¯m the legitimate grandson of the first branch of the Horton family!¡±


    ¡°Oh, the biggest nepotism hire of the Horton Group itself.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Jake Horton took a deep breath and suddenly said, ¡°In a few days, Dr. South will be coming to my research team. Jalen Riley, isn¡¯t he your idol? Just stay out of this matter, and I can introduce you to him.¡±


    Jalen Riley fell silent.


    Who among those researching new energy sources didn¡¯t idolize Dr. South?


    Jalen Riley had read Dr. South¡¯s published papers over and over, growing to admire him more each time.


    He had always been looking for various channels, trying to find a way to meet Dr. South.


    Now Jake Horton was using this to threaten him¡­


    Jalen Riley hesitated for a second out of respect for Dr. South, then said, ¡°No!¡±


    He turned to Keira Olsen, ¡°Stop making a fool of yourself here, let¡¯s go back!¡±


    Keira Olsen looked towards the direction where Lewis Horton had been, only to find that the man had left at some unknown point.


    She silently breathed a sigh of relief.


    Good that he was gone, or else her comment about ¡°good stamina¡± would have been too embarrassing.


    She followed by Jalen Riley¡¯s side, and the two left the archive room.


    Jalen Riley frowned unhappily, ¡°All because of you, I missed the chance to meet Dr. South!¡±


    Keira Olsen, however, laughed, ¡°There will be other opportunities.¡±


    Jalen Riley scolded her again, ¡°As an undergraduate, can¡¯t you just behave and stay in the office? Why come here and demean yourself!¡±


    Keira Olsen didn¡¯t take it to heart.


    Luca Barker was right, despite the grouchy mouth, the leader was actually pretty decent.


    Jake Horton, still standing in the original spot, had a dark look in his eyes.


    He clenched his fists tightly.


    One day, he would make Keira Olsen come begging to him in tears!


    He took a deep breath, and once the pain in his body had subsided a bit, he dialed Isla Olsen¡¯s phone, ¡°Tomorrow afternoon, aren¡¯t you having lunch with Dr. South? Take me with you!¡±


    ¡­


    Keira Olsen and Jalen Riley returned to the first research and development team and saw the messages on WhatsApp.


    She used the excuse of having a meal and went to the top floor, into Lewis Horton¡¯s office.


    The man was dressed in a white shirt and black suit, looking very refined and gentlemanly. Without lifting his head, he pointed towards the side dining table, ¡°You go ahead and eat.¡±


    Keira Olsen felt somewhat guilty.


    By the look of him, he probably hadn¡¯t heard what she had said, right?


    As she was thinking this, she heard the sound of taking a photo from a phone.


    Lewis Horton coolly finished taking the photo and sent it to ¡°Fragile Grandma who can¡¯t stand to be irritated¡± via WhatsApp, then finally came over.


    Knowing the purpose of his photo-taking, Keira Olsen didn¡¯t ask further. Instead, looking at the dining table and grasping at straws for conversation, she said, ¡°Mr. Horton¡¯s lunch is quite lavish.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    The man took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and sat down across from her, elegantly picking up the chopsticks, ¡°After all, one can only have good physical strength if they keep up with their nutrition.¡±


    Keira Olsen: !!!


    She felt her cheeks heat up as her eyes faintly swept over the exposed half of his strong forearm, and then she packed a serving of the meal.


    ¡°Mr. Horton, I suddenly remembered that I haven¡¯t fed my cat, I¡¯ll be leaving first.¡±


    She picked up the portion of the meal: ¡°Thanks for the lunch.¡±


    Lewis Horton¡¯s face stiffened for a moment.


    Keira Olsen was greatly pleased.


    ¡­


    Research and Development Department, Team One.


    Jalen Riley ate his takeaway with as much enthusiasm as chewing wax, thinking about the scene he had witnessed that day.


    He had initially thought the undergraduate was all talk and no action, but could it be that she was so driven because she was let down by Jake Horton and wanted to make a big splash to stand out?


    Thinking about the demands Jake had made, they were indeed humiliating.


    No wonder she was so eager to learn more.


    Unfortunately, haste makes waste. Without a solid foundation, even if she saw those profound materials, she wouldn¡¯t be able to understand them.


    He stood up and walked over to Luca Barker, speaking in a low voice, ¡°Find something for that undergraduate to do this afternoon, guide her a bit.¡±


    Luca Barker was startled: ¡°Ah, alright.¡±


    Jalen Riley¡¯s face was a bit embarrassed as he said fiercely, ¡°So that she doesn¡¯t run around causing us trouble!¡±


    Luca Barker: ¡°¡­¡±


    So, when Keira Olsen was about to visit the data library again in the afternoon, she was stopped by Luca Barker: ¡°The team leader said we don¡¯t keep freeloaders here, you need to complete your work before you can study in the data library.¡±


    He arranged for her some basic tasks that had already been completed.


    Without a clear scientific research direction, it was quite troublesome to sort these things out bit by bit.


    However, newcomers could learn a lot from it.


    Luca Barker thought it would take at least a month, if not more, to get a clear understanding of these tasks.


    But to his surprise, Keira Olsen handed in her work after just half an hour.


    Luca Barker: ¡°¡­¡±


    He checked the work content and found that what she had completed was even better than theirs!


    Keira Olsen humbly asked, ¡°Is there any more work? If not, I¡¯ll head to the data library.¡±


    What could Luca Barker arrange on the spot?


    He still had a lot of things he couldn¡¯t figure out.


    He bit the bullet and assigned her the work he had on his hands.


    The module he was responsible for, he had been working on for a week and still hadn¡¯t finished, although it was a bit difficult¡­ But it seemed that the junior¡¯s basics were pretty solid?


    So a foray into something profound would make her realize the reality and she would then obediently follow their lead in learning, right?


    Yet an hour later, Keira Olsen actually came to submit her work again!


    ¡°Finished?¡±


    Luca Barker was stunned, looking at the email on his computer, he found that the technical point he had been stuck on, she had easily resolved!!!


    Luca Barker went to find Jalen Riley.


    Jalen Riley pondered, ¡°The point you were stuck on is because you were fixating on a dead end. The undergraduate must have gotten lucky and found another solution. Continue to assign her more difficult tasks.¡±


    Luca Barker: ¡°¡­ Any more difficult, and it would mean throwing the core technical problems at her to solve!¡±


    This problem had stumped Jalen Riley for a month!


    Jalen Riley: ¡°Give it to her!¡±


    Since it was just to keep her busy so she wouldn¡¯t wander off, let her see what a real scientific research problem was like!


    And so, Luca Barker heartlessly tossed the core technical problem that had been plaguing the whole team over to Keira Olsen¡­

 Chapter 25 - Chapter 25: Chapter 25

    Chapter 25: Chapter 25


    The technical core of Group One in the R&D department was quite challenging.


    Keira Olsen had spent a full two hours solving the problem.


    She sent an email to Luca Barker before heading out to find him.


    Luca, however, stood up and started packing, looking very pleased, ¡°We¡¯re off work!¡±


    Today was Friday, and the moment of leaving work was the happiest for every worker.


    Finally, the weekend was here.


    With a smile, Luca noticed Keira Olsen, ¡°Junior, how did your work go?¡±


    Keira Olsen began, ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°Actually, there¡¯s no rush!¡± Luca excitedly interrupted her, ¡°Just have a good weekend first, we can talk about it on Monday.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Keira Olsen merely swallowed her words.


    Although she didn¡¯t spend much time at work, she understood that discussing work at the end of work on a Friday was annoying.


    Better not to disturb the senior¡¯s weekend now.


    After all, the work she completed was just a small issue for the R&D department.


    Go to ????????????????????.co


    As Luca picked up his backpack and walked past Keira, he paused briefly and still offered some consolation, ¡°Junior, don¡¯t be disheartened. You¡¯re actually quite amazing!¡±


    Keira Olsen was puzzled.


    She wasn¡¯t supposed to work, but she did because Jalen Riley had given her a hand earlier in the day.


    Since she had finished the task, she would come back to work next week and visit the archive.


    With that thought, Keira Olsen picked up her ¡°kitten¡± and also left the office.


    ¡­


    The top floor.


    After finishing his work for the day, Lewis Horton checked the time and stood up to go home.


    Tom Davis casually asked, ¡°Boss, going where?¡±


    Lewis paused, realizing he hadn¡¯t yet asked where his grandmother was.


    He called Old Mrs. Horton, ¡°Where are you¡­ at whose house?¡±


    The response from Old Mrs. Horton was unexpected, ¡°At the hospital.¡±


    Lewis frowned, ¡°Didn¡¯t the doctor say you could be discharged already?¡±


    ¡°But my chest started hurting again this afternoon, so I thought I¡¯d stay a few more days. Brat, are you coming to keep me company tonight?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t come, that¡¯s okay. Here I am, a poor old lady, unloved by her son and grandson, all alone in the hospital. If I wake up at midnight wanting a sip of water, there¡¯ll be no one around, sigh~¡±


    ¡°¡­ I¡¯m on my way.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s more like it. Oh, and I¡¯ve already spoken to your wife, she¡¯ll keep me company too. You should come with her~!¡±


    After hanging up, Lewis pressed his temples.


    He certainly understood his grandmother¡¯s little schemes, whether she went back to the Horton¡¯s or stayed at Keira Olsen¡¯s, the couple would usually be apart at night, but at the hospital, they could keep her company together giving them more time to spend together.


    But she had a boyfriend¡­


    Lewis bit his lip, wanting to keep his distance from her.


    Yet thinking of his grandmother¡¯s health, he still managed to suppress his displeasure and messaged her on WhatsApp: [I will pick you up after work to go to the hospital.]


    The response came back unusually quickly: [Don¡¯t bother, I¡¯m already on my way there by taxi.]


    At least she knew to avoid suspicion.


    It wasn¡¯t that she stuck to it without discretion just because of Grandma¡¯s favoritism¡­


    Lewis Horton should have felt happy, but the displeasure in his heart mysteriously increased a bit.


    ¡­


    Keira Olsen actually hadn¡¯t thought much about it.


    It was just that she didn¡¯t want to be too involved with Lewis Horton before the truth about their marriage came out.


    This inexplicable marriage must have been trouble stirred up by Lewis Horton¡¯s side, after all, who would pay attention to someone as weak, pitiful, and helpless as her?


    She carried the little Shiba Inu and went straight into the hospital, heading towards the VIP ward.


    Not far away.


    Mrs. Olsen, Jodie South, had just finished a follow-up.


    Isla Olsen was supporting her arm, and the two of them stared in the direction Keira Olsen had left.


    Mrs. Olsen hesitated, ¡°Isn¡¯t that Keira? What is she doing at the hospital? Is she sick?¡±


    Isla Olsen felt a wave of annoyance rising within her.


    The fact that Old Mrs. Horton was hospitalized couldn¡¯t be hidden from the Hortons.


    But the old lady was stubborn, refusing every visitor, and even Isla was turned away from the ward today without seeing anyone.


    So Keira Olsen must be here to accompany that old thing!


    Her eyes flickered, ¡°She must be here to visit Old Mrs. Horton¡­ Keira is really filial.¡±


    As soon as she said this, Aunt South, who had accompanied them, was displeased. She frowned, ¡°Filial? I haven¡¯t seen her visit Mrs. Horton before!¡±


    Aunt South was over fifty this year, looking about a decade older than Jodie South and had taken care of Mrs. Olsen her whole life, never having married.


    Mrs. Olsen treated her like a real sister, so Aunt South had a high status in the Olsen Family, to the point that even Isla Olsen was very polite to her.


    Upon hearing this, Mrs. Olsen looked somewhat melancholic, ¡°Keira had a hard time in the Olsen household back then¡­¡±


    Aunt South immediately spoke up, ¡°Madam, you are still speaking up for her. Although I don¡¯t like Poppy Hill¡¯s petty ways either, she¡¯s right about one thing, Miss Keira is an ungrateful wretch! You¡¯ve been frequently thinking about her and worrying about her, but she¡¯s probably forgotten you long ago!¡±


    Isla Olsen then said, ¡°I heard Mr. Horton arranged a job for her at the Horton Group¡­ so she¡¯s repaying Old Mrs. Horton, right?¡±


    Aunt South scoffed, ¡°Madam also raised her! When she was a child and Poppy Hill didn¡¯t care for her, it was Madam who breastfed her, sent her to school, and raised her. The grace of nurturing her is greater than the heavens, yet she doesn¡¯t seem to remember to repay Madam!¡±


    Mrs. Olsen immediately intervened, ¡°Alright, stop talking.¡±


    But Isla Olsen continued, ¡°Mom had good intentions. When she helped others back then, she didn¡¯t ask for anything in return. But there are also people who return a small favor with a great one, like Dr. South. Mom just sponsored him a little money for school, and how much has he helped our family over the years? Three years ago, when the company was on the verge of bankruptcy, Dr. South directly gave us a technical patent, which saved us from crisis¡­¡±


    Aunt South immediately nodded, ¡°Compared to him, Dr. South is much better than Keira Olsen! I don¡¯t know what Dr. South looks like, but since he is a man of character, he must be decent!¡±


    Isla Olsen immediately feigned curiosity, ¡°I¡¯d also like to know what kind of person Dr. South is. Mom, take me with you tomorrow!¡±


    Mrs. Olsen smiled and touched her nose, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll take you.¡±


    The group talked as they went downstairs to the parking lot to leave.


    Keira Olsen, who had just entered the VIP ward and was sitting on a sofa beside the bed, witnessed this scene.


    Her gaze followed Mrs. Olsen.


    She could see that Mrs. Olsen¡¯s complexion was unhealthily pale; her figure slim and straight like bamboo, exuding an indescribable charm.


    Isla Olsen was saying something beside her, and Mrs. Olsen could only nod helplessly.


    The mother and daughter¡¯s movements were affectionate.


    It wasn¡¯t until the car left that Keira Olsen reluctantly took her eyes off them.


    As she turned her head, she saw the little old Mrs. Horton standing behind her, ¡°Daughter-in-law, who is that person? She looks so familiar.¡±


    Keira Olsen¡¯s eyes softened, just about to speak.


    ¡°You look so similar¡­¡± The little old Mrs. Horton suddenly brightened up, ¡°I remember now, she¡¯s your mother!¡±

 Chapter 26 - Chapter 26: Chapter 26

    Chapter 26: Chapter 26


    Look alike?


    Kiera Olsen paused briefly.


    In fact, apart from both having oval faces, her and Mrs. Olsen¡¯s features were not alike.


    Mrs. Olsen had phoenix eyes, while hers were amorous eyes.


    If there really was a similarity, it might be the kind of cold aura they both possessed that seemed quite similar at first glance.


    ¡­which was also normal.


    After all, when she had just left the Olsen family, whenever she faced difficulties, she would think about how Mrs. Olsen would handle them.


    She learned from Mrs. Olsen how to behave and secretly absorbed her charms, so it was no surprise that she developed a few of her own.


    Kiera Olsen turned to the old lady, ¡°Grandma, she¡¯s not my mom.¡±


    But the old lady firmly said, ¡°She is! My granddaughter-in-law, how can you not recognize your mom?¡±


    Kiera Olsen was caught between laughter and tears.


    The old lady was having another one of her episodes.


    Fortunately, just then, Lewis Horton appeared at the hospital room door with dinner packed up, diverting her fixation.


    Go to ????????????????????.co


    The dinner Lewis Horton prepared was very sumptuous.


    Apart from some light dishes, there were also fruits for three people.


    Yet, the old lady immediately frowned, ¡°My granddaughter-in-law can¡¯t eat mangoes; she¡¯s allergic!¡±


    Kiera Olsen was slightly startled.


    She looked at the old lady in disbelief, ¡°Grandma, how do you know?¡±


    She used to be indeed allergic to mangoes, but her health improved two years ago, and she overcame the allergy.


    Thus, she had never mentioned this to the old lady!


    The old lady chuckled, ¡°You told me before, remember? You said mangoes would cover your face with little red bumps¡­¡±


    Kiera Olsen¡¯s expression gradually turned serious, ¡°When was before?¡±


    The old lady then became confused again, ¡°It seems like it was before your marriage¡­ Yes, you told me before you got married!¡±


    Yet Kiera Olsen was certain that she had never met the old lady back then!


    She hadn¡¯t lost her memory!


    She hurriedly asked, ¡°Do you remember anything else? Like how Mr. Horton and I registered our marriage?¡±


    The old lady shook her head, ¡°I can¡¯t remember¡­¡±


    It seemed that the old lady needed specific circumstances to occasionally remember something.


    As Kiera Olsen pondered, she suddenly felt a piercing gaze upon her.


    Turning her head, she met Lewis Horton¡¯s deep gaze.


    The man¡¯s expression was icy, clearly having understood the old lady¡¯s words, and he seemed to suspect her motives again!


    She really couldn¡¯t clear herself even if she jumped into the Yellow River.


    Suddenly, Kiera Olsen picked up the Shiba Inu, ¡°Grandma, you guys eat first, I¡¯m going to walk the dog.¡±


    With that, she walked out.


    She didn¡¯t go far, just stopping at the end of the hallway, leaning against the wall with the dog in her arms, her amorous eyes gazing towards the old lady¡¯s hospital room.


    Sure enough, it wasn¡¯t long before a tall figure followed her out.


    Upon seeing her, Lewis Horton slowly approached, his voice low, ¡°Miss Olsen, is there something you want to say?¡±


    Kiera Olsen pressed her lips together, ¡°I thought you might want me to explain something.¡±


    ¡°Does Miss Olsen have something she wants to explain?¡±


    Kiera Olsen earnestly said, ¡°About what grandma mentioned regarding before our marriage, I really don¡¯t know what it¡¯s about.¡±


    She herself found her words unbelievable, considering an allergy to mangoes was private information the old lady couldn¡¯t have possibly made up.


    She expected him to be skeptical, but he merely responded calmly with one word, ¡°Oh.¡±


    Kiera Olsen was baffled by his attitude, ¡°Mr. Horton, do you believe me?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Keira Olsen: ?


    Lewis Horton suddenly stepped closer, the natural height difference made Keira feel as though she was being looked down upon by a man.


    He slowly said, ¡°Miss Olsen, regardless of whether you have any intentions, if you can keep grandma happy, then I promise to protect you completely.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Keira Olsen suddenly understood his thinking.


    This man didn¡¯t care about the truth or whether she was deceiving anyone.


    He was powerful, dominating Oceanion, unafraid of any plot or scheme¡­


    He only cared about the old lady.


    Even if she truly had some schemes, as long as she could make the old lady happy, this man would probably turn a blind eye¡­


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    The man suddenly became imposing again, ¡°If you hurt grandma, I¡¯ll make sure you can¡¯t survive in Oceanion.¡±


    Keira Olsen, who didn¡¯t respond well to threats, scoffed, ¡°Mr. Horton, haven¡¯t you already done that?¡±


    Lewis Horton frowned, about to say something, when a robust voice came through:


    ¡°Keira Olsen?¡±


    Keira Olsen turned around to see Professor Miller.


    He must have caught a cold, as his voice was a bit hoarse. Coming over, he said directly, ¡°I was just about to call you to ask if you found a job yet? Have you and Mr. Horton cleared up the misunderstanding? Mr. Horton is really not acting like a man. Arguing with a girl over something like this, canceling your recommended study position, and even declaring that you should disappear from Oceanion?¡±


    Lewis Horton: ??


    Keira Olsen glanced at Lewis Horton with a half-smile, ¡°Professor, don¡¯t worry, the misunderstanding has been resolved. Mr. Horton is quite nice actually, he arranged a job for me and even promised to protect me~¡±


    This sarcastic tone made Lewis Horton¡¯s face darken.


    Professor Miller breathed a sigh of relief, then noticed Lewis Horton and seeing how close they were standing, thought of the conversation he had overheard between Isla Olsen and Poppy Hill, and instinctively asked, ¡°Is this your¡­ thug husband?¡±


    Lewis Horton: ¡°¡­¡± His face grew even darker.


    Keira Olsen¡¯s smile brightened a bit, ¡°Mm, you could say that.¡±


    Professor Miller looked earnestly at Lewis Horton, ¡°Young man, you¡¯re strong and well-built, and good-looking too. You should really strive to find a decent job!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡­


    At the Olsen Family¡¯s residence.


    The family was having lunch in the dining room.


    Mrs. Olsen looked unwell, appearing to have lost her appetite.


    Taylor Olsen immediately asked with concern, ¡°Shirley, what¡¯s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?¡±


    Mrs. Olsen waved her hand.


    Isla Olsen then said, ¡°Dad, we ran into Kiera at the hospital today, I think mom¡¯s a bit worried about her.¡±


    Taylor Olsen frowned, ¡°Worried about her for what?¡±


    Isla Olsen sighed, ¡°She must hate me by now, blaming me for her withdrawal from school and forcing her to go abroad¡­ I¡¯m worried about what she might say in front of Old Mrs. Horton, and Mr. Horton might take it out on me¡­¡±


    Taylor Olsen scoffed, ¡°That¡¯s her problem with Mr. Horton, what does it have to do with you? Even if she¡¯s lucky to have saved Old Mrs. Horton, it¡¯s their affair. Speaking of which, it was Mr. Horton who told us to properly educate our daughter!¡±


    Isla Olsen¡¯s expression stiffened.


    She had deliberately mentioned that Mr. Horton had left a message that time¡­ that should be in the past by now, right?


    She was always clearly aware that her father, Taylor Olsen¡¯s kindness to her primarily stemmed from her being Mrs. Olsen¡¯s daughter!


    If he knew that she had displeased Mr. Horton¡­ the consequences were unthinkable!


    Just then, Taylor Olsen¡¯s phone suddenly rang.


    He answered, ¡°Mr. Davis?! What brings you to call me? Does Mr. Horton have any instructions?¡±


    Upon hearing this, Isla Olsen¡¯s heart sank!!


    It shouldn¡¯t be what she was thinking, right? She panicked!

 Chapter 27 - Chapter 27: Chapter 27

    Chapter 27: Chapter 27


    Tom Davis¡¯s voice came through the phone, ¡°The boss asked me to ask Miss Isla Olsen when he said he wanted Miss Keira Olsen to disappear from Oceanion? How come the boss himself doesn¡¯t know?¡±


    Taylor Olsen¡¯s face went blank, disbelievingly looking towards Isla.


    Isla¡¯s face instantly turned pale.


    Taylor Olsen gave Tom Davis many apologetic smiles, and finally, with a remark, ¡°The Olsen Family really should teach their daughter a lesson,¡± he ended the call and then glared at Isla.


    Isla lowered her head and silently cried, ¡°When I saw Keira clinging to Mr. Horton, I was afraid that it would affect my marriage with Jake, and even more afraid that the Hortons would look down on me¡­ Dad, I didn¡¯t do it on purpose.¡±


    Taylor roared, ¡°But that does not justify pretending to act under Mr. Horton¡¯s orders!¡±


    Isla clenched her fists, her eyes flickered, and she sobbed, ¡°Dad, after all, Keira is your daughter too, I feared you wouldn¡¯t bear to scold her¡­¡±


    ¡°Foolish!!¡±


    True to form, Taylor changed the subject, ¡°How many times have I said that in my heart, there is only one daughter, and it¡¯s you! What is Keira Olsen? Can she even compare to you?!¡±


    Mrs. Olsen disagreed, ¡°Taylor, don¡¯t say that, Keira is still your daughter!¡±


    Taylor immediately turned his head, ¡°Shirley, after so many years, do you still not understand me? Being tricked by Poppy Hill was my fault, I owe you and our family, but I will not recognize her or her daughter! In my heart, there are only you and our daughter, who are my true family.¡±


    Standing by as a nanny, Poppy Hill, upon hearing this, immediately clenched her fists in resentment!


    She looked at Taylor with bitter eyes.


    Go to ????????????????????.co


    This was the man she dearly loved, her childhood friend from next door, yet this man¡¯s heart and eyes were fixed only on Jodie South!


    Back then, when she was pregnant, she went to him with the pregnancy test, offering to be his mistress, but he mercilessly sent her away, saying he would not be unfaithful to his wife¡­


    Poppy Hill had no other choice but to find Jodie South, and it was only through threats of death that she managed to stay in the Olsen family.


    Over the years, Taylor had never shown her any affection, and he treated Keira as if she were air¡­


    Fortunately¡­ she had switched the two children!


    Poppy Hill lowered her head, suppressing a smile at the bottom of her eyes.


    Taylor would never know that his beloved daughter whom he had cherished for so many years, Isla, was actually her daughter!


    As for Keira Olsen¡­ she deserved to be ignored and oppressed!


    Yet, Mrs. Olsen stubbornly shook her head, ¡°Taylor, Isla is wrong, and that¡¯s that. She lied first, causing us to misunderstand Keira. We should apologize to Keira.¡±


    Taylor frowned, ¡°Apologize for what? You and my daughter, going to apologize to the daughter of Poppy Hill?¡±


    Poppy Hill also immediately said, ¡°No need, no need, the Olsen family raised her, that is a great favor. Besides, her shameless entanglement with Mr. Horton was indeed wrongful; the Olsen family disciplining her is only right and her good fortune¡­¡±


    Mrs. Olsen looked at them, sighed softly, but did not argue further.


    But after dinner, when Isla was escorting her back to her room, Mrs. Olsen looked at her, ¡°If you have time tomorrow, I¡¯ll take you to see Keira and apologize in person.¡±


    Isla¡¯s face stiffened, surprised that she dodged her father¡¯s punishment but not Mrs. Olsen¡¯s¡­ She said in distress, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Seeing her like this, Mrs. Olsen sighed again, ¡°Aren¡¯t you planning to meet Dr. South with Jake tomorrow? Let¡¯s do it together.¡±


    Isla¡¯s eyes suddenly lit up, she clung to Mrs. Olsen¡¯s arm, ¡°Okay, mom, you are always so good to me.¡±


    Because she offended old Mrs. Horton, she lost two percent of the shares in Horton Group.


    She now needed to prove her worth in front of the Hortons, fearing that Jake would call off their engagement.


    Mrs. Olsen helplessly patted her head.


    After Isla left happily, Mrs. Olsen then turned to Aunt South, ¡°Sister South, I have been unwell for years and lacked the energy to discipline Isla, truly neglectful¡­ cough, cough, cough¡­¡±


    But Aunt South said, ¡°Madam, you are overthinking it! I find Miss Isla very good, dutiful and considerate. Even if she lies occasionally, she will change, it¡¯s not such a flaw.¡±


    However, Mrs. Olsen said, ¡°Keira never lies.¡±


    She coughed violently again.


    Aunt South immediately helped her to the bed, ¡°You think too much¡­ that¡¯s why even after so many years, this illness hasn¡¯t healed¡­¡±


    Mrs. Olsen¡¯s eyes and eyebrows showed bitterness.


    ¡­


    The next day.


    From the moment Keira Olsen woke up in the morning, she felt somewhat nervous. It had been ten years since she last met Mrs. Olsen, and she didn¡¯t know whether her mother would be happy or angry to see her.


    At noon, she decided to go home, take a shower, and change her clothes.


    The old lady had Lewis Horton drive her home.


    As they left the hospital room and just went downstairs, they saw Tom Davis coming toward them: ¡°Boss.¡±


    Lewis Horton nodded slightly at him, and Tom Davis then handed a piece of paper to Keira Olsen: ¡°Miss Olsen, you can take a look.¡±


    Keira Olsen, puzzled, took it and discovered that the paper listed a row of well-known domestic universities and famous professors in the field of new energy!


    She looked at Tom Davis with confusion, ¡°What is this?¡±


    Tom Davis lifted his chin slightly: ¡°These are professors who are even more renowned than Professor Miller. You can choose one to continue your studies; it¡¯s the boss¡¯s compensation for cancelling your assured graduate placement, Miss Olsen. Meeting our boss, you could consider this a blessing in disguise.¡±


    Keira Olsen twitched the corner of her mouth: ¡°No need.¡±


    She had heard of most of these professors, all of whom had already sent her emails wanting to consult with her on professional knowledge.


    ¡°So you want to continue with Professor Miller¡¯s graduate studies?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t think highly of these people, then you want to be Dr. South¡¯s graduate student?¡±


    Tom Davis frowned, ¡°That¡¯s a bit difficult. Dr. South is now highly sought-after; I¡¯ve heard that several universities abroad have offered him positions. Miss Olsen, such a genius professor would only recruit genius students. You might not catch his eye. Maybe you shouldn¡¯t set your sights so high and your capabilities so low. Just choose one from these professors for now; after graduate school, you can still try to apply for Dr. South¡¯s PhD program, right?¡±


    ¡­


    Keira Olsen looked at him as if he were a fool and directly told Lewis Horton, ¡°Mr. Horton, you don¡¯t need to drive me. I¡¯ll take a taxi back.¡±


    After saying this, she directly left the hospital and hailed a taxi by the roadside to leave.


    Tom Davis scratched his head, ¡°I heard that Isla Olsen wants to be Dr. South¡¯s graduate student. Does Miss Olsen not want to be outdone by her? Insisting on Dr. South? That¡¯s really overestimating herself.¡±


    However, Lewis Horton stared in the direction she left, his handsome and resolute face expressionless, his deep eyes unfathomable, giving no clue to his thoughts.


    He suddenly said, ¡°Then let¡¯s help her get in touch with Dr. South.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Tom Davis was dumbfounded.


    Why is the boss so good to her!


    Could he be mesmerized by her face?


    ¡­


    Mrs. Olsen, along with Isla Olsen and Jake Horton, arrived at the private dining restaurant ten minutes early.


    After getting out of the car, Jake Horton furrowed his brow and surveyed the surroundings: ¡°Why meet here?¡±


    Isla Olsen didn¡¯t understand: ¡°Jake, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Jake Horton pursed his lips: ¡°Nothing.¡±


    Isla Olsen then looked towards Mrs. Olsen, ¡°Mom, has Dr. South arrived yet?¡±


    Mrs. Olsen: ¡°She is already in the private room.¡±

 Chapter 28 - Chapter 28: Chapter 28

    Chapter 28: Chapter 28


    The three of them entered the restaurant.


    Jake Horton looked around but did not see that familiar figure.


    He refocused and turned to Isla Olsen, ¡°Dr. South would deign to work at Horton Group?¡±


    Isla glanced at Mrs. Olsen and whispered, ¡°Jake, why don¡¯t you go in and have a good chat with Dr. South first? As long as the sincerity is there, I believe Dr. South will be tempted.¡±


    She walked towards Mrs. Olsen and said apologetically, ¡°Mom, I think my bra strap has come undone, could you come to the restroom with me to fix it?¡±


    Mrs. Olsen went with her to the restroom.


    Jake Horton then walked to the private room door.


    His first job at Horton Group was in the R&D department. If Dr. South could join his team, it would greatly enhance his credibility at Horton Group.


    He adjusted his clothes and then pushed open the door.


    What caught his eye was the graceful figure of a woman facing away from the door as she poured tea.


    ¡­The famous Dr. South was actually a young woman?


    Jake suppressed the shock in his heart and said respectfully, ¡°Dr. South, hello, I am Jake Horton from Horton Group, pleased to meet you.¡±


    As he finished speaking, the woman slowly turned around.


    Go to ????????????????????.co


    Jake was shocked upon seeing that beautiful face, ¡°Keira Olsen?! You, how are you here!¡±


    Keira Olsen had just read a WhatsApp message from Mrs. Olsen saying she would arrive soon, which is why she was pouring tea for Mrs. Olsen¡¯s spot.


    But she hadn¡¯t expected Jake Horton to burst in.


    A hint of interest appeared on her face, yet her voice was casual, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I be asking you that?¡±


    The appointment was clearly with Mrs. Olsen¡­


    Jake Horton¡¯s expression turned cold, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not here for you.¡±


    He looked around, ¡°Where is Dr. South?¡±


    Keira Olsen paused, ¡°Who?¡±


    Jake Horton said impatiently, ¡°The guest in this room. Where is he?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Keira Olsen narrowed her eyes, but said nothing.


    Footsteps then came from the entrance, and Mrs. Olsen walked in with Isla.


    Upon seeing Keira Olsen, both briefly hesitated in their steps.


    Isla¡¯s expression turned sour instantly.


    Mrs. Olsen¡¯s eyes gradually moistened, ¡°You are¡­ Kiera?¡±


    Since Keira Olsen left the Olsen family, Mrs. Olsen had not seen her again.


    Ten years had been enough to transform Keira Olsen from a little girl into a striking young woman.


    Keira Olsen felt somewhat moved inside.


    Seeing her, Mrs. Olsen showed no awkwardness or sadness, only joy.


    Perhaps her decade of evasion was actually unnecessary.


    She suppressed the warmth in her eyes, stepped forward, and smiled, ¡°Mrs. Olsen, how have you been recently?¡±


    ¡°Good¡­ cough cough¡­ I¡¯ve been well, Kiera, and you? I heard from your dad that you got married?¡± Mrs. Olsen sat down at the head seat, holding her hand without letting go.


    Keira Olsen nodded but said nothing more.


    Regret showed on Mrs. Olsen¡¯s face, thinking about how nice it would be to have her bring someone home to meet them, but remembering Taylor Olsen¡¯s attitude from yesterday and how Poppy Hill had ignored and chastised her, she found herself unable to speak.


    A shadow crossed Isla Olsen¡¯s eyes, ¡°Kiera, how are you here?¡±


    Jake scoffed, ¡°She¡¯s always been working here.¡±


    Isla Olsen looked surprised, ¡°Working? Are you working here as a waitress?¡±


    Mrs. Olsen tightened her grip on Kiera Olsen¡¯s hand slightly and asked with concern, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you were working at Horton Group? Why are you still working part-time¡­ is it because you¡¯re short on money?¡±


    Kiera Olsen said indifferently, ¡°No, I¡­¡±


    ¡°Mom, let¡¯s catch up another day. Today we have important guests.¡±


    Isla Olsen cut them off and then looked at Kiera Olsen, ¡°Kiera, we should have invited you to join us for the meal, but since you¡¯re working, it might not be convenient, right? In case other guests need your service, don¡¯t let it affect your work¡­ We¡¯ll leave you a bigger tip later to help out with your living expenses.¡±


    ¡°Keep quiet!¡± Mrs. Olsen scolded Isla, then quickly turned to Kiera.


    Both were daughters of Taylor Olsen, yet one was high above the other, just a waitress. Kiera¡¯s heart must be hurt, right?


    But to Mrs. Olsen¡¯s surprise, Kiera¡¯s expression remained very calm, as if she hadn¡¯t noticed the disparity in their statuses.


    Approval flickered in Mrs. Olsen¡¯s eyes.


    She went straight to the point, ¡°Kiera, today I¡¯ve arranged a meeting with Dr. South. You¡¯re also in the new energy field, right? Meeting him will be beneficial for your future!¡±


    Isla clenched her fists.


    Dr. South was her bargaining chip, why should he be introduced to Kiera Olsen?


    What if Dr. South was also seduced by her seductress-like demeanor?


    Thinking this, Isla¡¯s gaze swept the room, finally settling on a teacup on the table.


    The boiling hot tea was steaming¡­


    She picked it up and walked over to Kiera Olsen, ¡°Kiera, mom asked me to apologize to you yesterday. I substitute tea for wine as a toast to you.¡±


    She loosened her grip as she finished speaking, and the boiling tea was about to spill over Kiera¡­


    Kiera had sensed something was wrong all along.


    All her life, Isla had wished to trample her underfoot, so how could she possibly apologize genuinely?


    Seeing Isla¡¯s hand tilt, Kiera scoffed inwardly. She turned around, seemingly accidentally bumping into the teacup meant for her, and the cup immediately bounced onto Isla!


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    The tea wet the front of her dress, scalding her skin painfully.


    Isla exclaimed in surprise and paused for a moment, then bore the pain and said pitifully, ¡°Kiera, I know you hate me, but how could you do this?¡±


    Kiera Olsen looked down, feigning innocence, ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t see.¡±


    Tears brimmed in Isla¡¯s eyes as if they would fall any second.


    Jake Horton said angrily upon seeing this, ¡°Kiera Olsen, is this how you work as a waitress? Clumsily injuring a customer! Call your manager right now, I want to make a complaint!¡±


    Mrs. Olsen immediately intervened, ¡°Alright, we¡¯re all family¡­¡±


    Isla¡¯s eyes flickered, ¡°Right, maybe Kiera got overexcited thinking about meeting Dr. South¡­¡±


    If she met Dr. South¡­ she wouldn¡¯t be under her thumb anymore!


    This thought flashed through Jake Horton¡¯s mind, and he immediately spoke up, ¡°Aunt, Isla is my fianc¨¦e, I have to protect her and can¡¯t let her suffer this kind of injustice.¡±


    He looked at Kiera Olsen, ¡°With your behavior, what right do you have to meet Dr. South? Are you leaving on your own, or should I escort you out?¡±


    Mrs. Olsen frowned, wanting to say something, but Isla held onto her arm, ¡°Mom, Jake is angry. Let Kiera leave first to avoid any further conflict.¡±


    Mrs. Olsen could only nod helplessly, and she looked apologetically at Kiera Olsen, ¡°Kiera, come home more often. Next time I have the chance, I¡¯ll take you to meet Dr. South.¡±


    Kiera Olsen wanted to say something, but Isla quickly changed the subject, ¡°Mom, why hasn¡¯t Dr. South arrived yet?¡±


    Mrs. Olsen sighed, ¡°I¡¯ll send her a WhatsApp message and ask.¡±


    ¡°No need.¡±


    Kiera Olsen said with a smirk, ¡°She¡¯s already here.¡±

 Chapter 29 - Chapter 29: Chapter 29

    Chapter 29: Chapter 29


    With a single sentence, three people in the room turned their heads abruptly toward her.


    Isla hesitated, ¡°Where is Dr. South?¡±


    Jake also looked eagerly at her.


    Mrs. Olsen, agitated, suddenly began to cough violently, ¡°Cough cough¡­ where is she¡­ cough cough¡­¡±


    Seeing her cough so severely, Keira quickly handed her a cup of tea.


    Mrs. Olsen reached out with shaking hands and took the cup.


    The next moment, the teacup slipped from her hands.


    Mrs. Olsen collapsed directly onto the dining table.


    ¡°Madam!¡±


    Keira exclaimed in shock and subconsciously moved to support her, but Isla forcefully pushed her away:


    ¡°Get away! What did you do to my mom?! Mom! Wake up¡­Quick, call 120¡­¡±


    The ambulance arrived quickly.


    Keira still wanted to get into the ambulance to follow them to the hospital, but Jake grabbed her in disgust, ¡°Illegitimate daughter, stay away from Mrs. Olsen! If you upset her into a bad state, I¡¯ll never let it go!!¡±


    Go to ????????????????????.co


    He forcefully pushed her away.


    Keira did not entangle further, swiftly hailed a taxi, and closely followed their trail.


    ¡­


    Lewis Horton had dinner with the old lady and then worked outside the suite.


    After looking through documents for a long time, he was inexplicably agitated, and he simply looked out the window into the distance.


    Suddenly, he saw a familiar figure downstairs.


    A group of people surrounded a gurney, rushing towards the hospital wing.


    At the back of the crowd, Keira followed at a distance, looking like a fox that had been abandoned.


    Tsk.


    Lewis raised an eyebrow and suddenly got up and walked outside.


    Upon reaching the first floor, he saw Isla and Jake Horton at the reception handling the hospital admission.


    The doctor said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, all the wards are full now, you can only temporarily stay in the corridor. We will arrange a bed as soon as one becomes available.¡±


    Jake asked, ¡°Are there no VIP wards available either? I¡¯m willing to pay any amount.¡±


    The doctor replied, ¡°There are none left.¡±


    Isla cried pitifully, ¡°Jake, what do we do now?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t panic, I¡¯ll think of something.¡±


    Jake took out his cellphone and stepped aside to start making calls.


    Lewis noticed that although Isla¡¯s face looked anxious, her eyes didn¡¯t seem to be as worried about Mrs. Olsen.


    His gaze then fell on Keira.


    Unlike Isla, although the girl¡¯s expression was calm, her eyes were firmly fixed on the hospital bed where Mrs. Olsen lay, her demeanor cautious as if she was afraid of disturbing the patient¡¯s rest.


    Despite not saying a word, her worry was completely apparent.


    Lewis¡¯s eyes deepened.


    He suddenly said to Tom Davis, who was following behind him, ¡°Arrange a ward for Miss Olsen.¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes.¡±


    ¡­


    Keira stood beside Mrs. Olsen¡¯s hospital bed and saw Jake making several calls with a grim expression, then she knew relying on him was futile.


    Mrs. Olsen was not in life-threatening danger. She had fainted due to coughing, which was a result of prolonged insomnia. She desperately needed quiet rest now, but this chaotic place was too noisy!


    But she had no connections at this hospital in Oceanion¡­Should she ask that person for help?


    She hesitated, took out her phone, located a contact named ¡°Debtor,¡± and was about to make the call¡­


    The reception desk at the admissions picked up a call and immediately waved to them, ¡°A VIP ward just became available!¡±


    Isla immediately rejoiced, ¡°Jake, you really have a way!¡±


    Jake appeared baffled.


    The few friends he had just asked for help had been noncommittal, suggesting they would just try. Could someone really have come through for them?


    He didn¡¯t think much and simply took credit for it.


    A group of people went upstairs and moved into the hospital room.


    Keira Olsen followed closely behind, the Mrs. Olsen on the hospital bed was even thinner than ten years ago, her face devoid of any color¡­


    She was wheeled into the hospital room.


    Keira Olsen subconsciously followed in, but Isla Olsen blocked her at the door, ¡°Keira Olsen, my mother needs rest. Please don¡¯t disturb her.¡±


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    The door closed.


    Keira Olsen stood there stunned.


    Although she was anxious about Mrs. Olsen¡¯s health, she understood that she didn¡¯t have the status or right to open that door.


    ¡­


    Keira Olsen wanted to wait for Mrs. Olsen to wake up before leaving, so she sat down on a bench outside.


    Before long, a rush of hurried footsteps was heard, and Taylor Olsen rushed into the hospital room, his face full of worry and panting.


    After confirming that Mrs. Olsen wasn¡¯t in serious trouble, he pulled Isla out to talk in the corridor.


    Taylor Olsen frowned and asked, ¡°What happened? How could she have fainted all of a sudden?¡±


    Isla glanced at Keira sitting beside them and directly said, ¡°It was Keira who insisted on meeting Dr. South and argued with Jake, which upset mom¡­¡±


    Upon hearing this, Taylor Olsen immediately glared at Keira Olsen, ¡°Ungrateful creature!¡±


    Without another word, he swung his arm and struck down at Keira Olsen!


    Keira Olsen didn¡¯t dodge.


    All she could think about was Mrs. Olsen¡¯s pale face after she had passed out!


    Thinking of what Isla had once said, ¡°My mother¡¯s life became so unhappy because of you!¡±


    ¡­Perhaps she really shouldn¡¯t have appeared before Mrs. Olsen!


    ¡°Smack!¡±


    The anticipated pain did not come; when she opened her eyes, she saw a tall figure standing in front of her.


    Lewis Horton, dressed in a suit and looking like an angel.


    He stood there, as if shielding her under his protection.


    Keira Olsen blinked, pressing down the moisture in her eyes and the bitterness at the heart.


    She heard Taylor Olsen¡¯s panicked voice, ¡°Mr. Horton? What is this¡­?¡±


    Then came the man¡¯s deep, pleasing voice, ¡°Mr. Olsen, it¡¯s your daughter to raise, and I shouldn¡¯t interfere. But grandma likes her now. If she sees injuries on Miss Olsen¡¯s face, she would be upset.¡±


    Taylor Olsen immediately said, ¡°It was my lack of consideration.¡±


    As the group was about to say more, a cough suddenly came from inside the hospital room.


    She was awake!


    Taylor Olsen and Isla Olsen immediately entered the hospital room.


    Keira Olsen stood up, wanting to check on Mrs. Olsen¡¯s condition, but again she hesitated to enter¡­


    She lingered at the door, hesitating for a long time.


    Listening to the weak voice of Mrs. Olsen from inside the room, ¡°¡­I¡¯m fine, don¡¯t worry¡­ I haven¡¯t slept well in a long time, I just fainted and had a good sleep¡­¡±


    Keira Olsen¡¯s expression relaxed, and she seemed much more alive.


    Lewis Horton shifted his gaze.


    The girl¡¯s bewildered look just now, like a little fox that couldn¡¯t find home, was pitiful.


    He asked, ¡°Not going in?¡±


    Keira Olsen answered, ¡°Not for now.¡±


    Otherwise, it would be another round of fiery arguments, disturbing Mrs. Olsen¡¯s rest.


    As they turned around, they saw the little old lady assisted by the butler walking over, ¡°I heard my granddaughter-in-law¡¯s mother was hospitalized, so I came to see¡­¡±


    Keira Olsen held her arm, ¡°Grandma, Mrs. Olsen is not my mom¡­¡±


    ¡°Could I have mistaken her?¡±


    The little old lady suddenly took out her phone, scrolled through the album, and handed Keira Olsen a photo, ¡°Granddaughter-in-law, this is the photo you sent me before, saying it was you and your mom. Isn¡¯t the person in the hospital room the person in the photo?¡±


    Keira Olsen glanced at it and suddenly froze.


    In the photo, it was she and Mrs. Olsen!!

 Chapter 30 - Chapter 30: Chapter 30

    Chapter 30: Chapter 30


    Kiera Olsen looked at the photo, puzzled.


    In the photo, she was with Mrs. Olsen at the beach.


    Both were wearing white gauze dresses, she in front, Mrs. Olsen behind, both smiling brilliantly, indeed looking like a mother and daughter with a great relationship.


    But she didn¡¯t own a white gauze dress¡­


    She hadn¡¯t seen Mrs. Olsen since she left the Olsen family in junior high, so how could there possibly be a photo of them together?


    She took old Mrs. Horton¡¯s phone and directly zoomed in on the photo.


    Then, she discovered some clues!


    The photo was actually a composite, the workmanship was quite unprofessional, it appeared to be a photo of a mother and daughter found online with her and Mrs. Olsen¡¯s faces swapped in¡­


    She looked at old Mrs. Horton: ¡°When did I send this to you?¡±


    Old Mrs. Horton shook her head: ¡°I don¡¯t remember.¡±


    ¡°How did I send it to you? Email? Or text message?¡±


    Old Mrs. Horton continued shaking her head: ¡°I can¡¯t recall.¡±


    Kiera Olsen: ¡°¡­¡±


    Go to ????????????????????.co


    Old Mrs. Horton occasionally said one or two surprising things, but she could never explain why, which left Kiera feeling helpless.


    But old Mrs. Horton was insistent: ¡°My granddaughter-in-law, she is your mom, you can¡¯t ignore your mother¡­¡±


    If possible, she truly wished Mrs. Olsen was her mother¡­


    Kiera Olsen lowered her gaze, hiding the bitterness within: ¡°¡­I understand.¡±


    She took old Mrs. Horton back to the ward.


    Lewis Horton, however, did not enter the room, standing in the corridor instead.


    Tom Davis quickly came over: ¡°Boss, I¡¯ve found out. Miss Olsen went to work again at that private restaurant and then ran into the Olsen family¡­¡±


    She came home, took a bath, and changed her clothes ¨C I thought she was going on a date with her boyfriend!


    Lewis Horton¡¯s lips curved into an imperceptible smile, his voice cool and deep: ¡°Does the Horton Group pay her too little?¡±


    Otherwise, why would she go out to work elsewhere!


    Tom Davis answered: ¡°Not at all, it was old Mrs. Horton who arranged it for her! Maybe the tasks Jalen Riley gave her are too tough, and she¡¯s worried about being fired?¡±


    Every aspect of Kiera Olsen¡¯s situation at the company was under Tom Davis¡¯s surveillance.


    But Lewis Horton felt it wasn¡¯t that simple: ¡°What are the Olsen family doing at the private restaurant?¡±


    Tom Davis answered: ¡°They had arranged to meet Dr. South, and Young Master Jake went there for that reason too.¡±


    ¡°And Dr. South?¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t show up in the end¡­¡±


    Deep within Lewis Horton¡¯s eyes flared a faint light, a vague idea forming.


    But he found the idea too preposterous.


    ¡­


    After two hours of rest, Mrs. Olsen¡¯s spirits improved a lot, and she began speaking while coughing: ¡°Isla, let Jake go back first.¡±


    On hearing this, Isla Olsen¡¯s expression became slightly embarrassed.


    Jake Horton staying here wasn¡¯t out of concern for Mrs. Olsen, but because of Dr. South!


    She hesitated before speaking: ¡°Mom, about Dr. South¡­¡±


    Mrs. Olsen caught on immediately and said: ¡°Hand me the phone, I need to explain to Dr. South about standing him up today.¡±


    After she sent a message to Dr. South and rescheduled a meeting, only then did Isla Olsen show Jake Horton out.


    Isla Olsen said: ¡°Jake, don¡¯t worry, there definitely won¡¯t be any problem with Dr. South.¡±


    Jake Horton then said: ¡°Isla, there are several tough nuts in the R&D department of Horton Group that just don¡¯t respect me, and Jalen Riley is among them. Only by getting Dr. South to join can I establish merit in the R&D department and secure my position. So Dr. South is very important to me, you must convince him.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    The two of them talked and entered the elevator.


    After they left, Kiera Olsen finally emerged from the corner.


    She didn¡¯t want to confront Isla Olsen in front of Mrs. Olsen again, for fear that Mrs. Olsen would become agitated and her condition would worsen.


    She arrived in front of the hospital room, pushed the door open, and entered.


    Upon seeing her, Taylor Olsen¡¯s face immediately darkened, ¡°What are you doing here? Get out!¡±


    Kiera Olsen¡¯s eyes chilled as the clear, gentle voice of Mrs. Olsen came from inside the room, ¡°Is that Kiera? Let her in quickly.¡±


    Taylor Olsen glared at Kiera Olsen and warned, ¡°Don¡¯t upset Mrs. Olsen again!¡±


    ¡°I told you already, it wasn¡¯t because of Kiera today, it¡¯s just that I haven¡¯t slept well for several days¡­ I was tired,¡± Mrs. Olsen chided in a gentle complaint and took Kiera Olsen¡¯s hand, ¡°Good child, you must have been scared today, right?¡±


    Though Mrs. Olsen was wan and her demeanor was cool, her palm was very warm.


    Kiera Olsen smiled, ¡°Not at all.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good, you should come back home more often.¡±


    Mrs. Olsen, leaning on the hospital bed, said kindly, ¡°And your husband, your mom said he¡¯s a little punk, but I don¡¯t believe her. Kiera has always had good judgment since she was young, and you¡¯ve always been sensible. The person you have chosen must have his merits. Bring him to see me another day.¡±


    Kiera Olsen felt a twinge in her nose, ¡°¡­Okay.¡±


    Since the day she registered her marriage, all she had received from everyone was scolding and ridicule, except for the care she found with Mrs. Olsen.


    Mrs. Olsen wanted to continue speaking, but she started coughing violently again.


    Taylor Olsen said, ¡°Alright, stop talking, you need to rest properly.¡±


    Kiera Olsen stood up, and from her pocket, she took out a white pill in a plastic bottle and placed it in Mrs. Olsen¡¯s hand, ¡°This is a cough suppressant I¡­ asked someone to buy. You can take one when you can¡¯t sleep at night.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Kiera Olsen didn¡¯t want to disturb Mrs. Olsen¡¯s rest any further and took her leave.


    After she had gone, Mrs. Olsen looked at the bottle of medicine and sighed, ¡°Kiera does care about me.¡±


    Taylor Olsen, however, disdainfully said, ¡°Does caring about you mean not visiting you for ten years? How can you be bought by a bottle of medicine from who knows which small clinic?!¡±


    He tossed the bottle into the trash can, ¡°I heard that Nora is developing a cough suppressant that is in the clinical trial phase. I will pull some strings to get it for you!¡±


    But Mrs. Olsen¡¯s eyes grew dimmer, ¡°You believe these rumors too, huh? Chronic neurogenic cough is a rare disease, who would bother to research a medicine for it? The investment in research and development won¡¯t be recouped¡­¡±


    Taylor Olsen took her hand, ¡°We have to try. You coughing all night, unable to sleep, it¡¯s too distressing, and it hurts me to see you like this¡­¡±


    Mrs. Olsen could only nod her head.


    The night grew deeper.


    Suddenly, Mrs. Olsen opened her eyes and started coughing violently again.


    She was utterly exhausted, yet completely unable to sleep.


    Lying on her side, she suppressed the itch in her throat, not wanting to wake Taylor Olsen in the outer room.


    No one knew that she was also feeling despair.


    There was no cure for chronic neurogenic cough¡­


    The illness had been getting worse, and the anxiety caused by the lack of sleep even made her contemplate suicide once.


    If she wasn¡¯t strong-willed, she might have already taken her own life¡­


    But she didn¡¯t know how much longer she could hold on¡­


    Recently, she had increasingly felt the ebbing of life; perhaps she wouldn¡¯t be able to see her daughter get married.


    As Mrs. Olsen pondered these dismal thoughts, her eyes suddenly fell on the bottle of medicine in the trash can.


    As if possessed, she picked up the bottle, opened it, and put one white pill into her mouth¡­

 Chapter 31 - Chapter 31: Chapter 31

    Chapter 31: Chapter 31


    The white pill dissolved in her mouth, instantly releasing a burst of coolness.


    Her itchy throat felt as though it was wrapped in a pool of cool water, much more comfortable.


    Mrs. Olsen didn¡¯t drink any water and swallowed the pill directly.


    ¡°Cough cough cough¡­¡±


    Suddenly, another bout of coughing erupted.


    She smiled bitterly, just for a moment, she almost thought the pill was effective.


    ¡­wishful thinking.


    Mrs. Olsen lay in bed, closing her eyes.


    She was suffering from psychogenic chronic cough; for over twenty years, she had tried countless medications and consulted numerous experts, but nothing had cured it¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°Shirley? Shirley! Wake up!¡±


    Mrs. Olsen slowly opened her eyes and saw Taylor Olsen standing by the bedside, the entire room as bright as day.


    Were hospital incandescent lights this bright?


    Go to ????????????????????.co


    She was a bit disoriented and asked, ¡°What time is it?¡±


    ¡°Ten in the morning!¡± Taylor expressed his concern, ¡°You should eat something; otherwise, you¡¯ll get hypoglycemia¡­¡±


    Mrs. Olsen was stunned.


    She turned her head in confusion, only to realize that the brightness in the room wasn¡¯t from the lights, but from the sunlight!


    She had actually slept until daylight?


    How could that be!


    It was that bottle of medicine! The one Kiera gave!


    Aunt South, with eyes rimmed red with excitement, exclaimed, ¡°Mrs. Olsen, the sleeping pills the doctor prescribed last night really did work! You actually slept for ten whole hours!¡±


    Mrs. Olsen was taken aback, ¡°What sleeping pills?¡±


    Aunt South looked towards Isla Olsen, ¡°They were provided by Young Master Jake. He heard you couldn¡¯t sleep and specifically got a potent sleeping pill to add to your medication. We didn¡¯t tell you, fearing you¡¯d keep thinking about it and have even more trouble sleeping. Unexpectedly, it really worked!¡±


    Mrs. Olsen paused for a moment.


    Is that so?


    But sleeping pills are only meant to aid sleep, whereas today she woke up feeling her throat was much clearer!


    Her gaze drifted towards the pillow, to the unlabelled plastic bottle.


    Try again tonight¡­


    If she only took the sleeping pill and not this one, she would see the outcome; then she would know which one was actually effective.


    With this in mind, Mrs. Olsen remained silent.


    Taylor then turned to Isla with relief, ¡°This son-in-law is really good. I heard the flu is particularly widespread recently, and the hospital wards are full. Yesterday there was absolutely no chance to get a room, but Jake pulled a lot of strings to arrange this room. We really owe it to him this time!¡±


    Only then did Mrs. Olsen realize the ward had also been arranged by Jake Horton, ¡°He really is a good kid.¡±


    Isla saw the opportunity, ¡°Mom, with Jake being so filial towards you, could you help him out?¡±


    Mrs. Olsen asked, ¡°How can I help?¡±


    Taylor thought of something, ¡°Is it that Jake is having trouble at work?¡±


    Isla nodded and sighed, ¡°The family wants Jake to manage the research department, but those researchers there are too set in their ways and don¡¯t really listen to Jake. If we could invite Dr. South over, or even just to provide external technical support, Jake would be able to establish his position.¡±


    After Isla finished, she looked towards Mrs. Olsen.


    As expected, she saw struggle and hesitation on her face.


    Mrs. Olsen had principles when it came to life and work; she did not like to call in favors to repay gratitude, but she was even more afraid of being indebted to someone.


    Mrs. Olsen hesitated for a moment before saying, ¡°Then I¡¯ll ask Dr. South, but if he disagrees, let¡¯s drop it.¡±


    Isla Olsen¡¯s face was all smiles: ¡°Good.¡±


    Based on her experience, whenever Mrs. Olsen spoke up, Dr. South had never refused.


    Mrs. Olsen took out her phone, found Dr. South¡¯s WhatsApp, pondered her wording, and sent a message: [South, do you have a moment? I need a favor.]


    Keira Olsen received the message just as she had come back from taking old Mrs. Horton downstairs for a walk.


    Upon seeing the message, she furrowed her brows.


    Why was Mrs. Olsen suddenly reaching out to her?


    Could there have been a problem with yesterday¡¯s medicine? Or an adverse rejection reaction?


    That medication was actually still in clinical trials; she had originally planned to wait until the trials were over before offering it to Mrs. Olsen. Yet seeing the severity of Mrs. Olsen¡¯s illness, she had decided to make an exception and provide it early.


    She became somewhat anxious, instructed the nurse to take old Mrs. Horton back to her ward, and hurried towards Mrs. Olsen¡¯s location.


    Lewis Horton, who was working in the outer office, saw his grandmother enter and subconsciously glanced back, but didn¡¯t see that slim figure following.


    His gaze deepened: ¡°Where is Miss Olsen?¡±


    The old lady upon hearing this said, ¡°She went to her mother¡¯s place.¡±


    Lewis Horton raised an eyebrow: ¡°Is something wrong with Mrs. Olsen?¡±


    The old lady immediately tensed up: ¡°My daughter-in-law indeed just rushed over there. Oh my, brat, you better go check on her!¡±


    Lewis Horton pressed his lips together.


    After a moment of contemplation, he finally stood up and walked out.


    Tom Davis hurriedly followed behind him.


    ¡­


    Keira Olsen rushed into Mrs. Olsen¡¯s hospital room, only to find that the room was filled with many people.


    Not only was Jake Horton there, but Poppy Hill was also present.


    Someone said something and everyone laughed, but the room¡¯s jovial atmosphere came to an abrupt halt the moment she walked in.


    Keira Olsen stood at the door, feeling superfluous.


    Mrs. Olsen seemed fine.


    She lowered her gaze, looked down, and was about to leave.


    Mrs. Olsen wanted to call her back, but a glance over the room full of people told her that it was indeed more suitable for her to leave now. When there was time, she could meet Keira alone¡­


    However, Poppy Hill spoke up: ¡°Oh, isn¡¯t that Miss Olsen? What¡¯s the matter? Now that you¡¯ve climbed up Old Mrs. Horton¡¯s high branch, are we all beneath your notice?¡±


    Keira Olsen didn¡¯t respond and turned to leave, but Poppy Hill grabbed her:


    ¡°I heard that you¡¯re set on ingratiating yourself with Old Mrs. Horton, slavishly attending to her bedside night after night. Do you really think they¡¯ll value you as their own granddaughter? What a daydream! You are nothing but a plaything to them!¡±


    Isla Olsen quickly interjected: ¡°Don¡¯t say that, Old Mrs. Horton really values Keira¡­¡±


    Poppy Hill¡¯s voice immediately rose: ¡°And how is that value shown? Young Master Jake¡¯s respect for you, Isla, that is the real deal¡­¡±


    Poppy Hill looked to Jake Horton, pleasingly: ¡°Yesterday, they could barely free up a hospital room, and several families with good backgrounds had to wait in line for admission, but it was all thanks to Young Master Jake¡¯s help that Mrs. Olsen got into the VIP ward!¡±


    Jake Horton looked at Keira Olsen and humbly smiled: ¡°My uncle probably wasn¡¯t aware of this, otherwise he would have helped too. I merely did what little I could.¡±


    ¡°Your little contribution has been a huge help to our family!¡±


    Poppy Hill then scorned Keira Olsen: ¡°Even if Mr. Horton knew, he wouldn¡¯t have you in mind. No matter how much you try to please, they only treat you as a plaything, like any Tom, Dick, or Harry¡­¡±


    Keira Olsen clenched her fists, but didn¡¯t want to argue there, to avoid disturbing Mrs. Olsen¡¯s rest.


    Lewis Horton, who had just reached the doorway, overheard all these words.


    His expression turned cold, and he glanced at Tom Davis.


    Tom Davis understood his boss¡¯s intention instantly and coughed before entering the room: ¡°Mrs. Olsen, I¡¯ve come to convey Mr. Horton¡¯s regards on his behalf. Are you comfortable in this ward?¡±

 Chapter 32 - Chapter 32: Chapter 32

    Chapter 32: Chapter 32


    The room suddenly fell silent.


    Everyone turned to look at Tom Davis, then at Jake Horton.


    Jake Horton looked utterly astonished.


    Could it be¡­ this hospital room was arranged by my uncle?


    Poppy Hill was also stunned, but quickly recovered and smiled, ¡°Young Master Jake, so this hospital room was arranged by Mr. Horton at your request¡­¡±


    Jake Horton¡¯s expression stiffened.


    But Tom Davis laughed, ¡°It was Miss Olsen who asked the boss to arrange it. Young Master Jake, did you also ask the boss?¡±


    Jake Horton wished he could find a hole to crawl into!


    He explained incoherently, ¡°I made a lot of phone calls, asked several people, they said they would help¡­ I misunderstood.¡±


    Isla Olsen felt embarrassed!


    She clenched her fists tightly, for the first time feeling that Jake Horton was not so unapproachable¡­


    The awkward atmosphere was finally broken by Mrs. Olsen, who coughed a few times and said to Tom Davis, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Horton, we are very comfortable here. When I¡¯m feeling better, I will visit Old Mrs. Horton.¡±


    However, Tom Davis said, ¡°You¡¯re comfortable, Miss Olsen isn¡¯t worried, and that makes our old lady happy.¡±


    Go to ????????????????????.co


    Being in business, who couldn¡¯t hear that this remark was in praise of Keira Olsen?


    A slight heaviness was felt in the hearts of a few in the room.


    It was unexpected that Old Mrs. Horton held Keira Olsen in such high regard.


    Only Mrs. Olsen truly felt happy.


    Keira being alone outside always worried her, but with their delicate statuses, she felt it improper to appear too close¡­ Now that Old Mrs. Horton genuinely cared for her, she could rest easy!


    Keira Olsen was slightly surprised.


    She hadn¡¯t expected that Lewis Horton was the one who had helped.


    She looked at Poppy Hill, a slight smirk forming at her lips.


    The taunting was clear to see!


    Poppy Hill was infuriated by her attitude, ¡°You little brat, what¡¯s there to be proud of? Don¡¯t think you¡¯re something special just because you have someone backing you up!¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Taylor Olsen barked, ¡°My wife is ill and needs to rest, what are you barking about here? Go home!¡±


    Poppy Hill choked up, showing a look of grievance, ¡°Taylor, I¡­ ¡±


    ¡°Go!¡±


    Poppy Hill¡¯s face turned red with anger, she glared fiercely at Keira Olsen, then turned and ran out.


    After she had left, Keira Olsen then turned to Mrs. Olsen, ¡°Madam, how did you sleep last night?¡±


    Mrs. Olsen, upon hearing this, unconsciously gripped the small medicine bottle hidden under the blanket and slowly said, ¡°I slept very well, it¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve slept so well.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±


    Keira Olsen didn¡¯t elaborate further, only nodding to her, ¡°I¡¯ll be going now.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    When Keira Olsen and Tom Davis left the room, they saw Lewis Horton standing in the hallway.


    The man was dressed in a suit and trousers, outlining his long, straight legs, looking both genteel and restrained.


    He leaned against the wall, looking down at his phone, his black broken hair hiding his sharp eyes and brows, his side profile sharp and cold in the light.


    Seeming to hear the noise, the man turned his head, his eyes narrow and deep like ice, his thin red lips slightly parting, ¡°Great Grandmother was worried and insisted I come and see for myself.¡±


    Though his words were distant, his deep, pleasant voice warmed Keira Olsen¡¯s heart.


    She smiled sincerely, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    The girl¡¯s amorous eyes were clear and pure, with an unintentional charm.


    The smile at the corner of her lips was even more enchanting, momentarily dazzling Lewis Horton.


    Then, a voice came from the room:


    ¡°Aunt, since you¡¯re alright, I¡¯ll be going now.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Isla, see him out.¡±


    The hospital room door opened, and Jake Horton and Isla Olsen came out.


    They caught sight of Lewis Horton and Keira Olsen at first glance.


    Isla Olsen instantly felt as if she were facing a great enemy, her gaze darting between the two, trying to guess the nature of their relationship.


    Jake Horton¡¯s expression also darkened, and he asked subconsciously, ¡°Uncle, what are you doing here?¡±


    Lewis Horton¡¯s face showed a trace of interest, ¡°I don¡¯t seem to need to report my whereabouts to you.¡±


    His casual words seemed to carry an invisible pressure that assaulted the senses.


    Jake Horton¡¯s palms began to sweat immediately, ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant.¡±


    He took a deep breath and looked towards Keira Olsen.


    The girl¡¯s face had a kind of reckless beauty.


    Lewis Horton also had a fine appearance.


    Standing together, they seemed like a match made in heaven!


    A strong sense of jealousy surged in Jake Horton¡¯s heart, and he couldn¡¯t help but speak again, ¡°Miss Olsen, you have been taking care of Great Grandmother in the hospital, doesn¡¯t your husband mind?¡±


    Keira Olsen: ?


    She glanced at Lewis Horton, her smile carrying a hint of sarcasm, ¡°He probably doesn¡¯t mind.¡±


    Jake Horton¡¯s face changed dramatically.


    Before he could say anything else, Lewis Horton suddenly spoke, ¡°Heading back to the room? Grandmother is waiting for you.¡±


    Back¡­


    Keira Olsen paused slightly.


    It had been a long time since she heard that word.


    Because she had no home.


    Looking down, she smiled lightly, ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡±


    They turned and left.


    Jake Horton¡¯s gaze was sinister, staring intently at Keira Olsen¡¯s receding figure.


    For a moment, he felt an impulsive desire to snatch her back at all costs!!


    But his arm was caught by Isla Olsen, ¡°Jake, I will definitely help you get Dr. South on your side¡­¡±


    Jake Horton, as if his rationality finally returned, responded, ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll escort you downstairs.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    After seeing her off, Isla Olsen felt a deep sense of crisis.


    When she returned to the room, she saw Mrs. Olsen getting up to move about, her eyes flickering.


    She approached the bed and pretended to arrange the bedding, then exclaimed, ¡°Mom, why is there a bottle of medicine on your bed?¡±


    Taylor Olsen frowned, ¡°Isn¡¯t that the non-warranty medicine Keira gave? Shirley, why did you pick it up again!¡±


    Mrs. Olsen explained, ¡°I took one last night. It seemed like the medicine actually worked¡­¡±


    ¡°How is that possible? It was clearly the sleeping pills that worked!¡±


    Taylor Olsen snatched the medicine bottle away, disdainfully saying, ¡°Who knows where she got those medicines from, you can¡¯t just eat them randomly! Aren¡¯t you afraid of ruining your health?¡±


    Mrs. Olsen hurriedly said, ¡°Don¡¯t throw it away. I won¡¯t take it tonight, let¡¯s see which medicine actually works!¡±


    Taylor Olsen helplessly agreed, ¡°¡­Alright.¡±


    Soon it was evening.


    Aunt South, holding the sleeping pills in her hands, carefully as if she held a miracle cure, watched Mrs. Olsen swallow them before turning off the light and tiptoeing out the door.


    The room grew quiet.


    Half an hour later, there was still no sound inside.


    Aunt South excitedly said, ¡°Young Master Jake, this medicine has literally saved the lady¡¯s life! She hasn¡¯t slept through the night in over twenty years¡­¡±


    Isla Olsen feigned embarrassment, ¡°Stop saying that, it wasn¡¯t Jake who arranged the room, and today was a big embarrassment¡­¡±


    Taylor Olsen responded, ¡°Compared to the room, this medicine is the most important! Otherwise, even if Shirley lived in the Presidential Palace, she still wouldn¡¯t sleep. Besides, Jake had helped us a lot, and yet he didn¡¯t flaunt it like Keira Olsen did when she specially brought Tom Davis over to show off, expecting us to be grateful.¡±


    After speaking, he looked disdainfully at the medicine bottle Keira Olsen had given, ¡°Sister South, quickly dispose of this messy medicine, lest Shirley takes it again!¡±


    Almost as soon as he finished speaking, a long-suppressed bout of violent coughing erupted from the room!

 Chapter 33 - Chapter 33: Chapter 33

    Chapter 33: Chapter 33


    Taylor Olsen was slightly startled.


    He exchanged a glance with Aunt South and immediately rushed into the ward.


    One characteristic of a psychogenic cough is that it would get worse at night.


    Aunt South turned on the light.


    Everyone saw Mrs. Olsen sitting up, covering her mouth with her hand, her face flushed red from coughing.


    She clutched at her chest, her slender frame trembling violently with each cough, a sight that struck fear into the hearts of those watching.


    Taylor Olsen steadied her by the shoulders, ¡°Shirley, what¡¯s wrong? How are you feeling?¡±


    But Mrs. Olsen said, ¡°The medicine¡­ cough cough cough!¡±


    Taylor Olsen was confused.


    However, Aunt South understood immediately, and dashed out to fetch Keira Olsen¡¯s bottle of medicine, ¡°Madam, here¡¯s your medicine!¡±


    Mrs. Olsen nodded, and as Aunt South nervously opened the bottle and was about to hand her a pill, Isla Olsen grabbed her hand.


    Isla Olsen frowned and said, ¡°Could the sudden worsening of mother¡¯s cough be caused by this medicine? We should not take medicine with unknown origins¡­¡±


    Her intuition told her that this medicine might really work!


    Go to ????????????????????.co


    So she couldn¡¯t let Mrs. Olsen take it!


    She looked at Taylor Olsen.


    When someone is biased against another person, everything that person does is wrong.


    Keira Olsen was Finley Hill¡¯s daughter, which was the greatest bias Taylor Olsen had against her!


    As expected, Taylor Olsen angrily said, ¡°This Keira Olsen, more trouble than she¡¯s worth! I¡¯ve always said she was unreliable. Shirley, you¡¯re so good to her, yet she brings you medicine that harms you!¡±


    Isla Olsen felt a surge of triumph inside.


    However, Mrs. Olsen, seizing a moment between coughs, looked toward Aunt South, ¡°Give me the medicine! Cough cough cough¡­¡±


    Aunt South, ever loyal to her, immediately handed the pill to Mrs. Olsen, who promptly popped it into her mouth¡­


    ¡°Shirley!¡±


    Taylor Olsen cried out in alarm, wanting to intervene, but he found¡­ Mrs. Olsen had stopped coughing!


    After she managed to suppress the bout of coughing and took a deep breath, she looked at them with furrowed brows and confidently said, ¡°It¡¯s certain, the medicine from Kiera worked.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Once Mrs. Olsen¡¯s cough had subsided and she had truly fallen asleep, the group once again gathered outside.


    Isla Olsen¡¯s face was pale as she bit her lip, ¡°Dad, Kiera is so amazing, to have actually bought a miracle drug?¡±


    ¡°What can she possibly do on her own, it must have been Mr. Horton who helped her buy it,¡± said Taylor Olsen, his brows deeply furrowed. ¡°It seems Old Mrs. Horton really values her¡­¡±


    Isla Olsen immediately clenched her fingers.


    ¡­


    In the VIP ward.


    ¡°What did we have for lunch today?¡±


    Old Mrs. Horton racked her brains, ¡°Oatmeal? It doesn¡¯t seem right¡­ It was pasta! Brat, am I right?¡±


    Lewis Horton smiled and nodded, ¡°Right.¡±


    Old Mrs. Horton spoke proudly, ¡°I knew my memory was fine, my brain works just fine!¡±


    Lewis Horton didn¡¯t speak.


    If one looked carefully, they would realize that his smile didn¡¯t reach his eyes.


    Actually, they had rice for lunch, and grandma had forgotten again.


    Her condition seemed to be worsening, her memory starting to deteriorate¡­


    At that moment, Keira Olsen lazily spoke up, ¡°Grandma, what color was Mr. Horton¡¯s tie yesterday?¡±


    Old Mrs. Horton immediately said, ¡°Purple! That brat is so stylish, he even wore diamond cufflinks.¡±


    ¡°And the day before?¡±


    ¡°Blue! That blue tie, I bought it for him myself~¡±


    Keira Olsen smiled lightly, looking at Lewis Horton with an implied meaning, ¡°Grandma remembers the things she cares about very clearly.¡±


    Lewis Horton looked at her.


    The girl sat on a beanbag chair, sinking deep into it.


    She lounged idly, her head bowed as she fiddled with her phone, her waterfall-like black hair casually spilling down her back, setting off her increasingly fair skin, making her seem as if she was bathed in a soft glow.


    What she had just said was meant to comfort him.


    His anxious heart gradually soothed¡­


    The little old lady suddenly laughed, ¡°My granddaughter-in-law, everything I just said was right, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    Keira Olsen: ¡°Yes.¡±


    The little old lady then looked at Lewis Horton, ¡°You brat, did you see that? Your wife even remembers so clearly what you wear every day! You¡¯re in her heart!¡±


    Keira Olsen: !!


    She simply had a photographic memory, she really hadn¡¯t tried to remember these things on purpose!


    She wanted to explain something but saw that Lewis Horton was looking at the computer in front of him, not paying any attention to them.


    He hadn¡¯t taken the little old lady¡¯s words to heart, had he?


    Then she wouldn¡¯t explain, to avoid looking suspicious without cause.


    Keira Olsen didn¡¯t notice that the man¡¯s ears were faintly red; she turned her attention back to her phone and to her work, the final wrap-up for Alzheimer¡¯s research, which was utterly perplexing.


    She simply stood up, ¡°I¡¯m going to take a walk.¡±


    As she was walking downstairs with the Shiba Inu named ¡°Kitty,¡± someone patted her on the shoulder.


    Turning around, she saw a sleazy-looking middle-aged man standing behind her, grinning at her, ¡°Hey, my great-niece, long time no see!¡±


    Keira Olsen¡¯s expression cooled.


    This person was Poppy Hill¡¯s brother, her uncle Finley Hill.


    He was unemployed and a gambling addict.


    As he spoke, his mouth emitted a foul stench, and his yellow teeth were enough to make anyone feel sick.


    Keira Olsen stepped back, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Finley Hill rubbed his hands together, his voice sleazy, ¡°Hey, I heard my great-niece has got in with the Horton family, huh? Your uncle is a little short on cash lately, can you lend me some money?¡±


    Keira Olsen scoffed.


    Poppy Hill was notoriously overindulgent with her brother, squatting in the Olsen family home and transferring all living expenses given by the Olsens to this brother.


    After leaving the Olsen family, Finley Hill shamelessly approached her for money multiple times.


    Eventually, probably seeing that she was ¡°really broke,¡± he finally backed off.


    She hadn¡¯t expected him to come around again¡­


    Keira Olsen said bluntly, ¡°I don¡¯t have money.¡±


    Finley Hill didn¡¯t believe her, ¡°You¡¯ve been tending to that old lady so well, she hasn¡¯t given you any money?¡±


    Keira Olsen narrowed her eyes, ¡°Not yet, but maybe she will in the future?¡±


    Finley Hill instantly smiled, ¡°Then you must lend it to your uncle. If you give more, I could tell you a secret!¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    Finley Hill didn¡¯t dare to cause a scene here; after all, this VIP ward housed the wealthy and noble, and there were security guards patrolling nearby. He left with a heh heh laugh.


    Keira Olsen snorted in derision.


    At that moment, her phone rang. Picking it up, she saw it was Mrs. Olsen.


    She immediately answered.


    ¡­


    Isla Olsen paced anxiously around the room.


    She wanted to secure her place in the Horton family through Dr. South!


    Yet the entire day today, Dr. South hadn¡¯t replied to Mrs. Olsen¡¯s messages!


    Jake Horton had sent several WhatsApp messages, persistently inquiring about Dr. South¡¯s matters; she couldn¡¯t delay any longer¡­


    Isla Olsen suddenly stopped, tiptoed into the sickroom.


    She took the phone from beside the sleeping Mrs. Olsen, then stepped out and headed to the corridor.


    She took a deep breath, unlocked the phone, found ¡°South¡± in the contacts, and dialed directly!


    The phone rang three times before it was answered.


    The voice on the other end was cool and clear, ¡°Hello, Mrs. Olsen, what¡¯s the matter?¡±


    Upon hearing this voice, Isla Olsen froze, that voice¡­


    ¡°Keira Olsen?!¡±