Chapter 4
Leon said, "Why did you tell the press about our divorce?
"Are you trying to embarrass me on purpose?
"Foster Group's stock dropped nearly seven points today, and there are articles all over the place trashing me. Does that make you happy, Olivia?
"I've already transferred 40% of the shares to you. What else do you want? Why can't you even tolerate Rachel?"
In the seven years Olivia and Leon had been together, they'd never even raised their voices at each other, let alone had a real argument. This was the first time Leon had ever spoken to her in such a harsh, accusatory tone.
Olivia listened quietly, waiting until he finally finished before replying in a calm, almost indifferent voice.
"Do you really think you signed a share transfer agreement? Didn't the legal department contact you?"
"If it's not a share transfer, then what is it?" Leon shot back, his questions coming one after another.
Olivia stayed silent, not answering any of his questions. She just hung up.
She stared blankly at the phone screen, which now showed the call had ended.
Back then, she used to go along with whatever he planned, show up at every business dinner he needed her for, help him with networking, and keep up his public image.
This was the first time Olivia had ever spoken her truth so freely, and it felt surprisingly liberating.
*****
That evening, Leon came home, his face full of guilt. He gently pulled Olivia into his arms and apologized.
"Olivia, it was my fault. I got way too worked up this morning," he said softly.
"There's an auction tonight. Would you come with me?"
Olivia coolly pressed her hand against his chest, keeping a deliberate distance between Leon.
"It's not some business thing. I just want to buy you something, that's all," Leon said softly.
"I promise, this is the last time—and there won't be any press, I swear."
After thinking it over, Olivia finally nodded. "Okay."
The auction wasn't crowded, and Leon had handled everything down to the smallest detail—driver, food, even draping a cashmere shawl over her shoulders in the elevator, something he'd prepared in advance.
Olivia felt the warmth of the shawl seep into her, wrapping her in comfort.
"I'll bid 30 million dollars," Leon said, his voice steady and confident.
Leon gave Olivia a warm smile, raised his paddle, and bought the ruby necklace for 30 million dollars.
"For you, my love," he said, his voice soft and full of affection.
With a tender smile, Leon handed the necklace to Olivia, then checked his watch and his brows drew together in concern.
"Olivia, it's getting late. You always have trouble sleeping—how about I have the driver take you home first? I'll take care of the rest myself," he said gently.
Olivia watched Leon's perfect moves, feeling something was off, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
She nodded, and with the bodyguards surrounding her, she headed for the door. Halfway there, a blast of cold air hit her and she realized she'd left the cashmere shawl behind.
"I'll go back and grab something. You guys don't have to come with me," Olivia said.
Olivia retraced her steps, and when she entered the lavish banquet hall, she found it was packed—way more people than when she'd left.
"Leon Foster has just lit the ceremonial lantern! Wishing Mr. Foster and Ms. Wynn a lifetime of happiness and deep affection," the auction staff announced, his voice carrying through the private room.
The staff's words lingered in the air, filling the private suite.
Olivia saw Rachel in a sparkling diamond-studded gown with a sweeping train, nestled close to Leon's arm. Leon was showing her the auction catalog page by page, and the two of them were laughing and chatting like they were the only ones in the room.
Olivia felt her blood freeze, like someone had ripped a hole right through her heart. The box with the ruby necklace dropped to the floor with a dull thud.
Not a single person looked her way; all eyes were on Leon and Rachel, full of envy and admiration.
Her phone buzzed in her hand, popping up with the latest juicy gossip alert.
[Foster Group heir Leon Foster shows off another sweet photo with his wife Olivia, putting those divorce rumors to rest.]
Her heart was pounding, each beat sending a jolt through her chest.
She scrolled down, and there it was—photos of them leaving the house, and clear, front-facing shots of her and Leon together at the auction. When Olivia looked closer, she realized the post was from Foster Group's official account, and her heart sank.
Her lips curled into a faint, bitter smile. 'So that's all I am—just a tool for their image,' she thought.
She could still remember every promise Leon had ever made to her, clear as day.
But at some point, she'd found herself caught in the web of lies he'd so carefully woven.