He realized he had hit it himself.

Olivia lingered for quite some time. Perhaps the security guard had informed Mark about the situation. Slowly, a figure emerged from Evans Gardon-it was Mark himself.

Mark only caught a glimpse of a car driving away before turning his attention to his daughter.

Olivia stood there, tears forming in the corners of her eyes, which she quickly brushed away.

"Your new boyfriend? Did you two have an argument?"

Mark approached and wiped her tears. "Your mother mentioned you went shopping. I was just curious. So you came over early for a date. What happened? Did you argue?"

Olivia shook her head. After a pause, she managed to say, "No. It's someone I used to know."

Mark gazed into the distance, his voice slow and thoughtful. "Someone from your past. Then, it must be that he wasn't good enough for you, which is why you didn't choose him."

Still shaking her head, Olivia embraced her father, resting her face against his shoulder.

Mark gently patted her back and said, “If it's me, I'm prepared to apologize to him on your behalf. Don't cry anymore. It would upset your mother to see you like this."

Olivia's tears flowed even more freely.

In his youth, her father had remained single for his career and had later spent years making his relationship with her mother work. He had handled everything correctly that year regarding Raphael's father.

He shouldn't be blamed at all.

Olivia felt she couldn't make her father apologize to Raphael for what happened to his father, especially when her father had done nothing wrong.

Moreover, so much time had passed. Things were no longer as they once were between her and Raphael.

She shook her head against Mark's shoulder, and then hugged him gently, feeling like his little girl again. Mark, deeply concerned about her well-being, called a driver to ensure her safety on the drive.

Two days later, Edwin brought Laura home.

The family reunited.

After dinner, Cecilia took Laura to review the household expense account book. While none of the women in the family were keen on such tasks, Cecilia felt it was important for Laura to Learn.

Afterward, Cecilia had a servant bring them some tea and gently said to Laura, “Try this; it's my new blend.”