Disruption

Dinner ended, but the evening was far from over.

The family moved into the living room, where soft lighting and quiet music created an atmosphere meant for relaxation. Tea was served, conversations flowed lightly, and the tension from dinner seemed to settle—at least on the surface.

Olivia walked in calmly, her gaze sweeping the room before she took her place.

Madeline, however, had already set her sights.

She moved instinctively toward Nathan’s side, her steps light, her expression sweet—like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Madeline,” a firm voice interrupted.

Robert Blake.

Everyone paused.

Madeline stopped mid-step, her smile freezing slightly before she turned. “Yes, Grandpa?”

“Let the newly wedded couple sit together,” he said calmly, though his tone left no room for argument. “Go sit over there.”

He pointed toward a seat at the far corner of the living room.

Silence fell.

Madeline’s fingers curled slightly at her sides. Catherine’s expression stiffened almost imperceptibly.

They both understood what he was doing.

He was pushing Madeline away.

Casting her aside.

For Olivia.

But Madeline recovered quickly. She lowered her head slightly, hiding the flicker of anger in her eyes.

“Of course, Grandpa,” she said softly.

“Madeline, come sit with me,” Catherine added smoothly, as if to ease the situation.

“Okay, Aunty,” Madeline replied with a bright smile as she moved toward her.

But behind that smile—

Her thoughts burned.

Just wait…

Let’s see how long she lasts.

Everyone settled down.

Tea cups were lifted, light conversations resumed, and the atmosphere slowly relaxed again.

Olivia sat beside Nathan.

But not close.

There was a small, deliberate distance between them—enough to be noticeable, but not enough to be questioned.

Nathan didn’t comment.

He simply held his teacup, listening as his grandfather spoke, his expression calm and unreadable.

Olivia did the same.

Quiet. Observant.

Unbothered.

Then—

“Nathan…”

Madeline’s voice was soft. Weak.

Every head turned.

She was leaning back slightly, one hand pressed against her forehead, her face faintly flushed.

Nathan’s brows furrowed instantly. He stood up without hesitation and crossed the room.

“What’s wrong, Maddy?” he asked, his voice lower now, gentler.

“I… I don’t feel so good…”

Before she could finish—

Her body went limp.

She fell forward.

Straight into his arms.

A gasp spread through the room.

Nathan caught her immediately, his grip tightening as he lifted her effortlessly.

“I’m taking her to the hospital,” he said, already moving toward the door.

“Wait.”

Robert Blake’s voice stopped him cold.

Nathan paused.

“Where are you rushing to?” his grandfather said, his tone no longer calm. “Let one of the security men take her.”

Nathan’s jaw tightened slightly.

“Grandpa—”

“We are still hosting dinner,” Robert continued, his voice rising just enough to command the room. “This is your first dinner as a married man.”

Silence.

Heavy. Tense.

All eyes turned to Nathan.

And then—

Slowly…

His gaze shifted.

From his grandfather—

To Olivia.

She sat exactly where he had left her.

Calm. Composed.

Not a trace of panic on her face.

Not a single word was spoken.

Just watching.

Waiting.

And in that moment—

Nathan had to choose.

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