Chapter 2 Reverberation Of The Past

The second Olivia ventured off the stage, she was immersed in a hurricane of congrats and inquisitive looks. Her psyche was all the while faltering from Ethan's declaration, her heart beating a whimsical cadence against her ribs. She really wanted air, space to think, anything to get away from the stifling tension of the dance hall.

"Excuse me," she muttered, pushing past a gathering of socialites. Their murmurs followed her like a persevering shadow.

"Isn't that Ethan's secondary school darling?"

"I thought she left town years ago..."

"What might be said about his life partner?"

Olivia enlivened her speed, her heels clicking against the marble floor as she advanced toward the patio. The cool night air hit her face, a welcome break from the smothering air inside. She took deep breaths as she gripped the stone balustrade to calm her racing thoughts.

"You generally knew how to make an entry," a recognizable voice said behind her.

Olivia went to find Sophia Chen remaining in the entryway, her appearance unintelligible. A sparkling reminder of everything Olivia had lost, the diamond on her left hand seemed to mock her.

"Sophia," Olivia recognized, her voice cautiously impartial. " Congrats on your commitment."

"Her engagement ring was being played with by Sophia's perfectly manicured fingers." Much thanks to you," she said, her tone similarly estimated. " However I need to concede, I didn't anticipate sharing the spotlight this evening."

The allegation lingered palpably between them, implicit however discernible.

Olivia said, pointing vaguely toward the ballroom, "I had no idea about any of this." Ethan's declaration was as much a shock to me as it was to every other person."

Sophia's eyes are somewhat restricted. " Was it? You vanish for a long time and unexpectedly you're back, with a comfortable bid for employment from my life partner? Pardon me assuming I view that as difficult to accept."

The old Olivia could have withdrawn, could have apologized for any wrongdoing she didn't carry out. However, New York had solidified her edges, given her a spine of steel.

"Accept what you need, Sophia," she said coolly. " I returned to Westbrook for my own reasons, none of which include Ethan or his organization. Whatever game he's playing, I'm not a willing member."

Something gleamed in Sophia's eyes - question, maybe, or a hesitant regard. Before she could answer, a profound voice intruded on their strained trade.

"You are right there," Ethan expressed, venturing onto the patio. His look flicked between the two ladies, detecting the charged air. " I hope I haven't interrupted anyone.

"Not by any stretch, dear," Sophia said, her attitude quickly moving as she steered up to Ethan. She put a possessive hand on his arm, her grin not exactly contacting her eyes. " I was simply finding our... close buddy."

Despite his fiancée's pointed comment, Ethan kept his gaze fixed on Olivia. I trust you'll keep close by, Liv. We have a ton to examine in regards to your new position."

Olivia experienced a blaze of fury. " I haven't acknowledged any position, Ethan. Without even having a conversation, you can't just decide my future for me."

A phantom of a grin played all the rage. " You're right, obviously. Could we talk about it over supper tomorrow? Just because?"

Jackson appeared at Olivia's side and wrapped a protective arm around her waist before she could respond. Everything alright here?" he asked, his tone light however his eyes vigilant.

The air on the patio unexpectedly felt electric, accused of implicit pressures and old competitions. Ethan's jaw fixed subtly at Jackson's recognizable motion.

With a forced smile, Olivia said, "Perfect timing, Jack." In fact, I was about to inquire about your availability for dinner tomorrow night.

In Jackson's eyes, she saw a flash of surprise that was quickly replaced by warmth. I'd very much want to," he said, pressing her midriff tenderly.

Ethan's appearance was obscured. " I'm anxious about the possibility that that won't be imaginable," he said, his voice cut. " The new Head of Global Initiatives is scheduled to meet with the board tomorrow evening. Your presence is required, Olivia."

"I told you, I haven't acknowledged - " Olivia started, yet Ethan cut her off.

"The official statement has previously gone out. Your trip to our Singapore office leaves in three days." Nothing could be argued with his tone. I recommend you use tomorrow to find a good pace on the undertaking. Except if, obviously, you'd favor "I report to everybody here that you're turning down a billion-dollar philanthropic drive?"

Olivia felt caught, cornered by Ethan's plots and the hopeful looks of everyone around her. She opened her mouth to dissent, to tell Ethan precisely where he could push his proposition for employment, when an upheaval from inside the dance hall grabbed their eye.

A man in a messed suit burst onto the patio, his face pale and overreacted. " Mr. Blackwood," he panted, "there's been a break. The Singapore project has lost all of its data.

The variety depleted from Ethan's face. In a moment, the presumptuous very rich person was supplanted by a man nearly losing everything. His eyes met Olivia's, a quiet request in their profundities.

"I want your assistance, Liv," he said unobtrusively. " Presently like never before."

As the patio emitted into disorder, with Sophia requesting answers and Jackson encouraging Olivia to leave with him, she wound up at a junction. To leave Ethan to deal with his own mess would be the smart move.

Be that as it may, as she investigated his eyes, she saw a gleam of the kid she once cherished - helpless, frantic, and totally lost without her.

Olivia realized then that her return to Westbrook had set in motion unforeseen occurrences. Over a significant time span they were crashing in manners she would never have envisioned, and at the focal point, all things considered, stood a billion-dollar secret that took steps to obliterate everything - and everybody - she had at any point thought often about.

Her life would forever be altered by the next choice she made. Be that as it may, would she say she was prepared to address the cost ?