Chapter 39: Don't Get Engaged, Okay?

Gabriella, surrounded by numerous famous family members, basked in their admiration and flattery. Her pretty face radiated joy. Spotting Olive, she quickly stepped forward.

"Olive, you're here! I was worried you wouldn't come and wouldn't witness this beautiful moment," Gabriella exclaimed.

The family members approached.

"Gabriella, you're so kind to invite her," one lady remarked. "Olive used to be Sir Derrick's fiancée. Aren't you afraid she'll be jealous?"

Gabriella glared at the woman. "Don't speak of Olive that way. She's already suffered enough."

Olive observed them calmly, finding the situation amusing. Gabriella was now engaged to one of LA's wealthiest men; she should be proud.

Monica arrived. Despite their strained relationship, Monica and Patrick maintained a façade of joy for their daughter's engagement. Monica, in a beautiful navy blue dress, looked charming.

"Olive, you're here! All the LA socialites are here. Aren't you going to mingle? At least today, you're not wearing a knock-off," Monica sneered, her words laced with sharp intent. She planned to use Olive's previous words against her.

As expected, the wealthy women distanced themselves from Olive, leaving her isolated. Everyone at the engagement seemed to harbor ill will toward her.

Olive smiled faintly. The situation wasn't as dire as she'd anticipated. Since she'd dared to show up, this was nothing. The real drama was yet to unfold.

A murmur of "Congratulations, Sir Derrick," rippled through the room as he entered, impeccably dressed in a black suit and white tie. His natural handsomeness was amplified.

Gabriella rushed to Derrick, taking his hand. "Derrick, Olive is here to wish us well," she announced sweetly.

Olive's bright eyes met Derrick's. "Well, I've already had a taste of Derrick's true nature," she stated pointedly. "He's a glorified scumbag, and I'm already thinking about how you'll cope, my dear sister. So, yes, I do wish you both well."

A gasp swept through the audience. Gabriella's expression hardened. "Olive, what are you doing? Don't ruin my engagement party!" she scolded.

Derrick's pupils constricted. Even after ten years, she remained stubborn and combative. He moved to speak, but Gabriella restrained him.

"Derrick, ignore her. She hasn't gotten over you!"

The guests exchanged glances. It was clear: Olive wanted the groom to flee.

Olive laughed, looking at Derrick. "Mr. Domino, don't take it too seriously; I'm only joking."

The room erupted. Derrick's eyes turned icy. She was toying with them!

Olive's smile shifted to Gabriella's angry face. "Come on, I was joking. Derrick isn't that bad." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, stunning everyone.

Was she crazy? they seemed to wonder.

"How dare you!" Gabriella fumed. The tension was palpable until Patrick intervened.

"Alright, alright. The engagement party has officially begun. Derrick, haven't you prepared a romantic proposal for Gabriella?"

Cheers of "Propose! Propose!" filled the room.

Derrick's cold gaze softened. He produced a bouquet of flowers and knelt before Gabriella. The awkwardness subsided. Patrick, however, glared at Olive.

"Olive, don't ruin this party. Or else…" he hissed.

"Or else what? Send me back to the orphanage? Dad, you seem to forget I'm married into the Red Villa," Olive retorted.

Patrick froze, realizing he was powerless against her.

Gabriella, consumed by jealousy and hatred, met Monica's encouraging gaze. She swallowed hard and forced a smile. Once married into the Domino family, she would deal with Olive as she pleased.