Chapter 50: Godfather

Olive looked back at North with guilt.

"I didn't think of anything," she said.

North's eyes twinkled playfully. "It's written all over your face."

Olive hesitated, unable to argue. She lowered her head and picked up the belt. "North, I have to buy a gift for Grandma, too."

"Okay, what does the old lady like?"

"Dolls."

North nodded. "Then let's buy her Barbie dolls. Grandma will definitely like them."

Olive agreed. "Okay."

The store manager, standing nearby, looked confused at the doll-for-Grandma idea.

Olive stayed in New York for two more days. The scandal had subsided. She received news that Patrick and Monica's wedding anniversary was approaching, and they planned a celebration. Olive remained unmoved. She believed the scandal had ruined Patrick's reputation, and he was likely waiting to "strangle Monica to death." Yet, he threw a party instead—interesting.

North handed her a document. "Olive, I found out their anniversary will include an important guest: Aiden Aaron, Monica's godfather."

Olive flipped through the document.

North continued, "This man is a major capitalist in the entertainment industry. He helped Monica become an actress. Furthermore, Aiden Aaron is involved in medical import/export, though he's kept a low profile." She paused for breath. "Little wonder we had no clues. He has a deep background and plays both sides. Moreover, he has a very powerful, snobbish wife."

"The recent scandals have badly damaged Monica's industry connections. To avoid being ostracized, she's relying on her godfather."

Olive nodded slowly. Since leaving the orphanage, she'd been waiting for Monica's downfall. "Although my dad loves a good reputation, he loves money more. He doesn't mind a bad reputation if he's rich. The company's financial shortage remains unresolved. My father urgently needs capital."

North sipped her juice. "I hear Mrs. Aaron specializes in seducing her husband. Why don't I devise a plan to participate?"

Olive's eyes brightened. "That's exactly what I want."

Olive placed the documents on the table and stood. "North, I'm going back. I have to attend this anniversary. By the way, when are you returning to work?"

North leaned lazily by the door, her brown curly hair catching the evening breeze. She murmured, "Soon."

Patrick and Monica's anniversary proceeded as scheduled; wealthy Los Angeles businesspeople still attended. Monica, recently defeated multiple times, dressed gorgeously, unwilling to admit defeat. She invited her godfather to prove her resilience and power.

"Mrs. Christian, your dress is beautiful. Where did you buy it?" Monica offered a flawless smile while socializing.

Mrs. Christian, chatting with other wealthy wives, briefly responded to Monica before quickly leaving with the group. Monica froze, sensing their isolation and the whispers about the pornographic photos. She'd tried to cover up the scandal and use the anniversary to restore her prestige, but some things couldn't be hidden.

Gabriella stormed up angrily. "Mom, why are the girls who used to play with me suddenly ignoring me?"

Monica's expression turned cold. She'd been excluded, and now Gabriella was, too.

Patrick approached. He whispered to Monica, "Monica, where's your godfather? Hart's medical needs urgent funding. When he arrives, let him solve our financial problems."

Monica, already in a bad mood, became furious. She glared at Patrick. "Capital injection—that's all you care about! You don't care about your wife and daughter!"

"What do you mean? Derrick agreed to fund us, but you and I know he needed Gabriella's engagement first. What happened at the party? You two are useless! You haven't solved the financial problem, and you dare talk to me? Guess who cleaned up your social media mess?" Patrick retorted angrily.

Monica was about to retort when she heard a voice behind her.

"Aunt, what are you and Dad arguing about?"

Monica quickly turned and saw Olive, who hadn't been seen since the incident. Monica's lips twitched, and she forced a laugh. "Olive, you're here. You misunderstood. Your father and I aren't quarreling."

Olive walked to Patrick's side and said calmly, "Dad, let the past go. Don't blame Mom. In the future, I'll try not to come home as much."

After Patrick's public disowning of Olive, she reappeared, as delicate and beautiful as ever.

One socialite remarked, "Mr. Hart, Olive has been raised so well. You've truly raised a good daughter."

Patrick could only smile awkwardly. "Olive, I wronged you. This is still your home; come back whenever you wish. If anyone dares to humiliate you again, Dad will teach them a lesson."

Monica's face darkened with embarrassment. Olive's arrival had completely undermined her. She hated it.

Someone in the crowd muttered, "Mr. Aaron, you're finally here!"

Aiden Aaron arrived. Monica walked forward