Chapter 19: Fiancé

Monica, a veteran actress, knew she had to salvage the situation and her already tarnished reputation. Swallowing her pride, she took Olive's hand. "Olive, we're sorry. It really is our fault..." She took the initiative, admitting her mistake. If Olive forgave her, the situation might de-escalate.

Olive understood Monica's attempt at blackmail. "I'll just leave," she muttered, and honorably departed the party.

Monica froze, watching Olive exit. She wasn't just furious; she was deeply upset.

Exiting the party hall, Olive checked her phone. A notification indicated messages on her chat app.

"Did you ruin the event?" North had sent.

"Yes, I did!" Olive replied.

North and Olive were close friends. When Olive returned to Los Angeles, she'd asked North to monitor Monica's activities. Monica had used connections to purchase the Luminous dress.

Olive glanced at the time. Gabriella's birthday party was ending soon. Though aware of Monica's plan, she'd already instructed North to replace Monica's order with an imitation. North, a top actress in both global and national productions, was a Luminous global model and launched their products annually. Replacing the dress was easy for her.

As Olive composed a reply, she heard footsteps and saw a handsome figure beside her: Derrick Domino. The Dominos were one of Los Angeles's four wealthiest families. Years ago, the Dominos and Harts had been close, and Olive had been betrothed to Derrick when her mother was alive.

Derrick, wearing a stylish British trench coat, stopped and stared.

Olive put her phone in her bag and continued walking, brushing past him.

But Derrick grabbed her wrist. "Olive, are you pretending not to know me?"

Olive pulled her wrist free. "I have nothing to say to you."

The memories of a decade ago remained vivid. Derrick had testified to seeing her push her grandfather. Derrick and Olive had known each other since infancy; they were childhood sweethearts, and Olive's mother had greatly liked Derrick.

In recent years, Derrick had become a business prodigy. The Domino Corporation monopolized the medical market, catapulting them to become one of Los Angeles's four giants.

Derrick glanced at Olive. "Olive, you don't want to talk to me? Who do you want to talk to? Your sick husband in Red Villa?"

"Derrick, do not interfere in my personal life," Olive warned, clutching her bag.

"Olive, I'm your fiancé."

"After you sent me to the orphanage with your testimony?"

Olive couldn't forget the betrayal. Derrick's testimony had drastically altered her life.

Derrick frowned, his lips curving into a sinister arc. "Olive, why did you marry that sick man in Red Villa? Can he satisfy you?"

Olive slapped him hard. Silence fell.

Clenching her fist, she pointed at him. "Derrick, please respect yourself. Let's preserve the good memories we shared."

Derrick's expression turned gloomy and cold. "Olive, remember you're no longer a virgin. I don't want used goods."

Olive thought Derrick was out of his mind. If he considered her "ragged," what would she call him, given his history of numerous girlfriends?

"By the way, I already have a new fiancé. And you know her, too."

Olive had no interest in his fiancé, but his words gave her a strong suspicion.

Gabriella walked over and rushed into Derrick's arms. "Derrick, darling! You're here! I thought you wouldn't come..."

Derrick embraced her. "Silly! Why wouldn't I attend your party? I even got you a present."

He pulled a small box from his pocket, revealing a diamond necklace, which he placed around Gabriella's neck. "Do you like it?"

Gabriella's eyes lit up. "Like? I love it! Thank you!" She kissed him.

Patrick and Monica joined them. Patrick smiled flatteringly. "Derrick, Gabriella has been waiting all day for you."

Derrick held Gabriella's hand. "Uncle Patrick, I've already instructed my secretary to invest in Hart Medical. Let me know if you need anything else."

Derrick had solved Hart Medical's financial problems.

"Thank you, Derrick," Patrick and Monica chorused.

Monica's face beamed. She looked pointedly at Olive. "Olive, I forgot to introduce you to Derrick. This is Derrick Domino, heir to the Domino Corporation, and now fiancé to your sister, Gabriella. I'm certain you'll give them your blessings."

It explained her father's extravagant party for Gabriella.

Olive glared at Derrick, seeing only a lust for revenge in his eyes.