Chapter 50: Godfather

Olive looked back at North with a guilty conscience. “I didn’t think of anything,” she admitted.

North’s eyes twinkled playfully. “It’s written all over your face.”

Olive hesitated, unable to argue. She lowered her head and picked out 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 prospect of gifting a doll to an elderly woman.

Olive remained in New York for two more days, and the scandal had subsided. She received news that Patrick and Monica’s wedding anniversary was approaching, and they planned a celebration.

When Love Becomes a Thing of the Past

Olive wasn’t fazed. She believed the scandal had already ruined Patrick’s reputation, and he was probably just waiting for an opportunity to harm Monica. But his throwing a party instead was interesting.

North handed her a document. “Olive, I discovered their wedding anniversary will include an important guest: Aiden Aaron, Monica’s godfather.”

Olive flipped through the documents.

North explained, “This man is a major capitalist in the entertainment industry. He helped Monica become an actress. Furthermore, Aiden Aaron is involved in medical import and export, though he’s kept a low profile.” She paused for breath. “Little wonder we had no clues for so long. This man has deep connections and operates in both the legal and illegal realms. Moreover, he has a very powerful, and very snobbish, wife.”

“The recent scandals have severely damaged Monica’s industry connections. To avoid being sidelined, she can only rely on her godfather.”

Olive nodded slowly. Since returning from the orphanage, she’d been waiting for the day Monica’s foundations crumbled, revealing her true nature. “Although my dad values a good reputation, he values money more. He doesn’t mind a bad reputation as long as he’s rich. The company’s financial shortfall remains unresolved; my father urgently needs capital.”

North sipped her juice. “I hear Mrs. Aaron specializes in manipulating her husband. Perhaps I can devise a plan to participate?”

When Love Becomes a Thing of the Past

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 wedding anniversary proceeded as scheduled; wealthy businesspeople from LA still attended. Monica, having suffered numerous recent setbacks, dressed lavishly, unwilling to admit defeat. She’d invited her godfather to prove her resilience and power to the world.

“Mrs. Christian, your dress is beautiful. Where did you buy it?” Monica offered a perfect, elegant smile as she socialized.

Mrs. Christian, chatting with other wealthy wives, responded briefly before quickly leaving with them when Monica approached.

Monica froze. She sensed the other women isolating her, discussing the pornographic photos. She’d tried to cover up the scandal and use her anniversary to display her prestige, but some things could not be concealed.

Gabriella stomped toward her angrily. “Mom, why are the girls I played with suddenly ignoring me?”

Monica’s expression hardened. Not only was she ostracized; Gabriella was too.

Patrick arrived, approaching Monica and whispering, “Monica, where is your godfather? Hart’s medical needs urgent funding. When your godfather arrives, let him solve our financial problems.”

Monica, already in a foul mood, grew angrier. 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 had agreed to fund us, but you and I know he needed to be engaged to Gabriella first. But what happened at the engagement party? You two are useless! You’ve done nothing to solve the financial problem. Now you dare to speak 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 publicly since the incident.

Monica’s lips twitched as 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.”

When Love Becomes a Thing of the Past

After Patrick publicly disowned Olive, she reappeared in public, as delicate and beautiful as ever.

“Hart, Olive has been raised so well. You truly have a good daughter,” one socialite remarked.

Patrick could only smile awkwardly. “Olive, I’ve 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 clouded with embarrassment. Olive’s mere presence felt like a rebuke.

Someone in the crowd called out, “Mr. Aaron, you’re finally here!”

Aiden Aaron arrived. Monica walked forward proudly, taking Mr. Aaron’s arm and sweetly calling, “Godfather…”