CH 23
Olivia’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile. “I’m implying we need to take a closer look at the situation before jumping to conclusions. Ethan isn’t the type to act recklessly without reason. Something here doesn’t add up.” The tension thickened as everyone’s gaze shifted between Olivia, James, and the silent, enigmatic Ethan. Whatever had truly transpired, Olivia was determined to uncover it. Olivia exhaled heavily, her frustration evident. “Prejudice blinds people, leading to rash judgments. Just because Ethan confessed, does that truly make him guilty?”
James’s brow furrowed deeply, his voice cold as ice. “And what exactly are you trying to imply? Or are you simply shielding him?”
Olivia let out a soft, sardonic laugh, waving a dismissive hand. “The irony of it all—such a grand and prestigious family as the Coles, yet their legacy is entrusted to someone as shortsighted as you. If it weren’t for the solid foundation laid by Ethan’s grandfather, the Cole family would’ve collapsed long ago.”
“What did you just say?” James bellowed, his hand rising as if to strike her.
“Stop!” Sophia’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding, as she stepped protectively in front of Olivia. Her gaze was intense. “Olivia, what have you discovered?”
Meanwhile, Ethan observed the scene in silence, his face unreadable. Yet he couldn’t help but be drawn to Olivia. Despite her seemingly plain exterior, there was something luminous about her—a calm strength that was unexpectedly captivating.
Olivia turned to Smith, her smile measured and knowing. “I’ve noticed something rather peculiar,” she began, her voice steady as her eyes locked onto his.
Smith visibly tensed under her gaze, a ripple of anxiety flickering across his face. Unable to hold her stare, he quickly looked away.
Her smile widened, just enough to hint at her growing confidence. “Tell me, Smith, how exactly did Ethan—confined to a wheelchair—manage to push you into the pool?”
“I—I slipped,” Smith stammered, his voice barely audible. “It wasn’t Ethan. I lost my balance while trying to steady myself.”
“Really?” Olivia tilted her head, her tone light but cutting. She turned toward Ethan briefly, her expression softening, before returning her attention to Smith. “How curious. From where you claim to have ‘slipped,’ it would take quite an impressive feat of clumsiness to end up all the way in the pool.”
“What are you insinuating?” Smith’s voice cracked slightly, betraying his unease.
The murmurs of confusion from onlookers swelled, a wave of doubt spreading through the crowd.
“Olivia, enough of this!” James barked, his irritation palpable as a servant handed him the stick he had demanded earlier.
Sophia’s eyes remained fixed on Olivia, her tone sharp and insistent. “Are you certain Smith fell on his own?”
Olivia gestured toward Ethan, seated serenely in his wheelchair. “Absolutely. Ethan hasn’t moved from that spot this entire time. From here to the pool is a considerable distance. How realistic is it for someone in his condition to push Smith into the water? Now, if Smith—‘the illegitimate son,’ as some might say—lost his footing and conveniently ended up in the pool, well, I suppose stranger things have happened.”
A low chuckle escaped Ethan’s lips, drawing everyone’s attention. There was something both amused and intrigued in his expression. Olivia, with her audacity and wit, continued to surprise him.
Her deliberate repetition of the term “illegitimate son” struck a nerve with both James and Smith, their grimaces of displeasure evident. However, Ethan found her blunt mention of his disability a touch unnecessary, though it didn’t dampen his appreciation for her defense.
“Olivia, I appreciate your support,” Ethan said, his tone laced with a dry humor as he glanced briefly at Smith. “But to be fair, I did push him. He stumbled, lost his footing, and made a rather dramatic dive into the pool. If I weren’t hindered by my condition, perhaps I could’ve pulled him back. As it stands, my failure to act might as well be considered a push.”
Olivia rolled her eyes, both exasperated and amused by Ethan’s sardonic remark. “If that’s the logic we’re using, then I’m complicit too. As your wife, if I’d been by your side, I would’ve helped pull him back myself.”
The unexpected quip drew a quiet laugh from Sophia, who quickly covered her mouth, realizing the poor timing. Yet, despite the circumstances, a warm sense of relief settled over her. It had been far too long since she’d seen Ethan smile, even subtly.
Watching the playful exchange between Ethan and Olivia, Sophia felt a flicker of hope. Perhaps this spirited, bold young woman could be the light Ethan so desperately needed.
“Enough!”
