From a Wrong Turn to Mr. Right novel Chapter 83

The only thing really bothering her right now was the sinking feeling that the million dollars she was supposed to get might just go up in smoke.

“Don’t overthink it. I’m not acting out of spite or anything. Stop trying to guess what’s going on in my head,” she said coolly.

As if he knew her so well.

Olivia Bennett narrowed her eyes, suddenly struck by a thought. “So you couldn’t talk Lavinia Bennett into it, and now you’re here to talk to me instead?”

Daniel Gill hesitated, silent.

Well, she wasn’t wrong.

Olivia couldn’t help but laugh. “I’ve said everything that needs to be said. You can go now.”

She stood her ground, unmoved. Daniel felt his nerves fray.

He glanced at his watch, then finally asked the question that had been bugging him since yesterday. “Why did your studio reopen?”

“My studio opens when I want it to. Do I need to send you a formal invitation?” Olivia shot back, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Every word from her was sharp-edged, laced with ice. She was like a hedgehog, bristling with quills—get too close, and you’d get pricked.

Daniel’s brow furrowed. “Where did you get the money to buy a studio?”

If he was here, he must have already done his homework.

Olivia wasn’t surprised in the least.

“That’s none of your concern,” she replied flatly, not even bothering to look at him.

Daniel’s frown deepened.

“Can you stop talking to me like this?” Daniel reached out, trying to take her hand.

Olivia jerked her hand back, but he’d been ready—when she pulled away, he caught her with his other hand.

There was no denying the difference in strength. Daniel gave a gentle tug, and Olivia stumbled right into his arms.

He held her tight, his voice low, almost pleading by her ear. “Why can’t things just go back to how they were, Olivia? It hurts when you act like this.”

Hurt? So he knew what that felt like.

All she felt was suffocated, trapped by his closeness. She pushed against him. “Let me go.”

But Daniel wouldn’t budge.

Olivia gritted her teeth, shocked by how shameless he could be. “What are you doing? Aren’t you worried Lavinia will find out?”

Olivia said nothing.

Daniel exhaled, exasperated. “Do you really need the money that badly?”

“Yes. Why wouldn’t I take it?” Olivia replied coolly. “Money’s the only thing that’s really yours in this world.”

Her meaning was clear. Daniel’s face darkened. “How much do you want? I’ll give it to you—just say no to her.”

Trying to buy her off again. Typical.

Olivia didn’t get angry this time—she just smiled, every word crisp and deliberate. “I’ll earn what I need on my own, thanks. Your money? I wouldn’t touch it.”

Daniel’s expression changed instantly. He opened his mouth to retort, but footsteps echoed down the hallway.

They both turned.

Adelina Lane was approaching, tote bag in hand.

“Adelina!” Olivia called out.

Adelina smiled warmly. “Hey, what are you two doing hanging around out here?”