(Olivia’s POV)

    Matthew was exuding a cold aura as he walked towards the vi, seemingly not caring about my answer at all. His tall figure brushed past me, the sleeve of his white shirt lightly grazing the butterfly sleeve of my dress.

    My gaze instinctively followed him, watching his upright back as he sat down on the sofa. His eyes casuallynded on Cain Nightwood, who hade downstairs upon hearing the noise.

    As Matthew began speaking with the apprehensive Cain, my hand was suddenly gripped tightly. I turned to meet Killian’s nervous gaze, my thoughts pulled back to the present.

    Just then, Tristan entered from outside. “Thank you for your concern, Professor Vance. The King and Miss ckwood’s rtionship is very good.”

    Despite Tristan’s words, Killian still held onto my hand, his eyes fixed on my dim, calm expression. “Olivia, but you two don’t look well. Not at all.”

    As I hesitated, Tristan stepped forward and took Killian’s arm. “Let me help the professor inside. The King is waiting to hear your report on the research n.”

    Tristan applied some force, and as the effects of the alcohol washed over him, Killian felt dizzy andcked the strength to argue. He had no choice but to release my hand.

    As Killian was led inside, I quietly said, “Tristan, I’ll be going then.”

    As I turned to leave, Matthew’s gaze followed me through the French window. Suddenly, a small figure darted down the stairs and grabbed my hand.

    Matthew retracted his gaze.

    “Mommy, can you y with me for a while before you go?” ra said excitedly, pulling me towards the stairs. “My dinosaur armor won first ce in thepetition, and I got first ce in my exams, and I…”

    She was eager to share all her achievements. ra, unafraid of Matthew, simply offered a breezy “Hello, Uncle Matthew” as she passed.

    I, still in my high heels, was pulled along by the girl. At thending, I tried to avoid Matthew, but my heel wobbled.

    Just as I was about to fall, arge hand supported my lower back, and the familiar scent of pine and earth enveloped me. I quickly grabbed the handrail, steadied myself, and escaped his touch, following ra into the children’s room.

    (Matthew’s POV)

    In the study, I was supposed to be listening to Killian’s enthusiastic report, but my mind was elsewhere, distracted by the sounds ofughter from the children’s room. I could still feel the lingering coolness of her body on my hand.

    She was so thin, with no fat on her waist. She had lost more weight.

    After the report, Olivia came downstairs, only to find me standing in the back garden. Tristan approached, iming my car had an issue and they needed a ride.

    Olivia got into the driver’s seat, but I promptly sat in the passenger seat, my unique scent filling the small space. When she asked where we were going, Tristan replied from the back, “Infirmary.”

    Olivia shot a worried nce at my weary–looking face and pressed down on the elerator.

    (Olivia’s POV)

    At the infirmary, we were met by the head healer, who insisted I needed immediate moonlight herb treatment for the scar on my hand. The silver wound caused by Little Silvanus had healed, but the scar remained.

    Previously, when Lydia grabbed me, she touched the wound, which was noticed by Matthew.

    During the painful procedure, I felt Matthew’s presence behind me and tensed, determined not to make a sound. Afterwards, my hand was bandaged.

    Tristan took my keys, insisting I shouldn’t drive. The front passenger seat was now filled with files, leaving me no choice but to sit in the back next to Matthew.

    I thanked him quietly, but he didn’t respond.

    I asked Tristan about my diploma, and Tristan said I could go to the Kane estate, where Matthew had been carrying my files with him. The car soon arrived at the Kane Estate.

    Before I could leave, Victoria Kane appeared, excitedly pulling me inside to see a renowned healer she had invited.

    (Matthew’s POV)

    After the consultation, Olivia retrieved her diploma from me in a small hall. I remained silent.

    Her eyes reddened, and she turned to leave, but Victoria stopped her, insisting she stay the night. When Olivia refused and left, I calmly asked my mother for the healer’s diagnosis.

    Victoria, knowing I hadn’t slept in two days, hardened her heart and put her n into motion. She told me Olivia’s body could be conditioned to conceive, then used reverse psychology, taunting that I couldn’tpete with Theodore’s “bitter–flesh” schemes.

    Unfazed, I pressed, “And what if she can’t be conditioned?”

    Victoria dered they could have Seraphina Kane bear a child for them to raise. Having forced my mother’s hand and gotten her tomit to a path, I stood up and walked out.

    Olivia had just started her car when the door was pulled open. She looked up into my eyes.

    She looked at my weary expression and the dark circles under my eyes, and nervously grabbed my hand, “Matthew, what’s wrong with you?”

    Her hand was slender and soft, holding mine tightly, making it look exceptionally small. The moment she grabbed my hand, the anger in my heart suddenly dissipated.

    How could I not be angry? So willful.

    I bent down, myrge hands slipping under Olivia’s arms and the crook of her knees, lifting her out of the car and into my arms. She looked at me in astonishment, “Matthew?”

    Her small mouth was instantly sealed, and my hoarse, emotional voice sounded by her ear, “Don’t call me that.”