“Olivia, the families already agreed to settle. Why can’t you let it go? Do you want to see me and the company destroyed? Don’t you realize if the company faces a wrongful-death lawsuit, it will ruin our chance to go public?”
“Your dad’s life in exchange for peace—isn’t that better? I’ve practically solved your retirement problem for you. Shouldn’t you thank me?”
I couldn’t believe Richard could see a living life this way.
My furious gaze cut him deeply, and he raised his hand, ready to slap me awake.
But I was quicker—I grabbed a fruit knife and drove it hard into his palm.
Bella walked in just in time to see this, her face draining of color:
“Olivia, it’s all my fault. I’ll kneel if you want—just don’t hurt Richard…”
She grabbed at the knife as I tried to stab Richard again, wincing in pain.
Infuriated, Richard kicked me to the ground and struck me repeatedly in the stomach.
Seeing me curled up in agony, coughing blood, Bella pretended to plead for me:
“Richard, don’t blame her. She just can’t accept her dad’s tragic death.”
Richard quickly pulled her into his arms, comforting her: