Chapter 426
Atticus nodded. "Remember when Thomas mentioned that clumsy assistant who kept messing things up? He was always complaining about her but never fired her. Instead, he kept her around and taught her himself."
"Well, it looks like she really screwed up this time, and Thomas had to go back to the main office overseas to fix it. That's why he had to put your case on hold."
Isabella's eyes widened.
She had suspected that Thomas was overly protective of this assistant, but she hadn't expected it to be true.
Thomas's team of lawyers was renowned internationally, and every second of their time was worth a lot of money.
And Thomas himself was a powerful CEO.
How could he waste so much time on a mere assistant?
Now that she thought about it, everything made sense.
"So, Uncle Thomas is getting married soon."
Great, this was a double blessing.
Isabella's eyes sparkled with joy as she calculated in her mind.
With Atticus and Thomas's major life events settled, only Kian, Holden, and Orion were left.
Each uncle's marriage was a huge challenge for her.
Holden was easier since he was nearby, so there was at least a chance.
But Kian had settled abroad, and his businesses were all overseas. He rarely came back. How could she introduce someone suitable to him? She couldn't just throw a woman at him, right?
Kian was as strong-willed as Atticus, so she couldn't mess around.
Orion had devoted himself to the arts and had been a nomad for years, loving to appear in different places every day. He was the hardest to deal with. She couldn't even find him, let alone introduce a girlfriend.
Forget it, she should focus on the present.
Once Atticus and Olivia were together, she could tackle the other uncles one by one.
She wondered if her grandfather would be happy in heaven knowing this.
His sons were finally willing to settle down.
Soon, Emilio returned with water, and Isabella stood up to continue the climb with them.
Olivia chatted with Isabella about how magical the wishing pool at the top of the mountain was, urging her to think of her wishes now so she wouldn't forget in the excitement.
But Isabella's mind was elsewhere.
She watched Atticus and Emilio walking ahead and Olivia holding her arm tightly. Something felt off.
This was a rare chance for Atticus and Olivia to be alone. If they just climbed the mountain, it would be no different from staying home.
"Olivia, I'm slow. You don't have to worry about me. Go join Atticus and the others."
Isabella suggested deliberately.
Olivia didn't hesitate. "No way. You're not doing well already. How could I leave you alone?"
Isabella's mouth twitched. She had forgotten that Olivia felt guilty about the child.
Seeing that persuasion wasn't working, Isabella pulled Olivia aside and hinted, "Olivia, did you forget why Emilio invited me out today?"
Of course, Emilio wanted a chance to be alone with Isabella. They weren't just here to hike.
Olivia realized, hesitating as she looked at Emilio and then at her best friend Isabella. She was in the way.
"Then I'll go ahead with Atticus?"
Olivia asked cautiously.
Isabella nodded quickly, pushing Olivia towards Atticus. "Olivia, you're the best."
Olivia didn't understand Isabella's sudden interest in Emilio, but as her best friend, she had to help.
"It's nothing."
The next second, Olivia grabbed Atticus, pulling him away from Emilio.
Atticus was confused until he saw Isabella wink at him, and he understood.
He quickly caught up with Olivia, giving Isabella a thumbs-up.
Isabella, his beloved niece, knew his feelings for Olivia and pushed her towards him.
Watching them walk away quickly, like they were avoiding something, Emilio stopped to wait for Isabella, smiling. "Feeling better now?"
As adults, he could see through Isabella's little scheme to match Atticus and Olivia.
But he wouldn't point it out or interfere.
Because he benefited too.
With Atticus taking Olivia away, he and Isabella could have some real alone time.
And that was exactly what he wanted.
Hearing Emilio, Isabella sighed. "It's still early. I'll only be at ease when I see Atticus propose to Olivia and they have a wedding."
But now that things had started well, the rest was out of her hands.
Emilio smiled, taking her bag. "Let me carry this."
"Thank you."
Isabella handed it over without hesitation.
Unlike Olivia's eagerness to reach the wishing pool, Isabella and Emilio were more relaxed. They weren't here for that.
They strolled leisurely, keeping Atticus and Olivia in sight.
Meanwhile, Atticus finally had a chance to talk to Olivia alone. Remembering Isabella's advice, he made up his mind.
He couldn't resist grabbing her hand, intending to hold it tight, but Olivia instinctively swung her other hand at him.
"Pervert!"
Just before her slap landed on his handsome face, Olivia stopped.
It was him!
Atticus smiled, not letting go of her hand.
"Good, it's great that you have this awareness."
Olivia blushed at the unexpected praise but realized something else.
"I didn't know it was you. Why didn't you dodge?"
Atticus had been in the military for nearly ten years, a special forces soldier. He wouldn't just stand still and get slapped.
"Why dodge? I held your hand. It's normal for you to resist."
Atticus squeezed her hand again, soft and small, feeling incredibly tender in his palm.
Even if she slapped him, he'd take it willingly.
Besides, her strength was like a tickle to him.
Olivia finally realized. "Why are you holding my hand?"