Chapter 4

Tristan re-read the summary of Mario's investigation results from a while ago. He tried to remember and firmly implant in his mind what Olivia Walters liked and disliked.

It wasn't without reason that Tristan went to all this trouble. He just wanted to appear perfect, to attract and win Olivia's heart before Edward could. Tristan had resolved that he wouldn't let his friend build a relationship with Olivia.

"I think..." murmured Mario. "Your moment of carrying Olivia in the restaurant parking lot yesterday must have caught her attention a bit. Women all over the world are the same, sir. They love being noticed, especially pampered by men. It's cliché but very effective."

Tristan agreed with his assistant's statement. Leaning his shoulder on the chair, his gaze hadn't shifted from the paper he was holding.

"I believe the same, Mario. Olivia must be starting to take my presence into account. That's why I need to move quickly. My deadline must succeed before Valentine's Day."

"So, what do you think?" asked Mario. "Are you going to visit that woman at her apartment today?"

Tristan nodded confidently. As a gentleman, he indeed had to show concern for the woman he was after, especially since Olivia was currently ill.

"Of course. Please order a bouquet of red roses for me. After work, I'll surprise Olivia with an unexpected visit."

"Yes, sir."

There was a brief pause before Tristan spoke again. Rotating his eyes, he seemed to be thinking, as if something was missing, before he finally remembered something.

"Ah, besides the roses, please also prepare a premium red velvet cake. Maybe these two items will make Olivia even more impressed with me."

"I'll prepare everything. I'll find the best roses and red velvet for you to bring tonight."

So, in the evening after finishing his work, Tristan hurriedly stepped out of his office towards the lobby. When he exited the elevator, he accidentally ran into Kimberly, who was also getting ready to go home.

"Tristan," called Kimberly.

The person called turned his head immediately. He threw a friendly smile and then walked over.

"Have you finished your work?"

"Of course. That's why I'm getting ready to go home now."

"Want to go home with me?" offered Tristan.

Actually, they both lived together at Tristan's residence. However, every morning everyone left in their respective cars. Sometimes Kimberly went with Raphael, and sometimes they were driven by a chauffeur. Tristan himself always drove his own car, feeling more at ease than being driven by a chauffeur.

"No, if I go with you, what about the chauffeur?" Kimberly declined politely. She didn't like bothering others. From a young age, her father taught her to be independent and not rely on anyone.

"But they haven't picked you up yet, right?"

This time Kimberly shook her head. She looked around as if making sure whether the chauffeur who usually picked her up had arrived at the lobby.

"Maybe they'll be here soon."

"Then come with me. I hate seeing a woman have to wait," said Tristan while putting his arm around Kimberly's shoulder, leading her towards his car. He kindly opened the door and invited the beautiful woman to get in.

Throughout the ride home, Kimberly occasionally observed the man focused on driving beside her. As a normal woman, she knew how handsome Tristan was. He had fair skin, a tall and well-built body, a broad chest, a sturdy back, and lips that were naturally red as if wearing lipstick because Tristan wasn't a smoker. His sharp and cold blue eyes added to his handsomeness.

Not only was Tristan handsome and charming, but he was also a kind and attentive man. After living together for years, he never once made Kimberly upset, always trying to protect and care for her.

"We've arrived," said Tristan when his car was parked in front of their house. "Kimberly," he called again when the woman beside him didn't respond.

"Ah, y-yes," replied Kimberly, startled from her daydream. She hurriedly grabbed her shopper bag and got out with Tristan.

"What were you thinking about? Why did you lose focus like that?" asked Tristan as he walked into the house.

"Nothing," replied Kimberly, shaking her head. "Nothing important, actually." When they were inside, Kimberly stopped walking and looked at Tristan. "What do you want for dinner tonight? Should I prepare something?"

Tristan shook his head. He remembered that he had to visit Olivia at her apartment tonight.

"It seems like I can't join you for dinner tonight. After changing clothes, I have to meet someone."

Nodding understandingly, Kimberly responded softly.

"I see. As long as you don't miss your dinner."

"Of course, Princess," replied Tristan, playfully pinching Kimberly's cheek.

"Thank you for reminding me. I won't forget. So you don't need to worry," he added with a smile, ruffling Kimberly's hair. A moment later, he continued walking towards his room, leaving Kimberly to turn towards her own.

After freshening up and preparing everything, Tristan immediately drove his car towards Olivia's apartment. Without much thought, he took bold steps and knocked on her door until someone finally answered.

"Good evening," greeted Tristan with a smile.

"Tristan... oh my, what are you doing here?" Olivia asked, surprised. Without any notice or small talk, the man was suddenly at her doorstep. Naturally, this startled Olivia.

"I came to visit you. I wanted to make sure if you're feeling better or still sick like yesterday," he said.

"Oh my God," Olivia exclaimed again. "Then please come in."

Before Olivia's astonishment could fade, Tristan surprised her again, especially when he handed over the items he had brought.

"I didn't know your preferences. But I sincerely gave these roses and red velvet cake for you," he chattered. He even went so far as to ask Mario to investigate what Olivia liked and disliked to catch the woman's attention.

Olivia couldn't speak anymore. Tristan's sweet gesture only made her think more highly of him.

"Really, you don't have to bother bringing me things like this," murmured Olivia when they were both sitting on the living room sofa. They chatted casually while enjoying the red velvet Tristan brought. "And besides, just so you know, everything you brought today is my favorite. By God, I'm not lying. Are you a mind reader? How do you know what I like?"

Tristan smiled satisfactorily. At the very least, their plan to catch Olivia's attention had succeeded. While eating the cake, he responded to Olivia again.

"I am indeed a keen observer. I'm also quite relieved and grateful that you like it. Another time, I'll bring it for you again."

"Don't overdo it. You don't need to bother, Tristan."

Tristan's brow furrowed. "Why not? Besides, there's no harm in giving flowers and cake to a woman as beautiful as you, Olivia."

Olivia scoffed. She was even embarrassed. Her face turned red with flattery from Tristan's sweet gesture.

"You smooth talker."

"I'm serious, Olivia. Why is it so hard for you to believe me?"

Olivia scoffed again and put on a teasing expression. "Fine, I believe you're not a playboy like Edward."

"Exactly. Please differentiate between the two of us," Tristan said with a laugh. "But anyway, while you rest, how's your work going? Didn't your agency protest? Because as far as I remember, weren't you supposed to have a photo session yesterday?"

"The good news is, they understand my condition. I was asked to rest fully until I can return to activities as usual. So the photoshoot yesterday was postponed and might continue next week."

"Thank goodness," Tristan breathed a sigh of relief. "And while resting, did anyone else visit you besides me?" he asked cautiously. His sharp blue eyes looked gently at Olivia.

"No one. You're the only one who visited me. Besides, I don't like telling many people about my condition. I'm not the type of woman who likes to share sadness."

Tristan nodded in understanding. A faint grin appeared on his handsome face. That meant, Edward didn't even know how Olivia's condition was now. This, of course, gave him an advantage. It would be easier to catch Olivia's attention and win her heart as soon as possible before Edward came and proposed.

---

A woman walked confidently towards the office in one of the elite residences in Kensington, London. Knocking twice, she immediately turned the door handle and walked in without hesitation towards the room's owner who was sitting waiting while reading a book.

"Dad called for me?"

"Sit down. There's something Papa wants to discuss with you."

His voice sounded calm but dominating. It made the heart race, creating a slightly tense atmosphere, as if the air supply in the room suddenly thinned, making breaths gasp.

Raphael Shadow had a handsome face despite his age. He had a strong and tall physique, a firm jawline complete with sharp blue eyes like an eagle's. Making anyone his prey would immediately shudder if they faced him for too long.

The word ambitious might fit the man who was no longer young. His accomplishments in building his business over the years were remarkable. Especially his way of educating Tristan until he could rise and shine like now. All of this was not without the cold hands of Olivier.

"Is this about work?" Kimberly guessed, who had taken a seat beside her father.

"No," he replied as he took off his reading glasses perched on his face. "This is about Tristan."

Kimberly's eyebrows almost knitted together. What's the matter that made her father call her and now invite her to discuss Tristan's affairs? Was there any mistake that the man had made?

"What's wrong with Tristan?"

"Do you know that Tristan is currently trying to get close to Olivia, Rudolf Walters' daughter?"

Kimberly was surprised and quickly shook her head.

"I don't know anything about this. Besides, it's not within my realm of concern, Dad. So, it's only natural that I shouldn't get involved."

Raphael nodded and smiled. He was proud of his successful education of Kimberly. Teaching her independence. Teaching her to respect and not interfere in other people's affairs. And most importantly, he instilled in his daughter to strive as hard as possible to achieve her desires and dreams. It might be a bit ambitious. But if we're not strong, we'll definitely end up in a suppressed position.

"For this one, you still need to know. Because in the end, you will marry Tristan," Raphael said coldly. He didn't miss any expressions from his daughter.

Meanwhile, Kimberly herself just remained silent. Choosing to pause for a moment while she thought. Living together with Tristan for years had truly made her fall in love with him. Not to mention Tristan's gentle and caring nature, which made her even more complacent.

Hearing the news her father had just delivered, for some reason, made Kimberly slightly reluctant.

"So what do I do after this? I'm sure Tristan is approaching Olivia for a specific purpose. Not seriously to build a relationship like lovers," Kimberly said confidently.

Raphael immediately nodded. Agreeing with what his daughter said.

"You're right. Tristan is indeed approaching Olivia with the intention of revenge against Rudolf, her father. But as Papa said earlier, you still have to watch Tristan. Don't let him end up truly falling in love with her."

"That's impossible," Kimberly shook her head. "I know Tristan, Dad. He couldn't possibly fall in love with his revenge target."

"Papa hopes so. But what's certain is, after all his plans are carried out, you must be prepared to marry Tristan. Because Papa knows that you've loved him for a long time. Papa will do anything to protect and preserve this family."

Kimberly closed her eyes dramatically. Digesting what her father had just instructed. If she really wanted Tristan to be hers, she had to watch his every move so that he didn't get too involved with anyone, especially until he truly fell in love with Olivia. No, Kimberly wouldn't let any of that happen.