The Billionaire’s Charade Novel – “Again?” The man’s voice was deep and mesmerizing, tinged with passion that had an almost hypnotic power. Olivia Brown glanced at the floor, where things worn by a woman were scattered under the sofa. All of it told the story of their recent blazing encounter. “No, I’m exhausted.” Olivia refused. But she knew she can’t hold back. Olivia laughed. Her face was already stunningly beautiful, with eyes like stars and lips as red as fire. Her thick, seaweed-like curls spread across her back, making her skin look delicate. Her red lips lazily curved, moving a tiny tear mole at the corner of her eye. This smile was incredibly hypnotizing. The man looked at Olivia in his arms, realizing she was really beautiful. “Don’t be so stingy. I’ll miss it soon,” She said with a smile. His expression suddenly froze, turning cold.
“What do you mean?” Olivia lifted the thin blanket and quickly dressed. She took a check from her bag and walked over to him. “Darling, here’s five million dollars as compensation, and this villa is yours too.” She placed the check in his hand. But instead of joy at receiving such a large gift, the man’s face remained dark. “Olivia, are you trying to dump me?” His voice was terrifyingly low, clearly restraining anger. Olivia kept smiling gently. She soothingly pinched his chin and smooched him. “My husband is back, and it’s inconvenient for me to keep seeing you. Let’s end things here.” The man’s face grew even darker. Olivia pecked his attractive thin lips again. “Behave. If you ever run into trouble, you can still call me.” With that, she got up, grabbed her bag, and left the room. She hadn’t taken more than a few steps when she heard something shatter inside.
Olivia didn’t stop; she just smiled wryly. She had supported him for three years. There was no real affection, but there was some pretense. It was only natural he’d find it hard to accept her sudden decision to break up. Olivia left the villa and drove straight to the airport. Her husband, Steven Walker, had taken his mistress abroad for three years. Now, unable to withstand family pressure, he had finally returned. “Olivia, although we’ve known each other since childhood and dated for two years, I have no feelings for you. I only love Abigail. If it weren’t for Grandpa forcing me, I would never marry you. I won’t lay a finger on you. This is my promise to Abigail. The only thing I can give you is the title of my wife. If you can’t stand the loneliness, you can find a boyfriend. I won’t interfere, but you can’t interfere with Abigail and me.” These were the words Steven said to her on their wedding night. Although three years had passed, Olivia remembered every word clearly.
The Brown and Walker families had always been close, with three generations of family heads being best friends. When Olivia was born, the Walker family had just had a son, and the two families arranged their marriage from the start. To foster their relationship, the families let Steven and Olivia play together since childhood, even taking turns staying at each other’s houses during holidays. Their relationship had always been good, and they naturally started dating in college. Until Abigail came between them. It was Olivia herself who pushed Steven toward Abigail. Abigail was their high school classmate, coming from a poor family with a timid personality but excellent grades. She was the only scholarship student at their prestigious school. Her appearance was like that of a little white rabbit in a lion’s den, always bullied by the arrogant elites.
Olivia often stood up for Abigail, even getting into fights on her behalf. They became best friends in high school and later attended the same university. As Olivia’s high school bestie, Abigail naturally got to know Steven. But back then, there had been no signs of romance between them. That changed in the summer of their sophomore year when Olivia and Steven signed up for a school-organized summer camp. Near the departure date, Olivia sprained her ankle and gave her spot to Abigail. Steven didn’t want to go if Olivia wasn’t attending, but she insisted he go to take care of Abigail, worried she might be bullied by others. What started as Steven looking out for Abigail gradually turned into affection, and the two got together.
That summer marked the biggest setback of Olivia’s life. The Brown family’s biological daughter, Mia Brown, returned, and Olivia went from being the pampered Brown family princess to a thief who had stolen someone else’s happiness, a fake heiress. During this darkest time, Steven suddenly broke up with her, saying he wanted to be with Abigail. Unable to bear the emotional blows. She survived, but that event brought about significant changes. Steven’s parents were heartbroken, as they had always seen Olivia as their daughter-in-law. Nicholas Walker, Steven’s grandfather, even threatened to use family shares to force Steven to marry her. But less than two months later, Steven applied for an exchange program at the University of St Andrews and went to the U.K. Naturally, Abigail went with him. Three years had passed.
Soon, the car stopped outside the airport. Olivia’s thoughts quickly returned to the present. Today, Nicholas had asked her to pick up Steven. Olivia checked her watch. The timing was perfect. She looked up just as Steven emerged from the airport terminal, pushing a luggage cart. He wore a white shirt and black trousers, his features refined, and his demeanor exceptional. Every move exuded the elegance and nobility of a scion of a distinguished family. His usually gentle face darkened the moment he saw Olivia. Olivia smiled, opened the car door, and walked over. “Darling, long time no see. How have you been?” Her bright and radiant smile, combined with her naturally pleasant voice and a touch of deliberate coquettishness, made her irresistibly charming. Even the onlookers couldn’t help but glance at her, envying her husband.
Steven’s frown deepened as he looked at the woman before him. Today, Olivia was stunning, as if she had dressed up meticulously to see him. She looked different from three years ago. She used to have a fresh, innocent look, but now her makeup was flawless, her hair styled in big waves, and she was dressed head-to-toe in designer brands, exuding a lazy and noble aura. “Don’t call me darling,” Steven’s voice was cold. He glanced at the woman in a white dress beside him. Olivia had noticed her before getting out of the car. Abigail had come back with him. She wore a loose, pure cotton white dress, and no makeup, but her face and naturally innocent eyes still made her look delicate and pitiful. One hand held Steven’s arm, while the other unconsciously touched her slightly rounded belly. The gesture was unmistakable. Olivia smiled and asked, “Abigail, are you pregnant?” The woman called Abigail turned pale instantly. Her face showed a hint of unease as she hurriedly apologized.
“Olivia, I’m sorry. It was just an accident.” Then, Abigail’s eyes reddened, and the way she held back her tears made it seem as if Olivia had bullied her harshly. It was truly laughable. Olivia’s expression didn’t change much. She still wore a bright smile. “Well, congratulations to both of you.” To an outsider, it might have seemed like a sincere congratulation between friends. Only Olivia knew how sarcastic it was. But three years had passed, and her temperament was no longer the same as before. “Olivia, may I… keep this child?” Abigail’s voice was cautious, like a humble plea. This tactic clearly worked well on Steven. “Abigail, you don’t need to explain to her. This child is ours. Do we need her permission to decide whether to keep it or not?” Steven said, glaring at Olivia as if she had done something to bully Abigail. All she had done was offer a simple congratulations.
How ridiculous. “It’s okay. We’re all family here. No need to be so formal. When the child is born, if you don’t want it to be an illegitimate child, it will certainly be raised by me, and will have to call me Mom, right?” “Olivia, what nonsense are you spouting?” Steven’s anger was evident. Olivia laughed even more cheerfully. “Oh, just joking around, why so serious?” “Mr. Walker asked me to bring you back to the Walker Mansion. Are you coming with me or with her?” Steven hesitated for a few seconds before moving the suitcase into Olivia’s trunk. “First, take us to the Relance Hotel.” Olivia cooperated and drove them to the entrance of the Relance Hotel. It took Steven half an hour to settle Abigail in before he got back into Olivia’s car. This time, Steven still sat in the back seat as if trying to keep his distance from Olivia. The car merged back into the city’s traffic.
“If you like her so much, why let her stay in a hotel? Now that she’s pregnant, you should at least give her a few villas,” Olivia said with suppressed anger in her voice. “Olivia, are you doing this on purpose?” Steven’s voice was cold and filled with repressed fury. Olivia laughed. “Sorry, I forgot you don’t have any property under your name.” Since the Walker family had decided that Olivia would be their daughter-in-law from the time she was in kindergarten, all the properties they bought for Steven were in Olivia’s name. Olivia had no fewer than a hundred properties, including dozens of villas and countless storefronts. On the other hand, Steven had nothing. But as the only son of the Walker family, all the shares of the Walker Corporation were in his name. Steven had been observing Olivia since they left. Her smile had never faltered.
They had grown up together, and no one knew her better than he did. Despite her cheerful demeanor, she was actually the most vengeful person. She must have been extremely angry upon seeing Abigail’s pregnancy today, which was why she kept making sarcastic jokes. Or maybe she was trying to use the Walker family’s assets to manipulate him. Steven’s eyes showed a hint of disgust as he looked at Olivia. “Olivia, don’t bully Abigail, and don’t even think about getting back with me. I won’t fight you for what the Walker family has given you. Consider it my compensation to you. But if you want more, don’t blame me for not warning you. I will take back the title of Mrs. Walker.” Olivia’s expression turned serious, a hint of solemnity appearing on her face. “Steven, let’s get a divorce.” No, to be precise, it should be a breakup.
Steven’s face turned icy cold. “Olivia, are you threatening me?” He never believed Olivia truly wanted a divorce. He knew her situation well. She couldn’t go back to the Brown family. Besides, she loved him to death. During the three years they had no contact, Olivia never mentioned divorce. Now that he was back, Olivia was the one bringing up divorce. There was only one possibility. Abigail’s pregnancy had caused her immense distress, and she wanted to use this to force him to break up with Abigail. “I’m not threatening you. I’ve just figured it out. When we got married, I thought you would change your mind. After you left, I kept the title of Mrs. Walker to compete with Abigail. But now I suddenly find it meaningless.
Abigail is pregnant, and the child is innocent. I don’t want to hold onto this position and prevent your family from reuniting.” In the past, she was young and impulsive. After being betrayed by both her boyfriend and her best friend, she held a grudge. When she married Steven, it wasn’t just because of the Brown family’s troubles; she also didn’t want to let Steven and Abigail live peacefully. But three years had passed, and Olivia’s mindset had changed. Moreover, she hadn’t wronged herself during these three years. She didn’t want to waste her life in this empty shell of a marriage. Steven’s eyes were cold as he stared at Olivia through the rearview mirror. Olivia was only saying this because of Abigail’s pregnancy.
“Olivia, do you really believe what you’re saying? If it were that easy to figure out, why did you try that and threaten me back then?” Olivia’s eyes darkened slightly at the mention of this. Back then, doing that wasn’t entirely because of Steven. After a brief moment of solemnity, Olivia brushed her hair aside and returned to her lazy demeanor. “If you don’t agree, then forget it.” Steven snorted coldly and shifted his gaze away from Olivia’s beautiful face. Her initiative to propose divorce inexplicably angered him. For a moment, he felt as if his heart was being squeezed. He had thought Olivia genuinely wanted a divorce.
How he had overestimated her. Knowing she was just using this to test and force him, Steven’s disgust grew even stronger. “Olivia, you’re really despicable.” This was the second time Olivia had heard this from Steven. The first time was after they returned from summer camp, and Steven had confessed that he was with Abigail. She was stunned for five seconds before she lunged at Abigail and slapped her multiple times. Steven had pulled her off Abigail and, in his anger, broke up with her. In her rage, Olivia shouted, “Break up? No way. Even if I die, I’ll drag both of you down with me.” At that time, Steven had called her despicable. The pain from those words was like a very painful weapon stuck in her heart.
But over time, she had grown numb. The scars from the past had formed a thick scab, like armor. So now, hearing him say it again, she felt no waves of emotion. Soon, they arrived at the Walker Mansion. As they got out of the car, they saw Grace standing at the door. Her face showed no joy at seeing her son after three years, only a severe gloom. The first words she said upon seeing Steven were a question. “I heard you brought that woman back too?” Steven’s cold face turned to Olivia. Olivia shrugged innocently. “I didn’t say anything. You saw it. I didn’t even have time to make a call.” Grace was furious. “Don’t look at Olivia. Photos of you two at the airport have been taken and are all over the news. Do you even realize you’re married? How could you do this to Olivia? In terms of looks, talent, and personality, how is Olivia any less than that scheming mistress?” Steven, annoyed by the nagging, retorted, “Mom, stop calling Abigail a mistress. She’s not.”
Grace was even angrier. “You’re still defending her? You’re out of your mind! I can’t deal with you. Your grandfather will sort you out later. Go to the study; he’s waiting for you.” Steven, with a cold expression, stormed off to the study. Grace clutched her chest in anger. “You piece of trash!” Olivia comforted her. “Mrs. Walker, don’t get upset. Your health is important.” Seeing Olivia’s calm facade, Grace felt a deep ache in her heart. “Olivia, don’t worry. Even if I disown this son, I’ll never disown you as my daughter-in-law. Our whole family stands by you.” Olivia, touched, linked arms with Grace. “I’m okay, Mrs. Walker.” Since Mia’s return, Chloe had been distant, but Grace had always treated Olivia like her own. When Olivia had attempted to harm herself, Grace had cried bitterly and stayed by her side throughout her week-long hospital stay, unlike Chloe, who hadn’t visited once. Three years had passed. Her feelings and obsession for Steven had long faded, and she no longer harbored hatred toward Abigail. What remained was just a bit of unwillingness.
Thus, she decided to end this relationship herself. She truly couldn’t bear to leave Steven’s family. If she left, where would she go? After chatting with Grace for a while, Olivia went upstairs. Passing the study, she heard Nicholas scolding Steven. She deliberately slowed her steps. “You can divorce Olivia, but 20% of the company’s shares will be transferred to her name. If you marry that woman, you’ll leave the company and not get a penny from the family.” Steven sounded angry. “Grandfather, how can you be so biased? Olivia is just a fake heiress from the Brown family. I’m your real grandson. The Brown family doesn’t even acknowledge her, so why do you care so much?” Nicholas seemed deeply disappointed.
“I don’t care about Olivia’s background. I only know that I was the first to hold her when she was born and watched her grow up. The Brown family may treat her poorly due to past grudges, but our family doesn’t care about that. You should understand that past grudges have nothing to do with Olivia. She’s always been a victim. If you don’t pity her, fine, but to hurt her along with others? Do you think I’ll allow that?” Steven wanted to argue, but Nicholas interrupted. “Remember that as long as you give up being Olivia’s husband, you also give up being the heir to this family. If you’re willing to do that, I won’t stop you.” Having heard enough, Olivia returned to her room. The Walker family treated her so well.
Ever since her troubles with the Brown family, they had protected her, even forcing Steven to marry her to provide a safe haven. Half an hour later, Steven returned to the room. He saw Olivia lazily removing her makeup at the vanity. Without the elaborate makeup, her face in the mirror appeared fresh and delicate. “Olivia, what spell have you cast on Grandfather to make him treat you better than his own grandson?” Olivia, now applying a face mask, responded casually, “Perhaps he finds me more reliable than his own grandson. From their perspective, not contacting the family for three years over a woman is quite unfilial.” “So you took advantage and won them over? Encouraging Grandfather to reclaim my shares if we split?” Steven sneered. “Olivia, you’ll do anything to keep me.” Olivia finally turned around, speaking calmly.
“Don’t accuse me falsely. I never did such a thing.” Steven’s tone was sarcastic. “Isn’t this your usual trick? Before that, now it’s company shares? Olivia, I never realized how scheming you are. It seems your genes are inherited well, with a criminal’s blood running through your veins.” Olivia’s face turned cold immediately. This was her sore spot. Unfazed, she retorted, “You get scolded by Mr. Walker and come here to vent on me? If you have the guts, give up the company’s shares for Abigail. Deep down, you know that the family fortune and company shares matter more to you than Abigail.” “The things Abigail did back then are well known to Mr. Walker and the others. Even without me, they would never accept her, and you know it well. The barrier between you two was never me! If you truly loved her, you’d abandon everything here and stay abroad with her, wouldn’t you? You can’t let go of this wealth, and you refuse to admit you value personal gain over Abigail, so you blame me. Steven, you’re spineless!” Steven’s face flushed with anger.
Seeing the disdain in Olivia’s eyes, he had the urge to strangle her. She looked down on him! Always had! The tense atmosphere was broken by a knock. The old butler, James, stood at the door. “Mr. Walker, Mrs. Walker, dinner is ready. Please come down.” Today, the whole family was present, even Ella Walker, who was still in college, had returned. “Steven, you finally decided to come back. I thought you’d leave Olivia alone for eighteen years.” Ella’s words were full of sympathy for Olivia. Seeing everyone side with Olivia, Steven’s gaze grew colder. “But Steven, will you leave again this time?” Before Steven could reply, Joseph spoke up. “If he leaves again, he won’t be part of the Walker family, and the family estate will be split between you and Olivia.” Ella clapped her hands. She linked arms with Olivia. “Olivia, did you hear that? If Steven leaves, we’ll be super rich and can spend loads of money on call boys.” Steven glared at her. “You’re so young, yet your mind is full of nonsense. I wonder who taught you.” He glanced at Olivia, who felt a rare pang of guilt.
She had done that before. Nicholas spoke up. “Steven won’t leave. He’ll take over as general manager tomorrow.” Ella looked disappointed. “What a pity.” “Recently, you all know the company’s situation. Times have changed, and our construction company is not what it used to be.” Everyone fell silent. The Walker family had built its fortune in construction, growing into one of the largest companies in the country, with ventures in other industries, though mostly exploratory. Construction remained the lifeline. In recent years, with economic shifts, market saturation, environmental pressures, and the challenge of new intelligent buildings, the company had struggled. “So, we must secure the Paradise Resort project. It will not only revitalize the company but also connect us with government contacts, ensuring a steady stream of projects.”
The Paradise Resort project was a government special initiative, aiming to create the largest green resort combining leisure, vacation, and entertainment. Every construction company wanted to bid. “Dad, everyone knows the Paradise Resort is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but there are thousands of companies eyeing it. It’s hard to even get a piece of it.” Nicholas said, “If we can secure that person, it won’t be difficult.” “Who?” “Matthew Thompson.”