Chapter 33 Being a Bastard

Harper listened from the side, feeling a great admiration for Emily. She'd totally underestimated Emily before, thinking she was just some weakling. But here she was, handling Abigail like a pro.

Emily took a sip of her tea, and when the moment felt right, she asked, "So, are you thinking about selling that plot of land you bought?"

The fact that Abigail was even here meant she was open to selling. The real question was, would she still want to sell it once she knew who the buyer was?

Emily kept her eyes glued to Abigail's face, not wanting to miss a single flicker of emotion.

Abigail looked a bit taken aback. She'd figured that once Emily found out she was Olivia's mom, the deal would be off. But now, it seemed like Emily really needed that land.

Abigail just didn't want to sell it to Emily. Emily had taken Olivia's place and caused Nicholas to spend days in the police station.

Abigail's eyes darted around, never settling. With a smile, she asked, "Why do you want to buy that plot of land, anyway?"

Emily gave a slight smile. "I want to be buried next to Ava someday. She treated me well and thought of me as her granddaughter."

Abigail's eyes flickered, and she looked down. Harper was super nervous on the side.

After a bit, Abigail slowly raised her eyes, staring at Emily for a few seconds before saying, "When I bought that land, a fortune teller said it was in a really lucky spot. Burying someone there would bring peace and prosperity to the family for generations."

Emily raised an eyebrow. ‘That will be a steep price!’

"If you want it, I'll need to go home and talk it over with my family," Abigail said.

Emily chuckled, giving Abigail a knowing look. "Alright, go home and discuss it. Call me when you have an answer."

Abigail felt like Emily could see right through her. She was a bit annoyed and wanted to say something, but seeing Emily's expectant look, she held back and left.

Harper was fuming. "I can see right through her games."

Emily swirled her teacup and downed the tea in one gulp. "No rush."

Abigail definitely wanted more than just money. Her question about the burial plot was just to see how badly Emily needed it.

If Ava hadn't just been buried and if that plot wasn't Ava's favorite, Emily could've just moved the grave without all this hassle.

After leaving, Abigail didn't go home but headed to the hospital. Seeing Olivia lying there, looking half-dead and miserable, made her even angrier.

When Olivia saw Abigail, she quickly sat up and called out, "Mom, why are you here?"

"If I didn't come, I wouldn't know you were in such a sorry state," Abigail said with a hint of sarcasm.

Olivia felt hurt but didn't snap back; she just lowered her head, looking all sad.

"Get it together. The baby in your belly is already so big, and James still hasn't acknowledged you. Are you planning to let him be an illegitimate child?" Abigail's tone grew harsher.

Hearing this, Olivia quickly raised her head. "No way!"

Everyone knew how tough life was for an illegitimate kid in a noble family. No way was she letting her child be one. If it came to that, she'd rather not have the kid at all.

Abigail snorted, "If that's the case, then get it together. No one wants to deal with a depressed, ugly woman every day."

Olivia lowered her head again, biting her lip hard. After a bit, she said softly, "James refuses to see me."

"If he won't come to you, then you go to him," Abigail said coldly.

Olivia replied, "But my body..." Abigail cut her off, "Then get better and go find him."

"I get it." Olivia didn't say anything else, just agreeing to whatever Abigail said.

Hearing that Emily wanted to buy the plot next to Ava, a flash of insight crossed Olivia's mind, but she couldn't grasp it. When she tried to think about it again, it slipped away.

Seeing her carefully nurtured daughter losing to a bumpkin, Abigail was very angry. "Listen, don't let Nicholas help you with things anymore," Abigail warned.

Olivia's fingers, hidden under the blanket, had already dug into her flesh, but her expression didn't change. "Mom, don't worry. I'll convince James as soon as possible."

Hearing this, Abigail's unpleasant expression eased a bit. She patted Olivia's head and said earnestly, "Olivia, I'm doing this for your good. Sophia likes you. If you marry into their family, you won't have any mother-in-law issues and life will be good."

"I know." Olivia nodded. She'd heard this a million times.

"Rest up. I'll come see you in a few days." Abigail got up to leave.

Olivia suddenly called out, "Mom." Abigail turned, looking confused.

Olivia said softly, "Nicholas seems to be at the casino. You should go check on him."Abigail's face changed instantly, and she hurriedly left the hospital to find Nicholas. Olivia looked disdainfully at her departing figure, feeling great as she lay back down.

Only she knew about Nicholas's gambling addiction. She'd kept it a secret before to spare Abigail's feelings, even helping Nicholas pay off many gambling debts. Now, she didn't want Abigail to have it so easy. She wanted her to feel as miserable as she did.

She then pressed the call button and asked the nurse to help her with the discharge procedures. The nurse tried to persuade her several times, but eventually gave up.

After signing the discharge papers, Olivia successfully left the hospital and returned to the Jackson Manor.

Late at night, Olivia heard noises downstairs. She put on her slippers, opened the door, and looked down from the second floor. She saw Nicholas kneeling at Abigail's feet while Abigail looked furious, glaring at him.

She smiled happily and quietly went back to her room. Soon, she heard Nicholas's loud cries of repentance from downstairs. Then, Brandon Jackson's angry voice also rang out. Olivia covered her ears, smiling as she fell into a deep sleep.

When Emily got home, David told her she had to work at the Johnson Group as a department manager. She wanted to refuse, but David didn't give her the chance, just saying, "No matter how big the trouble, I can help you solve it." Then he went to his room to be intimate with Mia.