Adam and Olivia had crossed paths far too infrequently over the years.

Yet even in those fleeting encounters, Adam could discern the startling transformation in hera shadow of the brilliant, self-assured woman she once was.

He would never have dreamed that the word "insecurity" might one day be associated with someone like Olivia. The Olivia he remembered was a luminary, untouchable and confident, her ambition burning like a star.

Adams knowledge of Olivias marriage to Jason was limited. He had pieced together fragments, enough to summon his own suspicions, though hed refrained from voicing them.

Instead, he spoke with a gravity that left no room for casual dismissal. Falling behind for a time doesn't mean youve lost your ability, Olivia. Your talent, your brilliancethey are unparalleled. If you truly wish to reintegrate into your field, now is not too late to start anew. Do you not realize? You were the one student our professor hailed as the greatest of his career."

Olivia gave a faint smile. "If our teacher ever heard such flattery, hed likely scoff and claim he had no choice but to pick the best among mediocrity."

Her voice softened, tinged with wistfulness as an image of their sharp-tongued but profoundly wise mentor floated into her mind. "I saw the news earlier todayhes back to attend the universitys centennial celebrations. H-How is he these days?"

"He's doing great," Adam said with a note of affection. "Though, with us hapless students periodically showing up to make fools of ourselves, I think we annoy him to no end."

Olivia laughed, the sound as delicate as it was rare. Memories of those years under their mentors rigorous demands stirred a kind of bittersweet yearning.

"Come back, Olivia," Adam said, his voice dipping into something almost tender.

Olivia tightened her grip on the cup. She drew in a slow, steadying breath before giving a small nod. "Alright."

Artificial intelligence had been the passion of her youth, a field into which she had poured her very soul.

But that was before Jason.

For six long years, love had beckoned her away, luring her into a hazy stretch of emptied dreams and foregone ambitions.

Now, with half a decade lost, she knew the climb back to relevance would prove arduous and fraught.

Yet a quiet determination ignited within her, flickering, but undeniably present. With effort, with resolve, she believed she could bridge the yawning gap.

"When do you think youll return?" Adam asked.

"There are still current obligations I need to hand over, she admitted. "Ill need some time."

"Take it," he assured her.

What was a little waiting when the result would be worth it?

They continued chatting for a while longer until Adam checked his watch. "Theres someone new Ive been meaning to meeta prodigy in algorithms. Word is, he's just returned to the country. Ive arranged for a meeting. Care to join me?"

She shook her head. "I dont know him, nor do I know anyone under your wing these days. Let's do it another time."

"Fair enough."

Once Adam left, Olivia didnt expect another familiar face to soon follow. But there she wasEva, walking toward her.

Olivia had caught a glimpse of her in the news earlier but never imagined their paths would converge so serendipitously here.

"Hi, Eva," she greeted politely.

Eva offered no pleasantries in return, choosing instead to survey Olivia with a frown. "What are you doing here?"

"Its Thorneham Universitys centennial. I came back to attend."

Olivia could almost see the unspoken wheels turning. It was clear shed forgotten that Olivia had once walked these storied halls as a graduate, too.

After all, most alumni present today were among the eliteinvited as honorees.

In Evas eyes, what claim did someone like Olivia have to be here?

But whatever disquiet lingered, she quickly dismissed it with a flicker of detached indifference.

As long as Olivia didn't say anything to embarrass her family, Eva didn't bother to interrogate her.

"Ethan mentioned wanting to eat your cooking," Eva stated bluntly, making no effort to mask her intention. "Ill have him taken to your place later tonight."

Ethan was Eva's son, a year or two older than Amelia.

Eva and her husband hadnt been getting along well for a while. A few years back, Eva was swamped with work and barely had time to look after her child.

Now their son had become increasingly rebellious, and even though she wanted to step in now, it was already too late to really rein him in.

When she found out her son loved the meals Olivia cooked, she started sending him over to Olivia and Jasons place whenever she had time these past couple of years.

Aside from the old lady, no one in the Hayes family really took Olivia seriously.

And kids that age were quick to imitate what they saw.

Even though Ethan loved Olivias cooking, deep down he looked down on her, never respecting her as his aunt. When he came over, he pretty much treated her like a servant, ordering her around.

For Jason's sake, Olivia used to go above and beyond for Evas son and never took the kids disrespect to heart.

But now that she and Jason were planning to divorce, she was done bending over backwards for him.

So Olivia flat-out refused. Sorry, Eva, Im busy tomorrow.

Since she was returning to her professional field, she was going to focus all her time on what really mattered from now on.

Once the divorce was final, she wouldnt have anything to do with Jason or Eva.

She was not going to waste any more time on them.

Eva was taken aback that Olivia actually turned her down.

After all, in the past, Olivia had often set her pride aside to try and please the Hayeses for Jasons sake.

But Eva didnt overthink it.

Olivia had never refused her before, so if she said she was busy, Eva figured she must really be busyotherwise, why would she pass up a chance to stay in her good graces?

Still, Eva wasnt exactly pleased. With Jason and Amy both away, what important matters could you possibly need to handle?

Olivia couldnt help but laugh bitterly to herself when she heard that.

All these years, shed lost herselfher whole life revolved around Jason and their daughter, everything centered on them.

Hearing Eva say that now, she really couldnt complain. Shed brought it on herself.

But she wasnt going to live that way anymore.

Just as Olivia was about to respond, a few people happened to walk over toward them.

Ms. Hayes!

They were clearly there to see Eva.

Noticing Olivia, they glanced at her and asked, Ms. Hayes, whos this?

Eva didnt introduce Olivia as her sister-in-law. Instead, she replied coolly, A friend.

Oh, a friend.

Like Eva, they had all come back to the university for the anniversary celebrationall fairly important people.

When they saw Eva talking to someone, they assumed it must be someone notable.

But seeing how dismissive Eva was toward Olivia, most of them didnt pay Olivia any further attentionexcept for one or two who couldnt help but sneak an extra glance at her fair, long, slender legs.

They crowded around Eva and soon walked off together.

Eva refused to acknowledge her as her sister-in-law. In the past, that mightve upset Olivia.

But now, she didnt care anymore.

After Eva left, Olivia picked up her bag and walked away.

That night, a little after 10 p.m., Jason and Amelias flight landed on time.

By the time they got home, it was almost midnight.

Amelia had fallen asleep on the way back.

Jason carried her upstairs. Passing the master bedroom, he noticed the door was open but the room was dark.

After tucking Amelia in, he returned to the master bedroom, turned on the soft lighting, and glanced at the bedempty.

Olivia wasnt there.

Just then, the housekeeper brought his luggage upstairs. Jason loosened his tie and asked, Where is she?

The housekeeper quickly replied, Mrs. Hayes is away on a business trip.

He happened to be away half a month ago when Olivia packed up and left.

But according to other staff at the villa, she left with luggage, so it was probably a business trip.

It was a bit strange, thoughOlivia rarely went on business trips before, and even when she did, it was usually just for two or three days.

This time, shed been gone for half a month and still wasnt back.

Jason gave a quiet response and didnt ask anything else.