Chapter 424

On the other side of town...

Isabella hung up the phone with Atticus, her face lighting up with excitement as she turned to Emilio. "Emilio, guess what? Our plan worked perfectly!"

Emilio, still processing the conversation he overheard between Isabella and Atticus, looked a bit puzzled. "Isabella, how can you be so sure? I just heard you talking to Mr. Atticus Wilson, and he didn't say much."

Isabella raised an eyebrow and gave Emilio a knowing look. "You don't get it, do you?"

"Atticus is different from others. The calmer he acts, the more he's got on his mind. You heard him just now, right? He was so formal, like he was giving a work report."

Emilio paused, realizing he hadn't noticed it before. Now, with Isabella's insight, it made sense. Atticus usually spoke casually, but this time, he was talking to Isabella, his beloved niece. His tone had indeed been a bit tense and stiff.

Emilio nodded in agreement. "Now that you mention it, you're right."

"So, let's just wait patiently for them to come over. We'll be able to tell what they've been through by their actions," Isabella said with a mischievous glint in her eye. She and Emilio moved to a quieter spot, leaving Michael behind.

About twenty minutes later, Atticus and Olivia arrived at the entrance of the scenic area. Olivia, wearing flat shoes, felt a bit tired from climbing the stairs, but Atticus was by her side the whole time, even carrying her bag.

She glanced at Atticus, seeing her small white backpack slung over his broad shoulder. It didn't match his style at all, but seeing this considerate side of him stirred something inside her.

Why now, of all times? Just when she was ready to let go, he showed this gentle side.

"Olivia, Atticus, over here!" Isabella's voice snapped Olivia back to reality. Seeing her best friend, Olivia ran over and hugged Isabella, letting out all her frustration and helplessness.

"Isabella, you have no idea what I just went through! The car broke down out of nowhere. If there was other cars or we didn't stop in time, I don't even want to think about what could've happened."

Isabella patted Olivia's back, soothing her. "It's okay, nothing happened, right? With Uncle Atticus by your side, you had nothing to worry about. He would protect you no matter what."

Atticus, a former special forces soldier, could handle a minor car issue with ease. But Olivia, clinging to Isabella, seemed genuinely shaken, her body trembling.

Isabella didn't know what had happened on the road, so she could only comfort her softly. If Olivia found out the car trouble was a setup to give her and Atticus some alone time, she might want to strangle Isabella.

"Even with him there, I was still scared," Olivia whispered, biting her lip. It wasn't the car trouble that frightened her; it was spending time with Atticus. He'd been acting so differently lately, and she didn't know why.

"Isabella, has something happened to Atticus recently? He's like a different person. Not only is he interested in my career, but he also carried my purse the whole way?"

Olivia only confided in Isabella about this. The old Atticus was so cold, but today he seemed like someone she didn't recognize.

Hearing this, Isabella felt even more certain about her suspicions. She leaned in closer to Olivia. "Haven't you heard the saying? When a man falls in love, he becomes a different person."

"That's impossible!" Olivia instinctively denied it, her face flushing at Isabella's words. "I don't believe he would change for anyone, especially not for me."

Despite her denial, Olivia couldn't help but glance at Atticus, who was talking to Emilio with his usual composed expression. He didn't look like someone in love at all.

Just as Olivia was about to look away, Atticus suddenly turned towards her, as if sensing her gaze. Their eyes met, and both froze.

Olivia's face turned even redder, and she quickly turned away, not wanting her emotions to be noticed.

Isabella caught their little exchange, a smile tugging at her lips. It seemed the Wilson family was about to have some good news soon.

The four of them chatted for a bit before starting their tour of the scenic area. Atticus and Emilio walked ahead, discussing work, while Isabella and Olivia strolled behind, taking in the sights of the church.

"Isabella, I read about this place before we came. They say the Graceful Haven Church is very spiritual, especially the wishing pool inside. They say if you make a sincere wish, it will come true. Should we give it a try?"

Olivia's mood shifted quickly, and she was now excited about making a wish.

Isabella, thinking about her next plan, agreed without much thought. She didn't believe in such things, but since they were here, why not try it?

"How long until we reach the wishing pool?" Isabella asked casually.

"From here, it should take about an hour to get there," Olivia said, checking her phone.

"An hour? What about lunch?" Isabella was surprised by the size of the place. She thought they could tour the church in an hour, but it was much bigger than she expected.

Atticus, overhearing their conversation, patted the white backpack he was carrying. "Don't worry, I've packed enough food. Just enjoy yourselves, and come to me if you get hungry."

Seeing Atticus so naturally carrying Olivia's purse, Isabella responded thoughtfully. She had already seen through everything.