For the first time, she was beginning to understand that the man she admired might not be as successful as he claimed.
"Daniel, you told me your business was doing extremely well."
"It is."
"Then why did you need her money?"
Daniel raised his voice.
"Can we stop discussing this?"
Olivia looked at him.
"No. We are going to discuss every lie."
CHAPTER 6: THE ARRIVAL
Several minutes passed.
The hotel entrance opened.
A middle-aged woman wearing an elegant dark outfit walked into the lobby.
Her name was Catherine Bennett.
She was Olivia's mother.
Catherine had built her career from the ground up.
She had started with a small distribution company and gradually expanded it into a successful business operating across several regions.
She was known for her discipline, intelligence, and ability to recognize dishonest people.
When she saw Olivia, her expression immediately softened.
"Darling."
Olivia turned.
"Mom."
Catherine approached and embraced her daughter.
Olivia finally allowed herself to cry.
Catherine gently held her.
"Everything is going to be all right."
Olivia shook her head.
"I trusted him."
Catherine looked over her shoulder.
She saw Daniel.
Then she saw Vanessa.
Her expression became serious.
"Daniel."
He straightened.
"Mrs. Bennett."
Catherine looked at him for several seconds.
"I hope you have a very good explanation."
Daniel tried to smile.
"There's been a misunderstanding."
Catherine nodded.
"Then perhaps you can explain why my daughter is crying in the middle of this hotel."
Daniel began speaking.
But Catherine raised her hand.
"Before you say anything, I want to know one thing."
She looked directly at him.
"Did you borrow money from Olivia?"
Daniel hesitated.
"Yes, but..."
"Did you promise to repay it?"
"Yes."
"Have you repaid it?"
Daniel remained silent.
Catherine nodded.
"Then we have no misunderstanding."
Vanessa stepped forward.
"Mrs. Bennett, with all due respect, this is a personal matter between them."
Catherine turned toward her.
"Who are you?"
Vanessa introduced herself.
Catherine listened without interrupting.
Then she asked:
"And what exactly is your relationship with Daniel?"
Vanessa looked at him.
Daniel looked uncomfortable.
Finally, she answered.
"We are together."
Catherine nodded slowly.
"I see."
She turned toward Olivia.
"Is that what you wanted to know?"
Olivia nodded.