Chapter 96

The trip was supposed to be just Olivia and Isabella's getaway, but when Natalie caught wind of their plans, she insisted on tagging along.

Natalie volunteered to arrive first to handle hotel arrangements and meet them at the airport.

Yet when they landed, it was Daniel who stood waiting at arrivals.

Olivia blinked in surprise, quickly signing to ask why he was there when she knew he'd been swamped with work.

Daniel flashed his signature charming grin. "True, I've been drowning in paperwork lately. But everyone needs a break, right? Might as well make it a group vacation. Natalie found this incredible place and is waiting for us there."

Seeing his enthusiasm, Olivia didn't protest. She and Isabella climbed into Daniel's waiting car.

Only when they arrived did they understand Natalie's idea of "fun."

Their destination turned out to be a museum adjacent to Westfield University, famous for its collection of artifacts from nearby ancient burial grounds. The exhibits featured jewelry and ornaments dating back millennia.

Reading the museum's introduction plaque, Olivia's eyes sparkled with excitement. She turned to Isabella, hands flying as she expressed her delight through animated signing.

Though voiceless, Olivia's entire body radiated joy.

Isabella watched her with affectionate warmth. "You're absolutely loving this, aren't you? Let's grab some souvenirs before we leave. Maybe they'll inspire your restoration work." Olivia nodded eagerly.

Spotting them from across the hall, Natalie came barreling over and swept Olivia into an enthusiastic embrace.

Used to Natalie's boundless energy, Olivia returned the hug with a bright smile.

Natalie gestured proudly around them. "So? Isn't this place amazing? No photos allowed, but there's so much to see. They've got interactive exhibits too - we should definitely try them!"

The group exchanged lighthearted banter as they explored deeper into the museum.

They soon discovered a cultural experience zone.

The museum had set up a special area for traditional lantern displays.

Staff in period costumes engaged visitors with riddles. Winners received exquisitely crafted rabbit lanterns.

While not ancient artifacts, these lanterns were made using historical techniques documented throughout the museum.

Olivia's breath caught at the sight. She longed to take one home as reference material.

An opportunity arose, but participation required mixed-gender pairs.

Eyes shining, Olivia grabbed Natalie's hand excitedly.

Natalie sighed dramatically. "Fine, I'll team up with my brother, but don't get your hopes up. Riddles aren't exactly my forte."

Daniel offered an encouraging smile. "Just do your best. Since Olivia's so interested, I'll give it my all."

Natalie rolled her eyes playfully. "If it was something I wanted, you'd probably make me solve it alone. Some brother you are."

Unaware of their teasing, Olivia thanked Daniel with a grateful gesture.

Ten minutes later, Natalie returned looking crestfallen. She pouted at Olivia. "Sweetie, I really tried."

Isabella added with resignation, "I'm terrible at these things too. I wouldn't be much help."

Watching Daniel still struggling through the crowd, Olivia's guilt intensified. Setting her jaw, she decided to try herself.

Natalie had given her best effort, but the final riddle proved too difficult.

Olivia and Daniel teamed up on the spot, tackling each puzzle together.

Though Olivia couldn't speak, her mind worked quickly.

Once she solved a riddle, she signaled to Daniel.

He understood her signs perfectly.

They reached the final question.

Olivia's expression turned serious as she studied it. "Sitting to the south, facing the north, it looks sad when you do, and happy when you do."

She glanced at Daniel questioningly.

He shook his head, equally perplexed.

Olivia mouthed the riddle to herself, searching for meaning. Then it hit her - a mirror!

Excited, she raised her hand to signal Daniel.

"It's a mirror," a cool, familiar voice declared from behind.

Olivia spun around to see Liam and Evelyn approaching. Their striking presence drew every eye in the room.

Shock and bitterness twisted in Olivia's chest. Liam's appearance stunned her, and Evelyn clinging to his arm seemed to explain everything.

Without glancing at Olivia, Liam addressed a staff member. "Is my answer correct?"

The attendant beamed. "Congratulations, sir! You've solved it!"

Evelyn squeezed Liam's arm, simpering. "Liam, you're amazing! I never thought you'd play along with these silly games."

Liam gave her a brief look. "You wanted that lantern, didn't you? Go claim your prize," he said, his tone flat but indulgent toward Evelyn.

Olivia's heart sank further. She lowered her gaze, unwilling to meet Liam's eyes.

"Wait a moment." Daniel stepped forward, blocking Evelyn's path to the lantern. "The rules state answers must be given in turn. We raised our hands first. My friend had already solved it - she just couldn't verbalize the answer quickly. Why does that mean you win?"

Evelyn crossed her arms defiantly. "Prove she knew the answer first."

Olivia pulled out her phone and typed rapidly. The clue was in the first line - 'looks sad when you are, looks happy when you are.' I'd already figured it out. I can explain my reasoning.

As Olivia explained, she felt Liam's icy stare. No doubt he resented her interfering with Evelyn's moment.

But Olivia refused to back down. She rarely stood up for herself, but that didn't make her a pushover.

"Well..." The staff member looked increasingly uncomfortable.

Suddenly Evelyn burst into shrill laughter, covering her mouth mockingly. "Honestly, I thought the rule was male-female pairs. Can someone who can't even speak participate? Seems like the man does all the work while she takes credit. How is that fair? A mute solving riddles? That's just ridiculous."