Chapter 85

“This is just a hypothetical question. This scenario doesn’t exist in real life, so don’t bother arguing with me using real-world facts. I’m just really curious about what you think,” Olivia said.

“Oh, and let’s disregard Lecet and his connection to Damian, and assume the two of them aren’t related at all. If Dawse actually liked you, would you choose to be with him?”

Imagining something detached from reality was just empty speculation, and Autumn didn’t like hypothetical questions. But casually chatting with a close friend was no big deal, so she gave it some serious thought.

“Tim, second, he has a blood relation to Damian. Under these two assumptions, there probably aren’t many women who’d say no, right? After all, Dawson is good-looking, rich, and has a hot body. These advantages alone are enough to make any woman happy.”

“So, what’s your answer?” Olivia asked.

“People’s thinking changes based on their experiences. Olivia, do you know what my biggest change has been after going through that failed marriage with Damian? Exactly. My view on love has completely changed. With friends, we can interact normally. If you’re good to me, I’ll be good to you too. And we open our hearts to each other. But when it comes to romance… I’m now a firm believer in looking out for myself.”

“Even if I date someone in the future, that person must love me, spoil me, take care of me, and put me first in everything. If he doesn’t genuinely hold me in his heart, I won’t even consider dating him. So you’re asking me, under the two hypothetical conditions, whether I’d be with Dawson?”

“The answer is simple—no,” Autumn replied. “Even though we haven’t known each other long, based on what I can tell now—even if Dawson liked me, do you really think he could put me first in everything and truly hold me close to his heart?”

Dunson’s cold gaze flashed across Autumn’s mind. “I honestly can’t imagine him doing that.”

“Right? He can’t give me what I want. No matter how much of a catch he is, if he can’t meet that, then it’s meaningless to me. So no, I wouldn’t choose him. I used to throw myself wholeheartedly into Damian.”

“I cared so much for him, but I got hurt in the end. So now, I’ve decided to protect myself. I won’t allow anyone to hurt me again.” Olivia couldn’t help but sigh. “Autumn, you’re so amazing now. The most important thing is to love yourself.”

“Exactly. You have to love yourself first before you can love others. And actually, my standard isn’t something most men can meet. Even if I like someone, if they can’t give me what I want, I won’t compromise. So, I no longer have any expectations when it comes to love.”

In fact, Autumn had already prepared herself mentally for the idea of dating or marrying again. But she didn’t need to say that out loud. She just needed to know it herself. Understanding where Autumn was coming from, Olivia didn’t press the topic any further. They switched to talking about what happened after the charity dinner.

A lot of people wanted to connect with Olivia now. Even Howard, Havenmode’s richest man, had asked to meet her.

“Last time at the auto racing, Mr. Sanders didn’t even spare me a glance. Yet now, he’s personally reaching out for a meeting,” Olivia sighed before continuing, “You see, only those with connections can truly hold their ground in this society.”

Autumn laughed. “So, when are you meeting him?”

“I’m a busy woman too. I’m heading out on a business trip tomorrow, and I’ll be gone for a while. So…”

Meanwhile, Autumn was set to play tennis with Rico, and she thought about inviting Olivia along. With Olivia’s capabilities, it was only a matter of time before she fit in with this circle of elites. This was a perfect opportunity to fully step into Dawson’s world, which would be…

But since Olivia was heading out on a business trip, Autumn decided not to bring it up. After all, if she really pushed for it now, her intentions would be too obvious. It was better to let things unfold naturally. There would be plenty of opportunities in the future for them to interact.

Before they hung up, Olivia added, “Damics and Emilla are all over the entertainment news right now. I’d suggest you don’t look.”

Katuton’s mouth twitched. “Why are you telling me then?”

Olivia laughed. “My bad. Honestly, it’s just a bunch of clueless netizens hyping them up as a couple, portraying them like they’re the most loving, perfect pair in the world. Not going to lie, I cringed after reading it.”

“Well, let’s just wish them well then.”

Unleashed gossip and public opinion followed the same predictable pattern; there was nothing about it that surprised Autumn anymore.