Chapter 304: Do you really hate me that much?
Oliver scoffed bitterly. "Is that a complaint? If you want, I’ll apologize publicly. I’ll explain every mistake I made back then. I can do it right now."
Margaret cut in before he could continue, "There is no need for that. Nathan had already held the press conference. He said everything that needed to be said. And both Anne and Nathan made the choice not to drag their past into the spotlight. You should be grateful for that."
She stepped closer, tilting her head to the side. "Instead, you want to confess now. Are you trying to make things difficult for Nathan? Don’t say anything more. Don’t risk making people think Nathan lied to protect you."
Oliver’s brows drew together, hurt flashing across his face.
"Margaret, could you at least be a little kind? Look at me. I nearly lost my life. I’m still lying in a hospital bed, and you have the heart to be harsh with me. Do you really hate me that much?"
Margaret faltered. The truth was... she had hated him so deeply. She had avoided him for over twenty years, refused to speak his name, turned her back on every trace of him. But the moment she had seen him shield their daughter from a knife without thinking, something in her had shifted.
She wasn’t sure if it was forgiveness, but the sharp edge of her anger had worn down. The hatred she had carried for years had faded. Yet, something within her still refused to soften—perhaps it was pride.
She turned her head, lifting her chin as she looked away.
"I haven’t said anything wrong. I’m just stating facts. Why are you getting so emotional about it?"
Oliver let out a long, weary sigh. He knew he couldn’t win with her. Margaret was like stone when she made up her mind.
"Alright," he said, giving in. "I won’t do anything that could damage Nathan’s reputation. I promise."
He paused, looking at her. "But I need to say this—I’m sorry. Truly. I know I can’t undo what I did, but... if there is even a part of you that can stop hating me, please forgive me."