Chapter_32
Tyler was momentarily thrown by Olivia’s request to meet. After a brief pause, he was silent, unsure of her intentions. Olivia, sensing his hesitation, added, “I can come to you myself.”
After a beat, Tyler responded, “I’ll send you my location.”
Olivia’s nerves, which had been tense, began to settle. She breathed a sigh of relief. “Sure,” she said gently.
Tyler ended the call, and within a minute, Olivia received a text message from him. It contained just an address: Sandalwood Palace, Grand Continent. Olivia held her phone tightly, a knot forming in her stomach as she read the address. She couldn’t help but feel a little intimidated.
Olivia took a taxi to the location, unsure of what to expect. Upon arriving, she was immediately struck by the size and scale of the place. The security was tight—her taxi had to pass through several checks before being allowed in. As the car moved forward, she saw the expansive grounds, with a serene lake and fields that seemed to stretch endlessly. It was clear why Naomi always spoke of this place with such admiration. The Harris family’s wealth and power were apparent in every detail.
The taxi stopped in front of a grand villa. Olivia stepped out, her heart pounding as she gazed at the magnificent wooden carved doors. She walked through them and into the lobby of Sandalwood Palace. The space was elegant, understated yet luxurious. Everything about the place exuded power and refinement, and it made Olivia’s world seem much smaller in comparison.
Inside, Tyler was deep in conversation with his secretary at the bar. Olivia hesitated at the threshold, unsure whether she should approach. It was her first time here, and she felt like a stranger in a foreign land. Tyler noticed her presence almost immediately. His gaze shifted toward her, and for a brief moment, it was as if he had just remembered their meeting.
Their eyes locked, and Olivia instinctively clenched her fists. She felt a surge of nervousness. Tyler dismissed his secretary with a simple, “You can go now.”
The secretary nodded politely and left, leaving the room in a moment of silence.
Tyler’s attention returned to Olivia, still standing a few feet away. “You said you wanted to see me. Why are you just standing there?” he asked, his tone more curious than impatient.
Olivia took a deep breath, steadying herself before walking toward him. “Tyler,” she greeted him softly.
Tyler glanced at her before walking toward the bar. “What would you like to drink? Water or orange juice?” he asked, though the glass of orange juice was already prepared on the counter.
Trying not to burden him, Olivia replied quietly, “Anything is fine.”
Tyler nodded, not missing a beat. He poured her a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice from the refrigerator, placing it in front of her. Then, he leaned against the bar and asked, “Is there something urgent that made you want to see me?”
Olivia remained silent for a moment, her nerves creeping back in. Tyler noticed her hesitation and slowed his movements, placing the glass down and waiting patiently for her to speak.
After what felt like an eternity, Olivia finally spoke. “Tyler, what can I do for you? I’m willing to help, as long as it’s within my abilities.” Her voice was steady, but her eyes were closed, and her lips pressed into a thin line, as if bracing herself for his response.
Tyler raised an eyebrow, surprised by her answer. He studied her face, seeing the vulnerability there. “So, this is why you’re here?” he asked, his voice quiet but pointed.
Olivia nodded, her eyes still cast downward. Tyler waited a moment, then asked, “What do you think you can do for me?”
Olivia’s heart raced as she struggled to find the right words. Her mind was in turmoil, trying to figure out what she could offer him. In the silence, she stepped closer, closing the distance between them. She didn’t speak, but as she approached, she leaned in slightly, her breath soft against his skin.
Tyler remained motionless, watching her intently. He didn’t pull back, didn’t push her away. Instead, he simply observed.
Olivia took a deep breath and, in one swift move, leaned in and kissed him. The kiss was gentle, barely there, but it sent a jolt through her chest. Her heart beat faster, her body reacting instinctively. She pressed her lips against his again, this time more firmly, her arms wrapping around his neck as she stood on tiptoe, pulling him closer.
Tyler’s reaction was unreadable. He didn’t pull away, but he didn’t return the kiss either. Instead, he just watched her closely, his hands remaining by his sides. The tension between them was palpable, and Olivia couldn’t help but feel both exposed and alive in the moment.