Chapter_118
Claude moved toward the cashier with casual ease, his posture relaxed and friendly—his manner a stark contrast to the poised, almost aristocratic air Tyler always carried. Tyler, ever the picture of control, seemed to glide through life with an air of elegance, whereas Claude exuded a more unburdened charm.
Returning to Olivia’s side, Claude’s grin never wavered. “Come on,” he said, his tone light and inviting, “we can hang out a little while longer, right?”
Olivia was caught off guard, not expecting this kind of invitation. She blinked in surprise.
“I heard the scenery around your campus is beautiful,” Claude continued, clearly unfazed. “I’m supposed to wait for Soof to finish her class, anyway.”
Olivia, eager to delay her return to Sandalwood Palace, found herself smiling. She was more than happy to keep his company. “Sure, I’d love that,” she replied, her excitement palpable.
As they strolled around the campus, Olivia introduced him to various sights, sharing her fondness for the small corners of her world. Claude, who had been away from the hustle and bustle of city life for a while, found everything fascinating. He laughed easily, his spirits as high as ever, and Olivia mirrored his joy.
They reached the outer wall, where the campus’s beauty seemed to stretch endlessly before them. Suddenly, a bike sped past Olivia, and without thinking, Claude reached out, pulling her closer. The moment was brief, but Olivia’s body collided with his chest, a familiar floral scent surrounding her—like the gardenias from her childhood.
Claude, momentarily taken aback by his own instinctual action, quickly released her. His face softened with concern. “Are you okay? You’re not hurt, are you?”
Olivia, still processing the sudden proximity, checked herself for any injuries, but felt more grateful than embarrassed. “I’m fine,” she assured him, smiling.
Claude, clearly wanting to make sure she was comfortable, offered, “Let’s switch places. You can walk closer to the wall.”
Olivia nodded, touched by his attentiveness.
Meanwhile, Tyler, following his usual route, spotted Olivia from a distance, walking alongside a man he didn’t recognize. His eyes narrowed when he recognized the figure—Claude Pearce. He instructed the driver to stop, his mind calculating as he observed the pair, his thoughts unreadable.
Half an hour passed, and as Sophie’s class neared its end, Olivia excused herself. “I have to get back to the lab,” she said, offering a warm smile.
Claude gave a nod of understanding. “Goodbye for now, then. See ya!”
“Same to you!” Olivia called back, chuckling as she headed towards the academy building.
Tyler’s eyes followed her until she disappeared from view.
“Shall we move on, Mr. Tyler?” the driver asked, breaking the silence.
Tyler didn’t respond immediately, his gaze still lingering on the spot where Olivia had been. After a beat, he gave a curt nod. “Let’s go.”
It was time for Olivia to return to Sandalwood Palace, but she chose to stay at the lab a little longer, pushing her return time to 10 p.m. Meanwhile, back at the palace, Tyler was already waiting in the hall, the atmosphere between them thickening with unspoken words.