Chapter_102
“I’m taking the car in for a wash later this afternoon,” the driver remarked. “Mr. Tyler doesn’t like any stench lingering, especially not the smell of alcohol.”
Olivia nodded faintly. The sharp odor still clung to the interior, a bitter reminder of how intoxicated she must have been. Pushing the discomfort aside, she climbed into the car and began a careful, methodical search.
She combed through every crevice—beneath the seats, in the cushions, around the floor mats—hoping for a glimmer of silver, a forgotten chain, anything. Sweat beaded on her forehead as minutes dragged by. Still, nothing.
When she finally stepped out of the car, damp with effort and visibly disheartened, the driver asked gently, “Did you find it?”
Olivia shook her head, her voice heavy with disappointment. “No… I guess it’s gone.”
The driver hesitated before asking, “Was it something important?”
Her chest tightened. It wasn’t just a necklace—it was the last keepsake her mother had left her. A piece of the past she had clung to for years. Despite her carefulness, she had let it slip away. Now, it seemed truly lost.
Back at Sandalwood Palace, Olivia was met by the maid at the door.
“Ms. Olivia,” the maid said, “Mrs. Ana called and requested your presence at the Harris Residence. She’s still on the line, waiting for you.”
Olivia froze. Her body tensed involuntarily as she stared at the waiting phone.
She didn’t want to go.
Still, she slowly approached the receiver, dread pooling in her stomach. Lifting it, she forced a calm tone. “Hello, Aunt Ana.”
Ana’s bright, cheerful voice came through the line. “Olivia! Grandma Maisy wants to enjoy a performance today, and we have guests coming over. Please come.”
Her tone was warm, affectionate—too affectionate. Olivia could sense it. Ana was treating her like a daughter-in-law, and the pressure weighed heavily on her.
“Aunt Ana, I might not—”
Ana’s voice instantly lost its warmth. “Might not what?”
Olivia’s lips pressed into a thin line. She didn’t want to offend anyone or cause friction. Quickly, she adjusted her tone. “Let me check with Tyler, okay?”
Ana paused, then seemed appeased. “Alright. I’ll wait for your answer.” She hung up before Olivia could say more.
Just then, Tyler emerged from his study, adjusting his watch and preparing to leave.
Seeing him on the stairs, Olivia stood from the couch. “Tyler,” she said, her voice tentative, “Mrs. Ana invited me to the Harris Residence today.”
She wasn’t sure how he would take it. Would he think she was seeking attention, trying to stay in the spotlight? If he disapproved, she could use that as a reason to politely decline.
But Tyler’s expression didn’t change. “What did you tell her?”
“I said I’d check with you first.”
“Do you want to go?” His question was simple, without judgment.
Olivia paused. The invitation felt more like an obligation than a desire. She didn’t want to disappoint Ana, but Tyler’s opinion mattered too.
Before she could speak, Tyler gave her a nod. “You should go.”
Then, without waiting for her response, he continued toward the door. “I need to head out. We’ll talk later.”
She watched him leave, her heart unsettled. Even with his permission, she couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that lingered in her chest.