Chapter_103
That afternoon, a car from the Harris family arrived to escort Olivia to the Harris Residence.
As she stepped into the grand living room, Ana greeted her with a practiced smile. “Today’s going to be quite an event. Come with me and greet the guests.”
Knowing it was a gathering in honor of Grandma Maisy, Olivia expected to meet members of high society—Maisy’s dearest friends and their daughters-in-law. But as she glanced at the elegantly dressed guests and the opulent surroundings, hesitation gripped her.
“Aunt Ana,” she said carefully, “maybe this isn’t the best idea…”
Though Ana’s expression remained cordial, there was an unmistakable sharpness in her eyes.
“What isn’t a good idea?” she asked, her tone soft but laced with warning. “Would you prefer your sister be here instead?”
Olivia quickly shook her head. “No, that’s not what I meant.”
“Then greet the guests properly,” Ana said briskly. “If you mess this up, you’ll have to answer to me.” Dressed in a regal purple gown, she turned and swept away without waiting for a response.
Left with no choice, Olivia followed Ana through the room, assisting with greetings and attending to Grandma Maisy’s needs. She moved gracefully among the guests, her manners flawless, her smile steady. Both Ana and Maisy seemed satisfied with her performance.
But the elegant atmosphere cracked when a voice rang out: “Grandma Maisy!”
The room stilled. Heads turned toward the entrance. Olivia followed their gaze—then froze.
A man had just arrived, dressed in white casual trousers, his demeanor calm and unassuming. His gentle face was unmistakable.
Claude.
At first, Olivia thought she was imagining things. But as he stepped closer, there was no doubt. It was him.
Maisy’s smile vanished. Ana’s pleasant mask slipped, her face turning cold.
The guests exchanged nervous glances. Tension thickened in the air, yet Claude appeared unfazed. He approached with quiet poise.
“Grandma,” he said warmly.
Maisy’s reply was clipped. “What are you doing here?”
“I’ve been teaching in different places these past few years,” Claude replied with humility. “Now that I’m back, I came to see you.”
“I’m fine. You don’t need to trouble yourself. Just look after your own affairs,” she answered flatly.
Still, Claude offered a gentle smile. “That’s the least I could do.”
Before the awkwardness could deepen, Ana stepped in with sudden hospitality. “Claude, since you’re here, you’re a guest. Stay for dinner.”
Olivia’s eyes widened at Ana’s unexpected invitation.
As someone shifted aside, her gaze met Claude’s. Their eyes locked, and a flicker of recognition passed between them.
Claude’s attention shifted from Ana to Olivia.
What is she doing here? he wondered, his expression unreadable.