Chapter_131
Naomi’s smile was a bit cautious as she added, “Yes, we’ve all been friends for many years. I’m really glad you came to see me.”
Olivia stood there, quietly observing. Everything seemed normal on the surface, but there was a subtle undercurrent of tension that no one else seemed to notice.
Tyler, attempting to ease the atmosphere, started a casual conversation with Claude. “How have you been in the past few years?”
Claude smiled and replied, “Not bad. I’ve been living a quiet and stable life.”
“We’re glad to hear that,” Tyler responded, his eyes cold as he spoke, his tone almost distant.
Claude, unfazed, replied calmly, “Indeed. A peaceful mind is key to a good life.”
Naomi’s expression seemed forced, but she added, “I’m glad you’re back, Claude.”
Claude paused for a moment, a soft nostalgia flickering across his face. “Yes, you’re right. I feel happier being back here.”
The room grew quiet, and no one spoke for a while. Olivia glanced at the three of them, sensing the subtle tension in the air.
Then, breaking the silence, Claude said, “Well, now that I’ve dropped Olivia off here, I’ll be on my way.”
Naomi’s gaze shifted warily as Tyler addressed Mrs. Lindsey, the nurse. “Mrs. Lindsey, please escort Mr. Claude out.”
Mrs. Lindsey nodded, and Tyler didn’t make any move to ask Claude to stay. His tone suggested that the exchange and the escort were just formalities, an expected part of the visit rather than a genuine invitation for Claude to linger.
Claude didn’t stay much longer. He exchanged a glance with Olivia before walking out of the room.
Now, only Olivia remained, standing in the room with Naomi, Tyler, and Hillary. The silence was palpable. Tyler’s expression remained neutral, distant as always. Once Claude had left, Tyler turned back to the doctor and resumed their conversation, as though the presence of others had never really interrupted.
Olivia, feeling the weight of the moment, glanced at Hillary before turning back to Naomi. After a beat, she said, “I just remembered I have other plans. Can I come see you tomorrow instead?”
Naomi, a bit surprised, asked, “You’re not leaving with Tyler?”
“No,” Olivia answered quickly. “I forgot I needed to return something to Sophie.”
Tyler shot her a glance and rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed.
Naomi, unsure of what was going on, didn’t want to press Olivia further. She turned to Tyler for confirmation. “What do you think, Tyler?”
“It’s up to her,” came the cold reply.
Naomi nodded, her voice softening. “Okay. That works too.”
Olivia stayed for about ten more minutes before deciding to leave. As she descended the stairs, she noticed someone standing near the main door, just by the staircase.
She recognized the figure immediately. “Claude?”
Hearing his name, Claude turned around. Their eyes met, and he smiled. “Olivia,” he said warmly, as if the tension earlier had never existed.