Chapter_105
From the corridor, Tyler caught sight of the figures in the garden. His gaze lingered for a moment, unreadable, before he looked away and made his way into the hall without a word.
When Olivia returned shortly after, she froze in surprise at the sight of Tyler conversing with some of Grandma Maisy’s close friends. When did he get here? she wondered, heart skipping a beat.
Moments later, Claude entered through the same door, only to be equally surprised by Tyler’s presence. His steps slowed as he took in the scene.
Tyler, mid-conversation, noticed the shift in the room and glanced toward the entrance. His eyes met Olivia’s, prompting her to walk over.
“Tyler,” she greeted, cautiously.
Claude remained nearby. Tyler’s expression didn’t change as he asked calmly, “Were you talking to someone outside?”
The question made Olivia tense. Did he see us? She steadied her voice. “Sophie’s brother is here, so I just greeted him.”
Noticing the need to clarify, she added quickly, “It’s Claude.”
Tyler’s gaze shifted to Claude, who was still standing near the entrance. With a calm stride, Claude approached and greeted him. “Tyler.”
It was brief, but the familiarity between them was clear.
“What brings you here?” Tyler asked, his tone polite but cool.
Olivia watched silently, surprised by the ease between them. She had known they were acquainted, but not that they shared such a composed rapport.
Claude offered a friendly smile. “I came to visit Grandma Maisy.”
The heaviness of the previous night seemed to melt away, replaced by the kind of warmth shared by old acquaintances.
“You should’ve told me,” Tyler replied, returning the smile. “I would’ve joined you.”
“No need to trouble you,” Claude said casually. “It was a simple visit.”
Then, turning to Olivia, Tyler offered a formal introduction. “Claude—Sophie’s brother—is an old family friend.”
Olivia hadn’t expected that. She considered mentioning their earlier encounter, but something held her back. Instead, she simply nodded and offered a polite, “Nice to meet you.”
Claude cut in before more could be said. “No need for introductions. This is our second time meeting.”
Tyler raised a brow slightly, a knowing glint in his eye. “Alright then.”
Caught between the two men, Olivia felt a sudden urge to excuse herself. “I’m going to speak with someone else for a bit, Tyler.”
But Tyler stopped her. “There’s something I need to talk to you about. Come upstairs with me.”
He turned without waiting for a response, climbing the stairs without so much as a glance back at Claude.
Feeling the weight of both men’s attention, Olivia hesitated before turning to Claude. “I’m going upstairs.”
Claude gave her a reassuring smile. “Go ahead.”
Upstairs, the room was quiet. Tyler sat on the couch, holding a sleek black phone in his hand, waiting.