Chapter_165
“Olivia, this is Maddie Zimmers,” Claude introduced calmly.
“Hi, Ms. Maddie. I’m Olivia,” Olivia greeted politely.
“Oh. Hi,” Maddie replied curtly, barely glancing at her before turning away.
A wave of awkwardness swept over Olivia. It was obvious they had interrupted something personal, and she felt a little out of place. Sophie, however, seemed completely unfazed.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about this!” she said dramatically, eyeing Maddie.
Claude ignored her and turned to Maddie. “Would you like some tea?”
“Thanks. I’m a bit thirsty,” Maddie replied, her tone softer.
Claude poured her a cup with practiced grace, then looked at Olivia. “And you? It’s been warm lately.”
Before Olivia could answer, he was already pouring her a cup. She accepted it with a small, awkward smile.
“Th–Thanks,” she said softly.
A server arrived with the menus, and Claude immediately handed one to Olivia.
“Go ahead and take a look. You and Sophie can order whatever you’d like,” he said with a gentle tone.
Maddie’s expression shifted. She stared at him in disbelief, her lips tightening.
“What is it?” Claude asked, sensing her discomfort.
“…Nothing,” Maddie replied stiffly, fists clenched at her sides. Her pride was clearly wounded.
Olivia, noticing the tension, offered the menu to her. “You should order first, Ms. Maddie. We can wait.”
Suddenly, Maddie stood up, her voice rising. “And what exactly am I supposed to order? Your favorite dish? Or maybe hers?”
Olivia and Sophie froze in shock. Claude’s expression hardened.
“What are you talking about?” he asked sharply.
Maddie pointed directly at Olivia. “Why don’t you tell me? Who is she, really?”
“I told you already. She’s a friend,” Claude said, his tone steely but controlled.
“Then why did you give her the menu first?” Maddie challenged.
“Because she’s our guest.”
Maddie’s voice cracked as her temper flared. “Then what the hell am I supposed to be?!”
Claude’s eyes turned cold, and the calm in his face vanished.
“You know what? I’m done. I don’t want to eat with any of you!” Maddie shouted. In one swift motion, she turned and knocked over her teacup, sending the hot liquid splashing across the table toward Olivia.
“Watch out!” Sophie yelped.
Olivia shot to her feet, but the tea had already soaked into her clothes.
Claude quickly moved to grab Maddie’s wrist, his expression stone-cold. “What do you think you’re doing?!”
“What am I doing?” Maddie yelled, yanking her hand back. “What are you doing?! You’re on her side now?!”
Claude let her go and turned his attention to Olivia, worry flashing across his face. “Are you okay?”
Sophie, silently watching her brother’s unusually protective reaction, narrowed her eyes. Something about this didn’t add up—and she knew it wasn’t just about tea.