Chapter_179
…It was Claude Pearce.
Olivia’s breath hitched the moment their eyes met. Claude stood at a nearby table, dressed immaculately in a tailored suit, his demeanor as composed as ever. His eyes, however, flickered with subtle surprise—and something else she couldn’t name—as they settled on her.
She instinctively stepped a little closer to Tyler, her fingers tightening around his arm.
Tyler noticed her change in posture and subtly shifted his body to shield her from view, whispering near her ear, “What’s wrong?”
Olivia kept her gaze ahead and whispered back, “It’s nothing… I just saw someone I know.”
Tyler followed her gaze and saw Claude. His expression didn’t change, but his jaw seemed to tense almost imperceptibly. He placed a gentle hand on Olivia’s back and said quietly, “Ignore him.”
But Olivia found that easier said than done. Memories surged up—of times before all this, simpler moments. Claude had once been part of her life, a brief but complicated part. She hadn’t expected to see him here, and certainly not like this.
As if on cue, Claude began walking toward them.
Tyler remained still, his arm steady beneath Olivia’s hand, offering silent reassurance. Claude arrived within a moment, smiling politely.
“Mr. Harris,” Claude greeted smoothly. His tone was respectful, but there was a sharp edge in his eyes that belied his calm demeanor.
“Mr. Pearce,” Tyler returned the greeting with equal civility. “Didn’t expect to see you tonight.”
Claude chuckled faintly. “Maisy insisted. You know how persuasive she can be.”
His gaze shifted to Olivia, lingering just a second too long.
“And Miss—excuse me, Mrs. Harris. You look beautiful this evening.”
Olivia forced a polite smile. “Thank you.”
Tyler didn’t miss the pause before Claude corrected himself. He reached for a wine glass from a nearby tray and handed it to Claude. “I suppose a toast is in order.”
Claude took it with a nod. “Of course. To you and your lovely bride. May this union bring more than just headlines.”
The jab was subtle, but unmistakable.
Tyler clinked glasses without flinching. “To enduring partnerships.”
They drank.
Olivia could hardly breathe during the exchange, sensing the invisible tension between the two men like a taut string.
After finishing his wine, Claude gave them both a final look, then excused himself. “I won’t take up more of your time. Congratulations again.”
Once he walked away, Olivia finally let out the breath she’d been holding. Tyler looked down at her, his voice low. “You don’t have to explain anything to me.”
She nodded faintly. “Still… I didn’t expect to see him.”
“I know,” he said. “But you handled it well.”
Olivia wasn’t so sure. She felt like a porcelain doll in a room full of wolves—fragile, out of place, and painfully aware that she didn’t belong.
But Tyler remained at her side, a quiet fortress in the midst of the storm. As the night wore on, Olivia realized that no matter how overwhelming the evening became, she wasn’t facing it alone.