Chapter_181
Olivia left with Tyler, but she staggered slightly as she turned.
He noticed, pausing just long enough to steady her with a firm hand. They didn’t speak, but his grip lingered as they walked away, a quiet acknowledgment of the strain between them.
Claude remained where he was, watching, his gaze thoughtful.
Olivia’s mind felt foggy. She couldn’t remember who else they had spoken to afterward. Tyler handled everything with practiced ease, while she merely followed, her presence ornamental at best.
It wasn’t until 11 p.m. that they returned to their room at the Harris residence. Olivia sank onto the edge of the bed, her legs nearly giving out. Tyler removed his tie and coat, glancing at her.
“You should change,” he said mildly before heading into the bathroom.
Hearing water running, Olivia quietly slipped off her heels. Deep red marks lined her feet, but she felt numb to the discomfort.
Twenty minutes later, Tyler emerged, drying his hair. “I ran a warm bath for you,” he said simply.
That surprised her. He preferred quick showers—he had clearly drawn the bath for her.
She didn’t respond immediately, just sat there in silence. Tyler rubbed his neck, visibly tired himself. Eventually, Olivia stood and went into the bathroom.
Half an hour later, she came out in a robe, her hair damp, eyes puffy with exhaustion. Tyler was in bed, reading under the lamp.
He glanced up, closed his book, and said, “Let’s sleep.” He switched off the lights.
In the dark, she hesitated, then slowly lay down beside him.
To her surprise, he reached out and pulled her into his arms—not possessively, but gently, as if seeking warmth or reassurance.
She tensed at first, caught off guard, but he didn’t push further. His hold remained steady but still.
“You don’t have to pretend tonight,” he murmured. “Just rest.”
For a long moment, neither of them said anything. Olivia blinked into the darkness, her breath shaky but steadying.
She didn’t answer, but she didn’t pull away either.