Novel Catalog
Chapter_201
“Drink it now, Olivia,” Hillary urged, her voice firm and unyielding, showing no regard for Olivia’s discomfort.
Olivia turned her head slightly, covering her nose as she avoided the spoon. She clearly didn’t want to take a sip.
“You can’t skip meals like this,” Hillary chided, nudging the spoon closer to Olivia’s lips. “The baby needs nutrients to grow properly. Come on, just have a little.”
Though her tone held a hint of coaxing, her eyes were sharp, her stare pressing heavily on Olivia. Reluctantly, Olivia parted her lips and took a small sip of the soup.
Just then, Tyler, who had been quietly observing from the side, spoke up in a calm but decisive tone. “We have a nutritionist overseeing her diet. It’s alright. If she doesn’t want to eat, there’s no need to force her.”
Hillary blinked, startled by his interruption. He hadn’t raised his voice, but the authority in his words made her freeze. Holding the spoon mid-air, she hesitated, unsure of how to respond.
She silently questioned herself. Was she wrong to be so insistent? This baby could be Naomi’s last hope. Still, despite being Naomi’s mother, she didn’t dare challenge Tyler openly.
Plastering on a strained smile, she finally lowered the spoon. “I’m just worried about Olivia’s health. This soup is very nourishing for pregnant women.”
Tyler nodded slightly. “It won’t harm the baby if she eats a little less for now. Her appetite will pick up as the pregnancy progresses. Forcing her to eat when she’s nauseated will only make things worse. The doctor’s monitoring everything closely.”
Hillary gave a dry, awkward chuckle. “Of course. You’re right. Let her eat when she’s ready. Once the baby is more developed, she can focus on eating better.”
Olivia, quiet throughout the exchange, looked between them in surprise. Tyler had defended her—something she hadn’t expected. Though she said nothing, her relief was palpable.
Tyler acknowledged Hillary’s words with a neutral, “Thanks,” his tone dismissing any lingering tension.
Still smiling, Hillary replied, “No need to thank me. Everything I’m doing is for Naomi’s sake.”
“Mm-hmm,” Tyler murmured in return.
Realizing the atmosphere had grown heavy, Hillary decided to take her leave. “Since Olivia isn’t feeling well, I won’t stay. I’ll come visit again soon.”
Tyler didn’t stop her. “I’ll have the maid see you out.”
Hillary stood, smoothing her skirt as she left the bedside. The maid followed behind her silently, offering no comment.
As they walked toward the living room, Hillary’s mind raced. Why had Tyler defended Olivia? He’d never openly contradicted her before. Was he starting to take sides? Even though she knew the soup might upset Olivia’s stomach, she hadn’t cared. The baby was the only thing that mattered.
Her expression darkened as she stepped into the living room. The maid, perhaps sensing her unease, offered a polite reassurance. “Don’t worry, Mrs. Jones. We’ll take good care of Mrs. Harris. Nothing will happen to her.”
Hillary’s eyes narrowed at the name. Mrs. Harris. The title stung more than she expected.