Chapter_222
Tyler watched Olivia play with the birth locket, her fingers tracing its delicate bells. There was something about the sight that stirred something within him. For the first time, he understood the significance of such a small, seemingly trivial object. It wasn’t just a locket—it was a blessing, a tangible symbol of the future they were building together.
The next day, as Tyler drove past Olivia’s school, his gaze briefly shifted from the document in his hands to the construction site outside. Work had begun, and the building was starting to take shape.
Linda broke the silence. “Claude is now managing Yancey Bank, but he’s starting off as a regular manager. He’s overseeing the financial contribution from the Harris Group to the school.”
Tyler’s expression hardened, a flicker of irritation passing over his features. “So, Claude is back for good.”
Linda nodded. “That’s correct.”
Tyler returned his attention to the document, his thoughts unreadable. His jaw tightened slightly, but he said nothing further.
Suddenly, Linda’s phone rang, interrupting the silence. She answered and then turned to Tyler. “Mr. Tyler, the store called. They said the… bag has arrived.” Her tone was careful, as if unsure how he would respond.
Tyler paused, glancing at her briefly. After a moment, he replied, his voice steady and calm, “Let’s pick it up on our way.”
Linda nodded. “Sure, Mr. Tyler.”
They detoured to the mall, where Tyler immediately went to the store. Once inside, he inspected the bag that had been specially delivered from overseas. The staff spoke highly of it. “It’s top quality, brought here especially for you.”
“Wrap it up,” Tyler instructed, his voice quiet but firm.
Linda watched as the staff carefully wrapped the bag, tying it with a delicate pink ribbon. It was an elegant gesture, but it made her realize just how much Tyler had changed in the short time since Olivia entered his life. She couldn’t recall him ever showing such personal involvement in something like this before.
As the staff handed him the wrapped bag, Linda couldn’t help but notice how attentive he was, how he seemed to savor the moment of choosing something special for Olivia. He clearly cherished her, perhaps more than she had realized.
As they made their way out, Tyler’s attention was suddenly captured by a toy shop. Without hesitation, he entered, his eyes scanning the shelves until they landed on a blue steel robot toy. It was simple, sturdy, and likely to bring a smile to any child’s face.
Tyler picked it up, his expression thoughtful as he considered the choice. “I’ll get this. Wrap it up,” he said to the staff, his tone soft, but sure.
Linda watched, bemused by the sudden shift in his demeanor. He had always been so focused, so intent on his work, but now there was an unspoken tenderness to his actions. When he paid for the toy with his credit card, Linda was taken aback by his generosity. She had never seen this side of him—this warmth and thoughtfulness that seemed to come naturally when it came to Olivia.
The staff quickly wrapped the toy, and as Tyler left the store with the neatly packaged gifts, Linda noticed how he had carried everything with ease, his attention solely on Olivia.
Later that day, Tyler returned to the car with the bags, handing Linda the elegantly wrapped gift for Olivia. They didn’t speak much on the drive home, but Linda’s mind kept drifting back to what she had witnessed. There was something about the way Tyler cared for Olivia that was different. She had always known him as the driven, successful businessman, but now she was seeing a more compassionate side—a side that adored his wife and seemed to revel in the happiness she brought him.
As they arrived home, Linda reflected on the subtle shifts in their relationship. Perhaps it was the child that had softened them both, or maybe it was simply the deepening bond that came with understanding and love. Despite her condition, Olivia had managed to find balance, adjusting to Ana’s expectations while staying true to herself—a considerate daughter-in-law who seemed determined to keep the peace, even if it meant making personal sacrifices.
Tyler might not have said it aloud, but Linda could see that he was willing to do anything to make Olivia’s life easier, to protect her, and to build a future together. It was a kind of love that was quietly transformative.