Chapter_206
Olivia stared at Sophie, her eyes red with tears. She shook Sophie’s hands off and turned away, walking quickly without another word.
Just then, the maid stepped into the dessert shop, holding Olivia’s jacket. “Ms. Olivia!” she called out, surprised to see Olivia already on her feet. She’d only stepped out to fetch the jacket after noticing how cold it was inside.
The sight of shattered teacups and a visibly tense Olivia made the maid hurry over in concern. “What happened here? Are you alright?” she asked, reaching for her.
Olivia didn’t answer right away. Her hand, now in the maid’s, trembled slightly.
Jacob watched the scene with detached amusement. “She’s from the Jones family?” he asked, raising a brow. “Never seen her before.”
Sophie, still shaken, glanced at the maid too. She didn’t look like a typical housekeeper. In fact, her presence felt more like that of a bodyguard than a maid.
Olivia, sensing the growing suspicion and afraid the maid might address her too formally, quickly cut in. “I’m fine. Let’s go.”
Without waiting for a response, she walked away, fast and unsteady.
“Ms. Olivia, slow down! Be careful!” the maid called, hurrying after her.
But Olivia didn’t stop. She didn’t even seem to hear.
Sophie took a step to follow, but Jacob grabbed her hand.
“Don’t,” he said firmly.
She turned to him, confused.
“That maid,” he said, narrowing his eyes, “she’s from the Harris family, isn’t she?”
Sophie glanced after the retreating figure, unsure why Jacob seemed so focused. “I don’t know… why does it matter?”
Jacob released her hand with a slight shrug, brushing off the moment. “It doesn’t. Just curious.”
Trying to lift the mood, he smiled. “Come on, this is your favorite dessert spot, isn’t it? Let’s enjoy it.”
Sophie bit her lip, still torn. “Shouldn’t we talk to Olivia? At least explain?”
Jacob shook his head. “We don’t owe her anything. I like you. That’s what matters now.”
His words softened her guilt, and though a part of her still felt unsettled, she gave him a faint smile and took his hand again. “Okay.”
Jacob chuckled lightly and led her back to the table. Sophie told herself to enjoy the moment. I’m sorry, Olivia… I just like him too much.
Outside, Olivia kept walking without a destination. Her eyes were open, but her mind was blank. The maid followed as best she could, but Olivia was faster, driven by emotion more than purpose.
Eventually, the maid lost sight of her entirely in the crowded mall. She looked around, calling, “Ms. Olivia?” But there was no response.
Back at the dessert shop, Sophie and Jacob were trying to continue their date, though Sophie remained distracted.
Suddenly, the maid returned, breathless. “Do you have Ms. Olivia’s phone number?”
Sophie shot to her feet. “Yes! What happened? Where is she?”
“I lost her,” the maid said urgently. “Please, can you call her?”
The maid didn’t call her ‘Ms. Olivia’ this time—too panicked to keep up appearances.
Sophie pulled out her phone, worried that Olivia wouldn’t answer. “I’ll call my brother. He might know where she is.”
She quickly dialed Claude.
After hanging up, she turned to the maid. “He’ll find her. Don’t worry.”
But the maid wasn’t reassured. “Can I use your phone to make another call, please?”
Sophie hesitated but handed it over without asking further.
The maid dialed a number quickly, spoke a few urgent words, then handed the phone back. “Thank you,” she said before hurrying off again.
Sophie watched her leave, torn between following and staying.
Jacob caught her hand. “She’ll be fine. Someone’s already looking for her.”
Sophie still hesitated.
Jacob leaned in closer, gently sliding his hand down her arm. “It’s our first real date, Sophie. Don’t let it be ruined.”
Her heart pulled in two directions, but she nodded slowly.
He placed the menu in front of her. “Didn’t you say you were craving dessert? Let’s order.”
Sophie forced a smile. “Okay…”
Trying to push aside the gnawing worry in her chest, she picked up the menu and focused on the desserts she once looked forward to. She told herself it would be alright. Someone would find Olivia.
But deep down, she couldn’t ignore the feeling that something precious had slipped through her fingers.