Chapter_290
Olivia’s mind was a whirlwind of emotions as she walked away from Claude. His suggestion lingered in her thoughts, like an uninvited guest she couldn’t shake. She glanced at him one last time before quickly turning toward the car, trying to put some distance between herself and the confusion he had stirred in her.
Her heart was racing, and she couldn’t help but feel a bit shaken by the way Claude had made her feel—both drawn to him and repelled by the intensity of his gaze. It was as if he had reached into her, planting a seed of doubt that she wasn’t ready to confront.
The driver, sensing her unease, spoke up softly, “Shall we head back home, ma’am?”
Olivia nodded, her voice quieter than usual, “Yes, let’s… go home.”
As the car began to pull away, she couldn’t help but glance out the window. There, on the stone pier, Claude remained seated, watching her departure. His expression was unreadable, but there was a trace of a smile tugging at his lips. It was a smile that seemed to speak volumes—mysterious, inviting, and maybe a little dangerous.
The driver, noticing her gaze, caught sight of Claude’s figure through the rearview mirror. When he saw that Claude was staring back, his eyes cold, he shifted uncomfortably but didn’t say anything.
The drive back to the Harris estate felt long and quiet. Olivia couldn’t stop thinking about Claude’s words, his touch, and the way he made her feel. What had he meant? Was it really that simple to forget Tyler, to fall for someone else and make the past disappear?
When the car finally pulled up to the mansion, Olivia got out, still in a daze. She barely registered the large, impressive structure around her as she walked up the steps. But then, as she reached the front door, she saw Tyler.
He was leaving the house, talking with Keith in a low, serious tone. The sight of him, as always, made her heart race. But today, it was different—today, her mind was elsewhere. Olivia froze for a moment, unsure of how to react.
Tyler’s eyes flicked over to her, and he gave her a brief, unreadable glance. His presence, as commanding as ever, made her feel both comforted and anxious. He wasn’t the same as Claude—he didn’t offer the same easy warmth or tempting suggestion of escape. But he was her reality. And the tangled emotions she felt toward him had only grown more complicated over time.
“Olivia,” Tyler said, his voice breaking through her thoughts. “Are you okay?”
She looked at him, a forced smile on her lips. “I’m fine, Tyler.”
But inside, she was anything but fine.
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