Chapter 340
Claude had been busy with work at Yancee Bank, but that day, he finally took a break to meet up with some friends. While they were chatting over drinks, a familiar name caught his ear.
One of his friend’s girlfriends remarked, “Did you hear? Naomi is really sick, and she’s offering a huge reward for blood donations.”
Claude sipped his wine, listening quietly. When she added, “She’s offering five hundred thousand as a reward,” he froze and looked up.
Another friend chimed in, “Yeah, I heard about that too. It almost made the news, but someone blocked the story. Tyler’s the one putting up the money.”
Claude’s expression darkened. A third friend asked, “Isn’t it strange? Didn’t Tyler break off his engagement with Naomi? Why would he still help her?”
No one had an answer.
Someone else added, “It’s odd. Tyler’s married now, and they’re expecting a child. But he and Naomi were together for years. Maybe he feels guilty. Even if they’re not in love anymore, he probably still wants to help.”
The conversation buzzed on around him, but Claude had already made up his mind. Setting down his wine glass, he stood and said, “I’ll be right back.”
He walked into the corridor, pulled out his phone, and hesitated for a moment before typing a message.
[How are you doing? I heard about your sister. Are you okay?]
Claude stood there, staring into the distance as he waited for a reply.
When none came, he frowned and tried calling Olivia instead—but the line was busy. He exhaled sharply, his frustration clear, then tucked the phone back into his pocket and walked away. His tall figure cast a long shadow down the empty hallway.
Meanwhile, upstairs, Olivia was lying in bed when Claude’s message came through. Her hand trembled as she gripped her phone tightly. After a moment, she turned it off, unable to respond, her emotions in turmoil.
Since Tyler had left, her appetite had vanished. The stress weighed on her heavily.
By the next morning, Olivia looked noticeably weak. When Maisy saw her pale face, she asked gently, “What’s wrong, dear? Didn’t you sleep well?”
“I’m okay,” Olivia answered softly. “I think I just overslept, and now my schedule feels off.”
Maisy wasn’t convinced. Concerned, she said, “Should I call the doctor for you?”
Olivia shook her head quickly. “No need, Grandma. I’m really okay.”
But her words rang hollow. Her restlessness and fragile state were evident, and it wasn’t just physical exhaustion — the emotional strain was taking its toll.
Maisy watched her closely, hesitating. She was about to call the doctor anyway when Olivia reached out and gently held her hand. “Please, Grandma. I’m fine, truly,” she repeated softly.
Maisy sighed, still worried, but didn’t press further — though in her heart, she knew something was wrong.