Chapter 343
Olivia stared down at her lap, lost in thought.
“Take care, Ms. Olivia,” Alisa said with a warm smile. “You can relax and enjoy yourself. Mrs. Ana really treats you well, doesn’t she?”
Olivia knew that was true, at least on the surface, but she chose not to reply. What weighed on her mind was the possibility of Sophie seeing anyone from the Harris family. Quietly, she told Alisa, “Stay in the car.”
“But your foot—”
“It’s okay. We’re just going to a café. I won’t be long.”
“…Alright. If you say so.”
Even so, as Olivia got out of the car, Alisa gently helped her. Though Olivia had insisted she didn’t need help, the maid’s cautious hands lingered a moment longer than necessary.
Olivia glanced at the café entrance and began walking toward it, her thoughts swirling. What will we even talk about? It’s been so long…
But as soon as she stepped inside, she froze.
Seated at the table wasn’t Sophie—it was Claude.
He spotted her immediately and stood up, towering over her slight frame.
Panic surged through Olivia. Without a word, she turned sharply, ready to leave.
“Wait! I asked Sophie to arrange this,” Claude called out urgently.
She paused, her back still to him, heart pounding.
“How have you been lately?” he asked gently. His gaze traced the curve of her thin shoulders and delicate neck. She looked fragile, worn. She isn’t well, he thought bitterly. Even surrounded by wealth, she’s lacking the one thing she truly needs: care.
Claude’s voice softened. “I heard about your sister… how is she?”
Olivia’s voice trembled. “Please, Claude… let’s not do this. We shouldn’t see each other.” Her tone was pleading, filled with nervousness.
Claude stepped closer. “Olivia, what’s going on?” Concern etched every word.
She glanced around, fearing Alisa might glimpse them through the window. Desperately, she tried to pull away. “Please, don’t do this, Claude.”
But he wouldn’t let her go so easily. Seeing her frightened and flustered only deepened his worry. He caught her arm gently but firmly, turning her to face him.
“Let me go,” she whispered, voice shaking.
Instead, Claude guided her to a quieter corner of the café, down a small corridor away from prying eyes. There, he stopped, his hands resting lightly on her shoulders.
Looking into her troubled eyes, he said urgently, “Did you think I wouldn’t find out? The Harris family was looking for a surrogate. They offered an enormous sum! Olivia, think about it—what do you really mean to Tyler? You’re carrying his child, while he’s still doing everything possible for your sister. No matter what it takes, he’s by her side.”
His words struck deep.
Olivia stood frozen, tears threatening to spill, her heart aching. But she had no reply—because deep down, she too wondered the same thing.