Chapter 345
Claude was gently caressing Olivia’s hand when he suddenly noticed Sophie standing nearby, her wide-eyed expression frozen in shock.
He immediately withdrew his hand and instinctively stepped between Olivia and Sophie. “Sophie, what are you doing here?” he asked, voice calm but guarded.
Sophie stared at him, confused and furious. How could this be happening? She knew Olivia was married to Tyler—and visibly pregnant. Why was her cousin getting so close to her?
“Claude! How could you?” Sophie’s voice rang out, trembling with disbelief. “Olivia is with Tyler Harris, of all people!”
Behind Claude, Olivia’s heart pounded painfully in her chest, but she remained silent.
“She’s pregnant!” Sophie added sharply, hoping the words would shake some sense into her brother.
But Claude’s voice remained steady. “I told you—this isn’t your concern.”
Just then, footsteps echoed softly through the cafe. A tall figure appeared behind Sophie.
It was Jacob Reeves.
His gaze darkened the moment he spotted Olivia behind Claude. His expression turned cold, unreadable. Without a word, he moved to stand firmly at Sophie’s side—a clear statement of where his loyalty lay.
Sophie, still stunned, tried to process the scene unfolding in front of her. She now realized why Claude had been so eager for her to invite Olivia out today. But she had simply thought it would be a friendly catch-up—nothing like this. She had even planned to stop by the cafe briefly during her date with Jacob, never imagining she’d walk in on such an intimate moment.
From the narrow gap between Claude’s arm and his body, Olivia caught a glimpse of Jacob. He was standing very close to Sophie, though his face remained half in shadow.
Strangely, Olivia felt nothing. No flutter of nerves, no lingering attachment. Jacob was just an old friend now. Seeing him again stirred no more than a faint ripple within her heart.
The dim cafe lights washed the group in a soft orange-yellow glow. The atmosphere felt heavy, as if time itself had slowed.
Sensing the tension, Claude took charge. His voice was low but firm. “Please give us a moment alone,” he said, directing the request to Jacob.
Jacob hesitated for a beat, his sharp gaze lingering on Olivia and then on Claude. Finally, with a respectful nod, he replied, “Of course, Mr. Claude.”