Chapter 370
Inside the vice president’s office of Yancey Bank, Claude sat at his desk, reviewing some documents. A newspaper lay open beside him, the headline glaring.
Just then, Sophie entered, her expression tense.
“What’s going on, Soof?” Claude asked calmly, though his eyes flickered with a hint of weariness.
“Have you not seen the news?” Sophie replied, unable to mask her concern.
Claude’s gaze shifted briefly to the paper on his desk. “I have.”
Sophie hesitated, then asked directly, “Do you have feelings for her?”
Claude rested his hands on the desk, his tone gentle but firm. “This is none of your business, Soof.”
But Sophie wasn’t convinced. She had seen how Claude looked at Olivia from the very first time they met. He had never shown that kind of attention to anyone else—not even to women who openly admired him.
For a time, Sophie had even wished they might end up together. That hope had been crushed when Olivia suddenly married Tyler. But now… this situation had stirred up old questions.
Her worry deepened. The blurred lines between her cousin and Olivia were unsettling.
“Then why was she caught on camera like that?” Sophie pressed. “We were all there.”
Claude had been asking himself the same question. After a moment, he replied, “I’m looking into it.”
“You didn’t do this?” Sophie asked sharply.
Claude’s brows furrowed. “Why would you think that?”
Sophie pointed out, “Only Olivia’s face was clear in the picture—yours wasn’t.”
Claude remained silent for a moment, his fingers tapping lightly against the desk. It was no coincidence. Someone had ensured that his face was obscured, leaving Olivia fully exposed. The move was calculated—a distraction, and a way to protect the true instigator.
Raising a thoughtful brow, Claude finally withdrew his hands from the desk. “I’m trying to figure out how this happened. For now, go home.”
“But I can’t reach Olivia. Is this going to affect both of you?” Sophie asked, her voice edged with panic.
Though Claude’s identity was masked in the photo, those familiar with him—especially within the Harris family—would easily connect the dots. If Tyler learned the truth, the consequences could be severe.
Claude’s voice was calm, but resolute. “I’ll contact her. Don’t worry.”
He reached for his coffee cup, taking in the rich aroma, as if signaling that the conversation was over.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door. Sophie turned to see Jacob Reeves standing there.
“Sophie, stop pestering your cousin,” Jacob said with a faint sigh.
He had followed her here after seeing her rush out earlier.
Sophie glanced between the two men, torn. After a pause, Claude addressed Jacob without looking up.
“Take her home.”
Jacob nodded. “Yes, sir.”
He stepped into the room, gently taking Sophie’s arm. With no choice, Sophie allowed herself to be led out, though her heart remained heavy with unspoken questions.