Chapter 376
Prompted by Naomi’s growing anxiety, Hillary asked gently,
“Olivia still isn’t eating?”
“Yes! Please… just try to talk to her, okay?” Naomi pleaded.
Hillary understood well what was at stake. The consequences of Olivia’s actions could easily affect them all, and the baby’s well-being was critical to Naomi’s survival.
“I understand. I’ll prepare something at home right away,” she promised.
Naomi’s heart raced with worry. Her cheeks flushed as her pulse quickened. Pressing a hand to her chest, she silently prayed Olivia wouldn’t resent her for this.
As soon as Hillary returned home, she insisted on bringing Darren with her to visit the Harrises.
Darren hesitated. He hadn’t forgotten the cold reception Hillary had received the last time.
“Are you sure they’ll even want us there?” he asked warily.
Hillary wasn’t about to let that stop her. The child Olivia was carrying was too important to Naomi.
“What? They wouldn’t throw us out just for bringing food. Besides, you can go in first and speak on our behalf. Tyler wouldn’t turn you away.”
Though still worried, Darren finally relented. “Alright. We need to make sure the baby is safe.”
Without wasting another moment, Hillary hurried Darren out the door and into the car.
Two hours later, they arrived at the Harris residence. Per Hillary’s plan, Darren went in alone.
As usual, Tyler was in his study.
Olivia hadn’t left her room, nor even her bed.
Hearing Darren’s arrival, Tyler greeted him calmly and led him to Olivia’s room. They exchanged a few words outside the door before Tyler gestured for him to enter.
Meanwhile, Ana noticed Darren’s presence. Sitting in her room, her mind wandered back to the photos. Absently, she picked up a diamond earring and examined it.
“Hmm… Naomi Jones…” she murmured thoughtfully.
Upstairs, Olivia remained curled in bed when Darren entered. At first, she thought it was Alisa. But when she heard a familiar voice, her dazed eyes lifted.
“Talk to her as long as you like,” Tyler said before stepping aside.
The sound of her father’s voice seemed to stir Olivia from her stupor.
“Dad?” she whispered, her eyes fixed on the doorway.
Seeing her pale, fragile form, Darren hurried to her side and sat at the edge of the bed.
“You need to eat, Olivia! Look at you… you’re wasting away,” he urged gently.
Tyler stood nearby, watching silently, his gaze unreadable.
Olivia wasn’t trying to protest. Her appetite had truly vanished. Even her father’s presence brought little comfort.
“I’m sorry, Dad,” she said softly.
It was an apology for everything—especially for embarrassing him.
Darren’s heart ached, though his primary concern remained the baby’s health. He sighed.
“It’s all in the past now. Nothing we say can change it. But please… here, Hillary made this for you. Try to eat a little?”
He revealed the carefully prepared dishes Hillary had sent. But Olivia merely frowned, her appetite still absent.
“Please, Olivia,” Darren urged. “Hillary put a lot of care into this. And Naomi… she’s so worried about you. Even in her condition, she wanted to do something for you.”
Olivia blinked in surprise. She hadn’t expected that.