Chapter 309
Tyler told Ana, “No need,” and quickly walked away.
Ana turned to Olivia, urging softly, “Olivia, you don’t have to stay with me. Go and keep him company.”
Olivia stood frozen, unsure.
Tyler called from upstairs, “I’ve got things to do. I’ll be in the study. I want to be alone.”
Ana squinted, noticing Olivia was still beside her even after Tyler retreated upstairs.
After a pause, Ana asked gently, “You two had a fight, right? Aren’t you going to try to fix it?”
Olivia’s arms trembled; she looked down, silent and still.
Picking up a candle, Ana said kindly, “They say fights between couples don’t last overnight. Are you really not going to talk to him again?”
She added, “Go get the red velvet cake from the kitchen.”
Olivia knew Ana was trying to prevent their relationship from breaking further. At the same time, she understood Ana was quietly signaling her feelings to Naomi through this kindness.
Still, Olivia didn’t move.
Ana’s tone sharpened, “What? You’re not listening to me anymore?”
Olivia answered quietly, “Okay, Mom,” her voice flat and detached, like she was merely going through the motions.
Ana softened, “All conflicts can be resolved.”
“I know,” Olivia replied gently.
She rose, went to the kitchen, took the red velvet cake from the maid, and walked upstairs mechanically.
Tyler was on a call when Olivia entered the study.
He glanced up as she approached, expression unreadable.
“Tyler, Aunt Ana sent me to bring you this,” Olivia said, her face void of emotion.
“Put it on the desk,” Tyler said, then turned back to his work.
Olivia set the plate down and started to leave.
Before she could go, Tyler paused and said, “I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that yesterday.”
Olivia stopped, eyes unfocused. “It’s my fault, Tyler.”
His gaze remained indifferent. “It’s in the past now. Let’s move on.”
“Okay, Tyler. I’ll leave if that’s all,” Olivia said softly.
“Mm–hmm, you may go,” he replied, still cold.
Their exchange was brief.
Olivia left the study after completing her task.