Chapter 394
Olivia kept to herself upstairs, worried that any misstep might further enrage Ana. The only comfort she found during those difficult days was repeatedly looking at the ultrasound images of her unborn son, silently wishing time would pass faster.
Meanwhile, Katrina followed the swirling news about the Harrises with a growing sense of pity. Over lunch with Sophie at home, she asked cautiously, “Soof, is any of what they’re saying about Olivia true?”
Sophie’s hand froze mid-air. She glanced at Katrina awkwardly before replying softly, “I don’t think so…”
But Katrina pressed on, curiosity getting the better of her. “Who would dare spread rumors about the Harrises? It’s really unfortunate. I used to think highly of Olivia when I first met her — I even imagined her marrying Claude someday. But I guess that won’t happen now.” She sighed, “What a shame.”
Sophie fell silent, unsure how to respond. Katrina continued, “You’re friends with her. Do you know who the man is?”
Katrina’s interest stemmed from how unusual such turmoil was for the Harrises. She recalled Ana proudly introducing Olivia as her daughter-in-law at social events. Now, Ana herself had become the subject of ridicule, and Katrina was determined not to let it slide easily.
Sophie’s heart skipped a beat. She still wasn’t sure what to say. If she told Katrina that the man involved was Claude, how would she react?
Just then, Claude appeared, descending the stairs and picking up a newspaper from the table. “Morning,” he said casually.
Sophie noticed his attire — a crisp white shirt paired with grey pants — his calm presence like a quiet moon in soft light.
Sophie didn’t reply, but Katrina smiled at Claude and said, “You’ve been very busy lately. Did you just wake up?”
Claude flipped through the newspaper and responded, “Just finished my workout.”
Since Claude wasn’t one to sleep in, Katrina added with concern, “You should get enough rest. Taking over the family business can be demanding, but you need to take care of your health.”
Claude set the paper down and smiled at his mother. “Don’t worry, I’m young and strong. I won’t overwork myself.”
Claude resembled Katrina in many ways — gentle and composed — traits that had kept their family peaceful through many storms.
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of a car pulling up. Jordan returned, parking and walking toward the table. Katrina greeted him, “Jordan, what brings you home?”
Jordan didn’t look at her, his eyes fixed on Claude. “What happened at the board meeting?”
He hadn’t been present when Claude had called it.
Claude put down the newspaper and answered plainly, “The restructuring didn’t pass.”