Chapter 422
That morning, Olivia came downstairs and noticed several newspapers strewn across the coffee table. Her gaze drifted over the front page, and one headline caught her eye:
“Dispute Between Yancey Bank and Harris Group Escalates — Brothers-in-law Become Foes.”
The words struck her like a cold slap.
She stood frozen for a moment, the weight of the headline sinking in.
Just then, Alisa approached with a warm smile. “Ma’am, your father sent over some food.”
Olivia blinked, slowly coming out of her daze. “Oh?” she said faintly, glancing at the container in Alisa’s hands. “What did he send?”
“Your favorite,” Alisa replied, opening the lid to reveal freshly made plum jam.
Under normal circumstances, Olivia would have lit up with joy. But not today. Her mind was too clouded by the news she’d just read.
“Just put it in the fridge,” she said softly, taking a step back.
“Would you like some now?” Alisa offered kindly.
Olivia shook her head, eyes still on the newspaper. “I’ll have it once it’s cold.”
Alisa nodded and quietly headed to the kitchen, leaving Olivia alone once more.
Her eyes returned to the headline. The idea of Tyler and Claude at odds was unsettling—and yet, deep down, not entirely unexpected.
Later that morning, Tyler and Naomi paid a visit to the Jones household.
Hillary had been uneasy about their relationship for some time, but the sight of them arriving together—looking united—seemed to ease her worries. Her smile was wide, her hospitality warmer than ever. In the kitchen, she bustled around, instructing the maids on the menu for the day.
Meanwhile, Darren entered the room and couldn’t help himself.
“You know, Olivia’s not the kind of person you think she is,” he said, casually. “She’s not perfect, but she’s far from terrible.”
Hillary didn’t even look up. “Of course you’d say that. You’ve always liked her.”
“I’m just saying, she’s not as bad as you make her out to be,” Darren continued, his tone growing firmer.
Hillary scoffed and waved a hand. “Please. She’s no angel, but she doesn’t have the guts to pull anything clever. If she ever tries, I’d love to see how far she gets.”
Darren was taken aback by her bluntness. “Seriously? Must you always be this harsh?”
Hillary gave him a sidelong glance. “I don’t see the point in defending someone who’s not even a legitimate daughter.”
“You’re unbelievable,” Darren muttered, shaking his head. No matter what he said, he always lost these arguments.
Unbothered, Hillary returned to the crab on the counter, instructing the maids to clean it properly.
Realizing he was wasting his breath, Darren turned and left the kitchen.
At exactly ten o’clock, Tyler and Naomi arrived.
Hillary welcomed them with open arms, her delight impossible to hide. “You’re finally here! Come in, come in,” she beamed.
Naomi smiled politely, while Tyler nodded in greeting.
Darren trailed in behind them, his feelings more complicated. Though he said nothing, the tension between his mother and Olivia always lingered in the back of his mind—especially now that the lines between families were blurring.
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Let me know when you’re ready for Chapter 423, or if you’d like this chapter tweaked further.