Chapter 434
Olivia remained silent, unable to respond.
Claude’s voice softened. “It’s okay. I just wanted to talk to you.”
After a pause, Olivia asked cautiously, “Did you love Morgan?”
Only silence greeted her question.
Frustrated by his evasiveness, Olivia ended the call abruptly.
Claude stared at his phone in surprise, a heavy sadness washing over him. He set it down slowly, forcing a faint, melancholic smile.
His secretary noticed the change in his mood and gently warned, “Mr. Claude… I don’t think reaching out to her right now is a good idea.”
Claude merely looked at her, then began pacing thoughtfully around the room.
Since speaking to the media, Claude had retreated to the family vineyard, distancing himself from the chaos. Sophie and the others tried repeatedly to reach him, but whenever Morgan’s name came up, he became unreachable.
Sophie grew increasingly worried. She decided to approach Olivia, believing she might be the key to reaching Claude.
Meanwhile, the Harrises dismissed the swirling rumors. Ana remained aloof, occupied with yoga, facials, flower arrangements, and tea with friends.
One day, as Ana and Olivia walked through the clubhouse corridor, Sophie spotted them.
Ana led the way, with Olivia following quietly behind.
When Sophie called out Olivia’s name, she paused and waited.
Though Ana disliked the Pearces, she stayed composed. Her friends surrounded her, their eyes fixed on Sophie as she approached.
Ignoring the stares, Sophie addressed Ana, “Ms. Ana, I’d like to speak with Olivia.”
Ana hesitated briefly, then nodded, “Okay, go ahead.” She and her friends moved toward the tea room.
Left alone with Sophie, Olivia shifted uneasily, ready to leave if not needed.
“Do you need help? If not—” she began, intending to excuse herself.
But Sophie quickly grasped her hand. “Has Claude contacted you? It’s urgent we reach him. I came here because I heard you were with Ms. Ana.”
Olivia hesitated, unsure what to say.
Sophie pressed on, her voice earnest. “Olivia, he would’ve contacted you if he could. Please, can you tell me where he is?”
Seeing Sophie’s desperation, Olivia thought for a moment before replying quietly, “He called me… but I don’t know where he is.”
Sophie’s eyes widened. “He did?”
Olivia nodded slowly, uncertainty shadowing her face.