Chapter 439
Linda responded calmly, “Not at all.”
Tyler handed his golf club to an employee, wiped his hands, and addressed the men, “That’s all for today. I’ll see you again in a few days?”
The men, having eaten well and enjoyed themselves, quickly replied, “No worries, Mr. Tyler. Your wife is waiting, so go ahead. We’re fine.”
Tyler smiled lightly. “Okay.”
After wiping his hands once more, he instructed the golf course manager to take care of the guests, then turned to Linda. “Let’s go.”
Though he spoke to Linda, Olivia heard every word. The group noticed her quiet presence, seemingly left out.
Eventually, Olivia stood up and made her way off the course. Tyler got into the car first. Olivia, slowed by her pregnancy, walked more slowly. Linda reached the car ahead of her and opened the door, helping Olivia settle inside before sitting down herself.
Tyler then told Linda, “You can go home now.”
She nodded and closed the door behind her.
Once the car door shut, Tyler glanced briefly at Olivia, then quickly looked away. His voice was stern as he asked, “Why didn’t you stay inside?”
Olivia replied softly, “I thought you wouldn’t be long.”
“And what does that have to do with you staying outside?” he pressed calmly.
“You asked me to wait at the pavilion, so I didn’t dare leave,” Olivia explained.
Tyler frowned but then suddenly pulled her close. Before she could react, Olivia found herself sitting on his lap. She placed her hands on his shoulders, looking down and blushing. “What are you doing?” she asked nervously.
“Was that on purpose? Hmm?” Tyler teased, his tone sharp yet laced with something deeper. “Did my mom push you out here so I could watch you get bitten by mosquitoes? Since when are you on her side?”
Feeling trapped and fragile because of her pregnancy, Olivia didn’t resist. She pressed her hands gently against his shoulders. “No, that wasn’t on purpose. I don’t want to just follow you around. And if you didn’t want me to come, you could’ve just said no.”
Tyler’s expression darkened. “Say no? How do I say no to a honey trap?” He leaned in closer, his voice bitter and low.
Olivia was taken aback. “I’m not bait. I’m not trying to trap you,” she said firmly, defending herself.
Tyler studied her carefully — her pale skin, slender arms, delicate neck — and whispered, “How are you not? If you’re not, why did you return the locket to Claude?” His voice dropped to a dangerous hush.