Chapter 455
Tyler leaned back against his chair, his voice softer now. “I see. I blamed you unfairly. Sorry—I should have considered things from your perspective.”
Olivia gripped the cookie tightly, crumbs pressing into her nails.
Suddenly, Tyler glanced at the secretary. “Please leave us alone for a moment.”
Linda nodded immediately. “Alright.”
Olivia didn’t understand why he was asking her to leave. She pressed her lips together and waited in silence.
Once the door closed behind Linda, Tyler stood and stepped closer to Olivia. Her body tensed instinctively.
“You didn’t know my mother called me too,” he whispered just beside her ear. “She threatened me with you. Did you know that?”
Startled, Olivia looked up at him.
His eyes locked onto hers, and suddenly the distance between them seemed to vanish too quickly. Olivia clenched her fists and closed her eyes tightly. “I had no idea.”
Tyler’s gaze traced the line of her delicate neck, the smooth dark strands of her hair. She seemed fragile and strong all at once—each inch of her awakening something deep within him.
“Of course you didn’t,” he murmured, fingers lightly brushing through her hair. “How could you? You don’t know the battles I’m fighting. I only just realized the mess I’ve made. My mother set a clear trap, waiting for me to fall.”
Olivia hadn’t expected his touch. A shiver ran down her spine as his fingers grazed her hair, as if he was handling something forbidden.
His eyes darkened. “Do you know how tempting you are? Your very presence draws me in. How am I supposed to resist you?”
Olivia lifted her tear-filled eyes to meet his. Her face shone with a pure, moonlit glow, tears sparkling as they trailed down her cheeks.
Tyler’s gaze softened, captivated by the moment. His hand gently stroked her cheek—then he suddenly withdrew.
Within seconds, he collected himself and stepped back. “A man can’t give in to mere temptations of the heart.”
He exhaled deeply. “It’s time for you to go home.”
Olivia’s heart pounded wildly. She forced herself to compose and move toward the door.
Caught off guard by the carpet beneath her feet, she stumbled.
Just as she felt herself falling forward, Tyler’s hand shot out, gripping hers tightly and pulling her back.
Unbalanced, Olivia collided into his arms.
At that instant, Tyler was wrapped in her intoxicating scent, a warmth that lingered long after.