Chapter 463
Olivia’s heart jumped as her phone rang. She hesitated for a moment before answering.
Claude’s voice came softly through the line.
“Did you get it, Olivia?”
She glanced down at the bracelet in her hand but remained silent.
“I was surprised to see you at the church today. Maybe even God knows how much I miss you,” Claude continued quietly. “When I saw you two with the amulet, I thought of you. So, I asked the priest for this bracelet. I hope it brings you happiness, and that your baby stays healthy.”
Olivia felt a flicker of warmth at his words. Though she understood his motives, she sensed genuine care beneath them.
Still, she responded firmly, her voice cold.
“Thank you for the bracelet, Claude. But please, stop giving me things. It’s better if we don’t talk. You’re only stirring trouble by doing this.”
Her words were steady and resolute.
She knew she didn’t belong in their world. Keeping up their friendship was pointless—she would eventually return to where she truly belonged.
A silence hung on the line. Claude was not angry. After a moment, he said quietly,
“I’m sorry for causing you trouble, Olivia. I don’t know how to be good to you. I’ll be more careful.”
“You don’t have to do that, Claude. Okay, I’m hanging up now.”
Olivia ended the call abruptly, clutching the bracelet tightly in her palm.
Alone in the prayer room, Claude’s smile faded. His face reflected loneliness, his gentle eyes dimmed with sadness.
After the church visit, Tyler threw himself into his project at the coastal city. Naturally, he had Linda monitor Lionel’s activities closely.
The following day, he set off on a business trip to the city, arriving an hour early at Naomi’s ward.
She busied herself organizing documents and his laptop upon learning about his trip.
“Don’t overwork yourself. Call me tonight,” she said softly.
Naomi crouched by his suitcase, watching him carefully.
He had just finished a work call, slipping his phone away as she spoke. Meeting her gaze, he replied,
“It’s fine. I only need my laptop and documents.”
She used to pack his bags for him—and that hadn’t changed.
Smiling, she insisted, “No, I’ll pack everything for you. I won’t let anyone else do it.”
Tyler didn’t argue. He passed his phone to Linda and said,
“If you’re bored, your parents can keep you company.”
It was a small gesture, but Naomi appreciated it.
“I will. Don’t worry.”
As he reached for his coat on the couch, his phone rang again. He froze, and Linda immediately glanced at him.
“It’s Ms. Ana, sir,” she informed him.
“End the call,” Tyler ordered.
Naomi asked quietly, “How’s Olivia, Tyler?”