Chapter 477
Olivia’s pale expression was starkly visible as Tyler inched closer to her neck. Feeling herself teeter on the edge of collapse, she pushed him away and slipped from his lap. Taking a few unsteady steps back, she finally steadied herself, lips pressed tightly.
“I’m tired. I want to go home.”
Tyler gripped the chair’s handle, his bright eyes locked onto her—gone was the charm that had enveloped him moments before.
“Aren’t you going to do what you’re supposed to?” he asked coldly.
Olivia remained silent, struggling through the pain that overwhelmed her.
“Are you no longer concerned about Jacob’s future?” he pressed.
She could barely care for anyone else when she was barely holding herself together. If standing up to him endangered Jacob, then he would have to face the consequences alone.
In a hoarse voice, she whispered, “I’m sorry for troubling you, Tyler.”
Without another word, she quietly left the room.
Tyler’s eyes flared with intensity, his drowsiness replaced by sharp determination.
Back in her room, Olivia stared blankly into space. She knew she could never win Tyler’s heart as Ana wished; she understood all too well her place—she would never replace Naomi.
Fine. If Ana wanted to manipulate her, to use her as a pawn, she would endure the suffering. There was a strange relief in surrendering control—a grim satisfaction in severing ties.
That very night, citing illness, Olivia hurried back to Tide City.
Ana, the architect of Olivia’s stay with Tyler, never expected such a swift retreat after only two days. Her frustration was palpable after all her scheming.
As Olivia stepped into the living room, Ana’s voice cut like ice. “What’s this? Did you not hear me? Are you defying me by coming home?”
Olivia trembled, unsure of what to say.
With a quiet but steady voice, she replied, “I’m sorry, Mom.”
Once, Ana had high hopes for Olivia, believing she could be the key to controlling the Harris family. But it was clear now: Olivia was beyond her reach. There was even the chance she might outright defy her. After all, she was Naomi’s sister—how could Ana expect her cooperation?
A cruel sneer twisted Ana’s lips. “Such a loyal sister, aren’t you? Does Naomi appreciate that loyalty?”
Her disappointment dripped with venom. “Have I mistreated you? Despite your illegitimate status, I gave you the title of Mrs. Harris. Don’t you want the Harris fortune? Or would you rather return to the Joneses and live with that stigma?”
Olivia stayed silent, bowed under the weight of her mother’s scorn.
“Very well,” Ana spat. “If you’re determined to oppose me, so be it.”
At that moment, Camilla entered, speaking carefully, “Ma’am, Ms. Olivia returned home due to a severe fever last night. She’s having trouble adjusting to the weather.”
Ana’s frustration nearly boiled over. She scoffed at Camilla’s explanation but locked eyes with her sharply.
“Camilla.”
Approaching cautiously, Camilla smiled faintly. “Mr. Tyler requested I be present at home.”