Chapter 482
Olivia didn’t want to say more. She ended the conversation abruptly. “I need to go.”
Sophie hesitated, wanting to press further, but Olivia lowered her head and walked away. Though she felt an urge to follow, the watchful presence of Olivia’s maids made her pause. Sophie remained rooted in place, watching as the group disappeared into the hall.
Olivia looked fragile and despondent, stirring a deep concern within Sophie’s heart.
That night, back where she and Jacob were staying, Sophie’s worry lingered.
Jacob had finished work early and was in the kitchen preparing dinner. When he came out, he noticed Sophie sitting on the couch, her face clouded with unease. Sitting beside her, he asked gently, “What happened? You didn’t find Claude?”
Sophie shook her head. “He wasn’t there. I don’t know where he is.”
Jacob thought for a moment, then shrugged. “Maybe he had something urgent to attend to.”
Though his expression was thoughtful, he softened it and wrapped an arm around Sophie’s shoulders. “I made your favorite dinner. Why are you still so down?”
Sophie hesitated but decided to share. “I ran into Olivia there.”
Jacob’s arm froze momentarily before he forced a smile. “Oh? Again?”
To Jacob, Olivia was a stranger. Sophie nodded simply. “Yes.”
“Did something happen?” Jacob’s eyes shifted to the arm holding Sophie.
“She’s not well,” Sophie explained quietly. “She looks depressed, and she said something strange.”
“What did she say?”
“She asked me to keep an eye on you. She didn’t want her problems to affect us.”
Jacob frowned. “Don’t you find that odd?”
“What else did she say?” he pressed.
“She said nothing more and left.”
Jacob’s frown deepened, his grip loosening.
Sophie, distracted by a different worry, didn’t notice. She crossed her arms and asked, “Do you think I should tell Claude about Olivia? I know he loves her, but she’s married now, so it doesn’t feel right. I don’t want to add fuel to the fire.”
She paused, her voice softening. “But I’m worried something might happen.”