Chapter 483
Jacob lowered his gaze, his voice calm but distant. “That’s up to you.”
Sophie searched his eyes. “What do you think?”
He met her gaze steadily. “I can’t give you advice. This concerns Claude and Olivia. It’s not my place to get involved.”
Despite her hesitation, Sophie stood firm. “No. I have to call Claude. If anything happened to her, I could never forgive myself.” She reached for her phone and dialed.
Jacob remained seated, silent but watchful. His eyes were cold, his expression unreadable.
Sophie stood in the living room, phone pressed to her ear, but no one answered at first. Then Claude’s voice came through. “Hi, Sophie.”
“Where are you?” she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
“Sorting some things out. What’s going on?”
Sophie hesitated before finally saying, “I saw Olivia earlier today at the church.”
Claude was on the deck of a skyscraper, glass of wine in hand. Hearing this, he immediately asked, “Did something happen?”
“She didn’t look well. Like something was wrong. I just wanted to let you know.” Sophie kept her distance, cautious.
Claude turned to the window and looked down at the bustling street below. “I’m not in Tide City right now, but I’ll be back in a few days.”
Sophie didn’t fully understand his words but trusted he wouldn’t ignore Olivia’s situation. “Okay. Come back soon,” she said before hanging up.
Claude set his phone down and stared into the distance, thoughts swirling. Didn’t Olivia just return from the fishing village a few days ago? When exactly did she come back?
His expression darkened.
Behind him, a group of men sat around a table, the atmosphere thick with strategy.
“Come join us, Claude. Mister Benson is about to make a toast in your honor,” the host called out.
Claude turned with a smile and took his seat.
“We’re friends, after all,” one of the men said.
Another added, “The Harris Group is making bold moves. They’re trying to buy out the fishing village. If they succeed, the port will be theirs.”
Claude raised his wine glass, smiling faintly. “Yes, they certainly have a huge appetite.”