Chapter 165
"Olivia? This is Maddie Zimmers,â Claude continued his introduction.
âHi, Ms. Maddie. I'm Olivia.â
âOh. Hi.â Maddie quickly glanced away.
Olivia felt embarrassed, especially since she and Sophie had kind of
butted into what seemed like a private conversation. Sophie seemed
oblivious, though, and complained, âI canât believe you didn't tell me
about this!!
Ignoring Sophie, Claude turned to Maddie, asking, âDo you want some
tea?â
âThanks. I'm a bit thirsty,â Maddie replied.
Claude poured her a cup and then turned to Olivia. âAnd what about
you? It's been hot lately,â
He poured another cup for Olivia before she could even respond. âTâ
Thanks,â she said sheepishly.
The menu arrived, and Claude handed it to Olivia. âTake a look. You
and Sophie can choose whatever you like.â
Maddie's expression soured, and she stared at Claude in disbelief.
âWhat's wrong?â Claude asked.
Maddie clenched her fists. As a young lady from a rich family, she was
clearly unused to being ignored. â...Nothing,â she said through gritted
teeth.
Olivia was surprised to be the first to get the menu, so she passed it to
Maddie. âYou should order first, Ms. Maddie. We can
wait.â
Maddie stood up abruptly. âAnd what am I supposed to order? Your
favorite food? Your favorite drink?
Olivia and Sophie were stunned, and Claude's expression darkened.
âWhat's going on?" he demanded.
âWhy don't you tell me?â Maddie snapped, pointing at Olivia. âWho is
she?â
âI told you, my friend.â
âWhy did you give her the menu first?â
âBecause sheâs our guest,â Claude replied.
âThen who the hell am I supposed to be?!"
Claude's eyes turned cold.
âYou know what? Fine! I'm done. I donât want to eat with any of you. At
all!â As she stormed off, she knocked over the tea, spilling it toward
Olivia. Sophie yelped.
Chanter tob
Olivia stood up quickly, but the tea had already soaked into her
clothes.
Claude grabbed Maddie's wrist. There was no hint of a smile on his
face. âWhat are you doing?!"
âNo, what are you doing?! You're on her side now?!"
He released her and moved to Olivia's side. âAre you okay?"
Sophie observed her brother's unexpectedly caring behavior and
pondered silently.