Chapter 180
Olivia froze. Tyler kept walking, but he stopped when he felt her grip
on his arm. Turning back, he
looked at her with concern.
âWhat's wrong?â he asked, then followed her gaze to where Claude
sat.
Olivia was stunned to see Claude there, and it seemed he was looking
back at her too. She couldn't believe he had come.
Claude's expression was calm, almost indifferent. Meanwhile, Olivia's
face remained expressionless, unsure of how to react under Claudeâs
intense gaze.
Tyler watched their expressions for a while before looking at Olivia and
saying, âThe Pearces are on our guest list as well. Should we do a
toast with them?â He sounded casual, as if it were just another
suggestion.
Olivia couldn't describe what she was feeling. Facing Claude was
difficult because it brought her relationship with Tyler into focus, a
reality she struggled to confront in his presence.
Claude, however, seemed to notice her distress despite her efforts to
appear composed.
Though she had dressed up for the occasion, Olivia felt everything
was now in disarray.
Noticing Olivia's silence, Tyler pressed, âWhat's wrong?"
Meanwhile, the person who was holding the wine was staring at Olivia
too.
Realizing she couldn't let herself panic, Olivia mustered some strength
and replied, âNothing, I'm just tired. I'd like to take a rest. Can we do
the toast later, Tyler?â
But Tyler wasn't oblivious to her evasive behavior. He glanced between
Olivia and Claude, sensing the
tension.
âWe're greeting the guests now. Let's finish the toast first,â he insisted
firmly, denying her request
outright.
Feeling defeated, Olivia fell silent.
Tyler's eyes turned cold as he said, âLet's go,â leading her to another
table.
âShe'd had enough today," he thought, hoping Olivia would realize
where she stood, and perhaps
Claude too.
As if nothing had happened, Tyler greeted the guests cheerily.
Olivia, on the other hand, trailed along, her mind elsewhere. Claude
had been staring at her, like a knife slicing her continuously.
Finally, they reached Claude's table. Olivia kept her eyes down,
avoiding his eyes. Claude briefly glanced away before rising to Tyler's
toast.
Chapter 180
212
Tyler toasted to Claude first. âThanks for coming.â
Claude raised his glass. âIt's my honor. It's your big day after all. How
can I not come?â
Tyler smiled, taking a light sip of his wine. âThen I won't say more
since we know each other well. Enjoy.â He then drank half a glass of
the wine that he had been holding but had barely touched.
Claude drained his glass in response, then turned his gaze to Olivia. A
faint smile played on his lips as he addressed Tyler, âCongratulations.
I hope the two of you have many happy days ahead and build a
wonderful family together.â
Tyler accepted the well-wishes with a smile. âThanks,â he said,
turning to Olivia. âLet's go.â