Chapter 164

The atmosphere was tense as Olivia and Tyler returned home without exchanging a word. Once inside, Olivia broke the silence. “I’m going back to my room now.”

Tyler didn’t stop her, retreating to his own space.

Throughout the night, Olivia couldn’t sleep. The glint of her ring in the darkness taunted her, and though she contemplated removing it, she hesitated.

The next morning, Olivia asked Tyler from the doorway. “When are we finally getting started on IVF?”

“After we tied up all the loose knots.”

Aware of the pending tasks after their marriage registration, Olivia nodded. “I see. Well, I need to go out for a bit,” she stated plainly, not concealing her intentions to avoid a repeat of the Sereneville incident.

“Where to?”

“Just lunch with my friend.”

Tyler noticed the absence of her ring. “Okay. Do you need a driver?”

“No. I’m fine.”

“Suit yourself.”

Returning to his room, Tyler immersed himself in work while Olivia prepared to leave.

At the restaurant, Olivia met Sophie, who greeted her excitedly. “Hey! God, where have you been?! I haven’t seen you in a while!”

“Well, you know… This and that.”

Sophie took her hand. “Come on. The restaurant’s good, I heard. It’s new around here.”

As they entered, Sophie exclaimed, “C–Claude?!”

Olivia followed her gaze, spotting Claude dining with an elegantly dressed woman. Claude looked up, recognizing Sophie. “Sophie?”

Then, his gaze shifted to Olivia, and he grinned warmly.

“W–Who is this? Your d–date?” Sophie blurted out.

The woman observed them quietly. Claude rose, deflecting the question. “Whatever brought the two f you here?”

of “We’re here to eat.”

“Well, why don’t you join our table? It will take a while before they can get you a new table.”

Sophie, thrilled by the prospect of drama, eagerly accepted. “Hell yeah!”

Olivia, however, pinched her friend’s arm in protest. This was not the time to interfere!

Ignoring Olivia’s resistance, Sophie pulled her to the table.

The woman studied Olivia and asked, “Who’s this?”

Claude’s smile remained gentle. “My sister’s friend.

Sensing a potential threat, the woman pressed further. “Is she close to you?”

“I treat her as my little sister,” he replied softly.