Chapter 165
The Beginning Of All Sins
âOlivia? This is Maddie Zimmers,â Claude continued his introduction.
âHi, Ms. Maddie. Iâm 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 didnât tell me about this!!
Ignoring Sophie, Claude turned to Maddie, asking, âDo you want some tea?â
âThanks. Iâm a bit thirsty,â Maddie replied.
Claude poured her a cup and then turned to Olivia. âAnd what about you? Itâs been hot lately,â
He poured another cup for Olivia before she could even respond. âTâThanks,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
Maddieâs expression soured, and she stared at Claude in disbelief.
âWhatâs wrong?â Claude asked.
Maddie clenched her fists. As a young lady from a rich family, she was clearly unused to being ignored.
ââ¦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 Claudeâs expression darkened. âWhatâs going on?â he demanded.
âWhy donât 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?!â
Claudeâs eyes turned cold.
âYou know what? Fine! Iâm 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 Maddieâs wrist. There was no hint of a smile on his face. âWhat are you doing?!â
âNo, what are you doing?! Youâre on her side now?!â
He released her and moved to Oliviaâs side. âAre you okay?â
Sophie observed her brotherâs unexpectedly caring behavior and pondered silently.