Chapter 172

Olivia belatedly realized that there was still a banquet to organize. A feeling of apprehension filled her as she asked, “Who did you invite?”

“No one you know. Oh, maybe one or two you might be acquainted with,” Tyler replied. “Do you have any names in mind? If so, give me a list.”

“No, I don’t have anyone in mind.”

“Alright. I’ll invite a few people we both know then,” Tyler said before leaving.

Olivia watched him go, perplexed. What was that supposed to mean?

“Send an invitation to Claude Pearce,” Tyler ordered his assistant.

“Got it. Should we inform the Pearces about Olivia’s new identity? It would save us some trouble from misunderstandings.”

Tyler’s expression turned cold. “Did I ask for your opinion?”

Tyler rarely scolded his staff. The assistant was reminded of her blunder at the hospital. “Sorry, that was my mistake,” she stammered. “Um, Mrs. Jones asked when the IVF procedure will start.”

“After the banquet,” Tyler decided, hoping to avoid appearing impatient.

But the Joneses, as it turned out, were more impatient than expected.

“They don’t want to wait until then. They’ve been pressing us, and even the hospital,” the assistant informed, sensing that her boss was hesitating. “I don’t think we can drag on any longer, Mr. Tyler.”

Tyler closed his eyes, frowning. After a while, he said, “Alright, let’s move the banquet date forward.”

Claude had considered calling Olivia to check on her, but before he could, a maid delivered a letter. An invitation from the Harrises. For a wedding banquet.”

“A… banquet?”

Whose wedding was it? Wasn’t Naomi still unwell?

He opened the letter and fell silent as he read its contents. Sophie descended the stairs just then and asked, “What’s that?”

She poured herself a glass of water. “Also, are you interested in Olivia or something?”

Claude crumpled the invitation in his hand, startling Sophie.

The next morning, Olivia’s mind was in turmoil. She remained holed up in her room, not once venturing downstairs.

She sat on her bed, lost in her thoughts, even after the maids had prepared breakfast.