Chapter 180
The Beginning Of All Sins
Olivia froze. Tyler kept walking, but he stopped when he felt her grip on his arm. Turning back, he looked at her with concern.
âWhatâs 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 couldnât believe he had come.
Claudeâs expression was calm, almost indifferent. Meanwhile, Oliviaâs 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 couldnât 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 Oliviaâs silence, Tyler pressed, âWhatâs wrong?â
Meanwhile, the person who was holding the wine was staring at Olivia too.
Realizing she couldnât let herself panic, Olivia mustered some strength and replied, âNothing, Iâm just tired. Iâd like to take a rest. Can we do the toast later, Tyler?â
But Tyler wasnât oblivious to her evasive behavior. He glanced between Olivia and Claude, sensing the tension.
âWeâre greeting the guests now. Letâs finish the toast first,â he insisted firmly, denying her request outright.
Feeling defeated, Olivia fell silent.
Tylerâs eyes turned cold as he said, âLetâs go,â leading her to another table.
âSheâd had enough today,â 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 Claudeâs table. Olivia kept her eyes down, avoiding his eyes. Claude briefly glanced away before rising to Tylerâs toast.
Tyler toasted to Claude first. âThanks for coming.â
Claude raised his glass. âItâs my honor. Itâs your big day after all. How can I not come?â
Tyler smiled, taking a light sip of his wine. âThen I wonât 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 wellâwishes with a smile. âThanks,â he said, turning to Olivia. âLetâs go.â