Chapter 33

Tyler remained still, allowing Olivia to kiss him.

When she wasn’t sure what to do next, he softly asked while looking at her, “Are you seducing me?”

The air felt thin as they stood so close, and Olivia was breathing heavily, her lips trembling “No, I just wanted to express my gratitude,” she replied.

His gaze was cold. “Do you think I wouldn’t help Jacob?”

Olivia felt like the breath was being squeezed out of her. She had never considered that before, and it made her uneasy. She just wanted to ensure Jacob’s bail Tyler asked again, “What would Jacob think if he saw this?”

His words shattered the facade of calmness Olivia had tried to maintain. Her face turned pale.

He continued, “Are you trying to seduce me when you have no experience in such matters?”

Olivia opened her eyes and stepped back, panting heavily, feeling exposed. “I’m sorry, I thought it might help. I just want to do something for you and Naomi. It would be wonderful if I could get pregnant soon.”

Tyler’s tone was stern. “A girl should never compromise her dignity and judgment for a boy. Hasn’t your father ever told you that?”

Olivia felt like she had lost her last bit of dignity. She was heartbroken. No one had ever given her such guidance. All she had known since childhood was her father’s presence, which was both close and distant.

When had he ever advised her on how to behave with a boy?

Tyler’s shadow loomed over her face, and she looked down as she stood before him.

He whispered in her ear, “Listen to me. Jacob will be released tomorrow. I’ve done everything I can. It depends on whether he wants to leave, understand?”

Olivia looked up, her eyes glistening with tears.

But Tyler stopped looking at her and left abruptly. She was in a daze, not expecting him to leave. She reached out and grabbed his sleeve. He stopped and glanced at her.

She whispered, “Thank you, Tyler.”

His expression remained indifferent as he replied flatly, “Mm–hmm.”

She let go of his sleeve.

Suddenly, he said, “I don’t need you to do anything for me. Take the card.”

Olivia was confused, not knowing what card he meant. He handed her the card she had given him earlier.

“Take it” He showed it into her hand She hesitated. If she accepted it, what would their relationship be?

She withdrew her band.

He whispered, “I don’t mean anything else. I just don’t want you to have to beg people.” There was a subtle tone of concem and care in his voice.

She looked into his eyes.

“Don’t beg again. Naomi wouldn’t want to see you like that either.”