The Beginning Of All Sins

Sophie’s father promptly stood up from his chair. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Tyler. My daughter said she’d bring a classmate along, but they’re late due to traffle. I hope you won’t mind.”

How would Tyler mind it since it was David Pearce? Being the gentleman he was, he replied, “Not at all. Having some younger people at the table can liven up the atmosphere.”

Turning to Olivia, Tyler beckoned, “Come here, Olivia.”

She walked over to the round table, calling out, “Tyler.”

Before David Pearce, Sophie’s father, could comprehend what was happening, Tyler walked toward Olivia, looking rather pleased as he stood beneath the chandelier.

Tyler introduced her to the people seated at the table, saying, “This is Olivia, Naomi’s sister.”

The mention of Naomi, the Harris family’s future daughter–in–law, prompted the people at the table ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

to make the connection.

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David Pearce finally caught on to the situation. Sophie’s classmate was related to the person next to him, and she was Jacob’s girlfriend. He said to Tyler, “Shall I get a chair for Olivia?”

Tyler set down his wine glass and nodded in response.

David summoned an attendant to fetch a chair for Olivia, placing it next to Jacob.

Meanwhile, Tyler’s secretary poured wine for everyone, and Tyler began to wipe his hands with a napkin. He paused when he noticed David’s arrangement.

Unaware of Tyler’s subtle reaction, David asked, “Is this arrangement okay?”

Tyler glanced at David, who was starting to get anxious. Finally, he replied flatly, “It’s fine.” He then put down the napkin.

Everyone took their seats once Tyler did, and the lunch commenced. Jacob, sitting beside Olivia, asked with a smile, “Olivia, what would you like to eat?”

Olivia remained silent, unresponsive to his questions.

“Would you like some juice?” Jacob asked further.

But Olivia continued to be silent. Jacob, being mindful of the formal occasion, decided not to press further.

David then spoke up, “Mr. Tyler, Jacob is an exceptional young man. He has consistently ranked at the top of his class. He is majoring in finance, and he will be graduating soon. I hope you can take him under your wing and offer recommendations.”

Tyler glanced at him with a neutral expression. “If Mr. David speaks so highly of him, he must be exceptional. It would be only natural for me to recommend him.”

Jacob rose beside Olivia, lifting his glass with an air of charisma yet humbly spoke, “A toast to you, Mr. Tyler.” He then tilted back his glass, downing the wine in one go.

Olivia’s stomach churned with worry. She was well aware that Jacob couldn’t hold his liquor.

Socializing in such a manner had never been Jacob’s strong suit.

In contrast, Tyler, seated across from them, remained Indifferent and watched the proceedings. He said to his secretary, “Get it done.”

David did not expect Tyler to agree to that so easily. It caught him completely off guard.

Olivia’s hands clenched tightly, her knuckles whitening as she pondered Tyler’s motives.

Before she could piece her thoughts together, Jacob filled his glass again and lifted it with a tremor of emotion in his voice. “Thank you so much, Mr. Tyler.”

“There’s no need for that. You’re still studying, and you have a promising future ahead. Just focus on doing well,” Tyler advised.

“I will, Mr. Tyler,” Jacob assured him with a respectful nod, then turned to Olivia with rosy cheeks, his eyes brimming with boundless optimism.

Olivia couldn’t bring herself to meet Jacob’s gaze. She avoided looking around and focused her attention on Tyler, who sat opposite her.

Tyler’s eyes met hers as well.

The room buzzed with lively conversation, but Olivia felt like she was on pins and needles, isolated in her discomfort.

Tyler had never raised his glass until the lunch ended, but nobody dared to say anything about it. After that, he left with people crowding him.

However, just as he got into the car, he heard a commotion at the hotel’s entrance. Looking in that direction, he saw Sophie dragging Olivia out while Jacob was chasing after the latter.

“Can we talk, Olivia?” Jacob asked, holding her hands as soon as he reached her.

Olivia turned to look at him.

Seeing her teary eyes, Jacob felt a pang of guilt. “What’s wrong? What’s going on, Olivia? You can tell me anything, and we’ll get through it together, okay?”

From the car,

Tyler observed the emotional scene unfolding outside. He watched Olivia suppressing her emotions and tears as Jacob held her face.

But then, as if she had been shocked, Olivia abruptly pulled away from Jacob’s touch. She couldn’t face Jacob. She needed to leave immediately.

Olivia quickly looked around for something.

Tyler understood her intentions. He signaled to his secretary, who exited the car and approached

Olivia. “Ms. Olivia, Mr. Tyler has offered you a ride.”

Olivia felt as though she had been thrown a lifeline. “Yes, please.”

Jacob wanted to say more, but she shook him off and went into Tyler’s car without even turning her head. Soon, the secretary also got into the car, and it drove away.

As Olivia looked out the window, she watched Jacob recede into the distance. She felt devastated.

Then, from behind her, a soft male voice spoke flatly, “What? Can’t bear to leave him?”