The Beginning Of All Sins

Tyler glanced over from the corridor, his gaze lingering for a moment before he averted his eyes and headed to the hall.

When Olivia returned to the hall, she noticed Tyler speaking to Maisy’s close friends, causing her to freeze as she wondered when he had arrived.

Claude entered shortly after her and was taken aback to see Tyler there as well.

Tyler, in the midst of conversation, appeared to notice the newcomers and paused. His gaze fell on Olivia, prompting her to approach. “Tyler.”

Claude stood nearby. Tyler remained composed as he addressed Olivia, “Were you chatting with someone outside?”

Surprised, Olivia wondered if he had seen her. “Sophie’s brother is here, so I just greeted him.” She was worried he didn’t know who he was, so she added, “It’s Claude.”

Tyler looked at Claude, who was still standing at the door. Claude walked over and greeted him, ” Tyler.”

Though their interaction was brief, it was obvious they were acquainted. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“What brings you here?” Tyler asked.

Olivia didn’t know what was going on. While she knew they were familiar with each other, she hadn’t realized they were close.

Claude smiled warmly. “I’m here to see Grandma Maisy.”

Any tension from the previous night seemed to have dissipated, as if they were old friends catching

1. up.

Tyle smiled as well. “You should have let me know. I would have come earlier.”

“I just wanted to pay a visit, so there’s no need to trouble you.‘

Hearing Claude’s response, Tyler turned to Olivia to provide an introduction. “Claude, Sophie’s brother, is a family friend.”

Olivia hadn’t anticipated Tyler introducing Claude to her. Wanting to mention their previous encounter, but opting not to divulge too much, she simply greeted him.

Claude interjected, addressing Tyler, “There’s no need for introductions. This isn’t our first meeting; it’s our second.”

Tyler seemed to understand the implication behind Claude’s words. “Alright then.‘

Feeling out of place between them, Olivia excused herself, “I’m going to talk to someone else, Tyler.”

Tyler replied, “There’s something I need to speak to you about. Come upstairs with me.” Without

another glance or word to Claude, he ascended the stairs.

Uncertain of what to do, Olivia felt compelled to follow Tyler’s request. She informed Claude, “I’m going upstairs.”

Claude smiled. “Go ahead.”

Entering the room, Olivia found Tyler waiting on the couch, holding a black phone.