The Beginning Of All Sins novel (Olivia and Tyler)
Chapter 10

Chapter 10

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 toraffle. I hope you won't mind.”

How would Tyler mind it since it was David Pearce? Being thegentleman he was, he replied, “Not at all. Having some younger peopleat 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 washappening, Tyler walked toward Olivia, looking rather pleased as hestood beneath the chandelier.

Tyler introduced her to the people seated at the table, saying, “This isOlivia, Naomi's sister.”

The mention of Naomi, the Harris family’s future daughter—in—law,prompted the people at the table

to make the connection.

to

David Pearce finally caught on to the situation. Sophie's classmate wasrelated to the person next to him, and she was Jacob's girlfriend. Hesaid 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 nextto Jacob.

Meanwhile, Tyler's secretary poured wine for everyone, and Tylerbegan to wipe his hands with a napkin. He paused when he noticedDavid's arrangement.

Unaware of Tyler's subtle reaction, David asked, “Is this arrangementokay?"

Tyler glanced at David, who was starting to get anxious. Finally, hereplied 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 youlike 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 formaloccasion, 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 infinance, and he will be graduating soon. I hope you can take him underyour wing and offer recommendations.”

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

Chapter 10

2/13

Jacob rose beside Olivia, lifting his glass with an air of charisma yethumbly 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 Jacobcouldn'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 andwatched the proceedings. He said to his secretary, “Get it done.”David did not expect Tyler to agree to that so easily. It caught himcompletely off guard.

Olivia's hands clenched tightly, her knuckles whitening as shepondered Tyler's motives.

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

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

“I will, Mr. Tyler,” Jacob assured him with a respectful nod, then turnedto Olivia with rosy cheeks, his eyes brimming with boundless optimism.Olivia couldn't bring herself to meet Jacob's gaze. She avoided lookingaround 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 wason pins and needles, isolated in her discomfort.

Tyler had never raised his glass until the lunch ended, but nobodydared to say anything about it. After that, he left with people crowdinghim.

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

“Can we talk, Olivia?” Jacob asked, holding her hands as soon as hereached 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 throughit together, okay?”

From the car,

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

But then, as if she had been shocked, Olivia abruptly pulled away fromJacob's touch. She couldn't face Jacob. She needed to leaveimmediately.

Olivia quickly looked around for something.

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

Chapter 10

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

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

3/3

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

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

Then, from behind her, a soft male voice spoke flatly, “What? Can'tbear to leave him?”