Chapter 127
The Beginning Of All Sins
They sat together in silence, the weight of unspoken thoughts heavy in the air.
After a prolonged pause, Tyler broke the silence. âTake your meds.â
Naomi nodded, then hesitated before bringing up a topic. âI heard youâre fundraising?â It was her alma mater, so she asked, âFor me?â
She knew people wanted to send their thoughts and prayers to her. After contemplating for a moment, she said, âThereâs no point, Tyler. Donât waste your time because of me.â
Tyler didnât say anything and just handed the medicine to her. âJust take it.â
Their interactions had been limited lately, and Naomi was suspecting something. Now, she couldnât shake off the feeling of guilt. If it werenât for her health, Tyler wouldnât have to spend so much time at the hospital.
She felt like a burden. âI feel like Iâm dragging you down.â
Olivia went to the university in the afternoon, still pondering Tylerâs morning medical appointment. Lost in thought, she strolled from the lake area toward the lecture hall.
As she walked, a familiar voice called out uncertainly, âOlivia?â
Though lost in her thoughts, she turned around to see Claude standing nearby, his gaze fixed on her.
âClaude?â
He grinned. âI thought I was mistaken, but it is you.â
Excitedly, Olivia approached him. âWhat brings you here?â
âSightseeing. I heard the scenery here is worth it,â Claude replied, indicating the camera in his hand.
Olivia was surprised by his visit based on her recommendation. She wasnât serious about it, as the view was rather common. Feeling a bit embarrassed, she remarked, âDid you get any good shots?â
Claude chuckled. âItâs not bad. The swans here are wellâfed.â
Although Olivia sensed a teasing tone, she couldnât be sure.
While they were talking, a man wearing a suit walked over to Claude. âLet me show you another spot.
Olivia didnât recognize the man.
Claude introduced them. âThis is my assistant. I came to take pictures so he tagged along.â
Olivia greeted him. âNice to meet you.â
He returned the greeting with a polite smile. They seemed to have other plans and couldnât linger, so rapter 137 Claude bid farewell. âI need to go, Olivia. Letâs meet again.â
âSure, go ahead.â
Claude wasnât just there to take pictures. The Harrisesâ donation to the university had drawn attention from Yancey Bank, which had partnered with Harris Group on various projects.
Though Yancey and Harris Group had a good working relationship, Claude hadnât expected his first project after returning to involve Harris Group.
The Harris Groupâs contributions included funding for the lab and a bridge near the university gates.