The Beginning Of All Sins

Olivia's pale expression was strikingly evident as Tyler edged closer to her neck. Feeling herself on the verge of collapse, she pushed him away and rose from his lap. She took several steps back before managing to stand still, her lips tightly pursed. "I'm tired. I'd like to go home."

As Tyler gripped the chair handle, his bright eyes fixed on her-- the charm that had enveloped him moments ago dissipated.

"Aren't you going to do what you're supposed to do?" he asked.

Struggling with pain, Olivia responded with silence.

Tyler pressed on, "Are you no longer concerned about Jacob's future?"

She could not care for anyone else when she could barely save herself. If her resistance brought peril to Jacob, then he would have to fend for himself.

In a hoarse voice, she apologized, "I'm sorry to have troubled you, Tyler." Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

She then left the room quietly.

Tyler's eyes blazed, his drowsiness replaced by intensity.

Back in her room, Olivia gazed into space, knowing she couldn't win Tyler's heart as Ana wished, fully aware of her standing-she could never replace Naomi.

Fine, then. She would allow Ana to manipulate her however she pleased, even if it meant enduring suffering.

With this realization, she suddenly felt a sense of relief-a gratification born from severing ties.

That night, citing illness, Olivia hastily returned to Tide City.

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Ana, who had orchestrated Olivia's stay with Tyler, never anticipated her swift departure after just two days. She Couldn't accept it, having schemed for so long. S

Upon Olivia's arrival in the living room, Ana's tone was icy. "What's this? Did you not hear me? Are you defying me by coming home?"

Olivia trembled in fear, uncertain of what to say.

With a stoic expression, she uttered, "I'm sorry, Mom."

Ana had once held great

expectations for Olivia, believing she could assist in their quest to control the Harrises. However, it became evident that Olivia was beyond her control.

There was even a possibility that Olivia would defy her. After all, she was Naomi's sister. How could Ana expect her to cooperate?

Ana sneered. "You're quite the loyal sister, aren't you? Does Naomi appreciate your loyalty?"

Disappointment colored her tone as she continued, "Have I mistreated you? Despite your illegitimate status, I bestowed upon you the title of Mrs. Harris. Do you not desire to inherit the Harris fortune? Or do you prefer returning to the Joneses, embracing the stigma of being an illegitimate child?"

Olivia remained silent, her demeanor subdued.

"Very well. It appears you're determined to oppose me, isn't that right?"

Just as Ana challenged Olivia, Camilla entered. "Ma'am, Ms. Olivia returned home due to a severe fever last night. She's struggling to acclimate to the weather."

Ana's frustration threatened to boil over. She scoffed at Camilla's explanation and fixed her gaze upon her. "Camilla."

She approached Ana cautiously, mindful of her authority. She explained with a smile, "Mr. Tyler requested my presence at home."