Chapter 1296

Olivia responded with a calm, almost friendly demeanor, as if she were simply catching up with an old friend. But in truth, Claude had appeared out of nowhere, blending into the crowd until he was right in front of her. The moment she noticed him, it felt like the temperature around her dropped. Her breaths grew shallow and slow. "It's been a while since I last saw you," he said, watching her closely. "I thought I'd check in and see how you've been." Olivia didn't respond to his comment. Claude forced a smile, trying to get past the awkward silence. "You don't even want to talk to me now?" "You can see how I'm doing with your own eyes. Thanks for asking," she replied, her voice neutral. Claude looked out over the pond, sighing. "Do we really have to do this, Cathy?" Both of them stood side by side, looking into the water, blending into the crowd as if they were invisible. Just then, Mary rushed over, calling, "Ma'am..." The voice made Olivia turn around, and Claude turned to