The Beginning Of All Sins

Olivia couldn’t be certain if the man in front of her was indeed Claude, but he seemed to match the descriptions people had given about him.

Claude wore a friendly smile as he added, “Do you know me?”

itis tone was pleasant, but Olivia remained unsure if he was truly Claude.

Before she could dwell on it further, Sophie and her cousin approached, calling out happily from a distance, “Clande!”

Claude turned his attention to them. “You brats are holding the party here?”

Sophie held his arm and enthusiastically explained, “We decided to have the party here because we thought it would be easier for you to find us, considering you’ve been living in the mountains.”

The cousin chimed in with a teasing comment, “Claude, are you going back to the mountains to become a sage or something?”

Claude responded casually, “What are you talking about? Just because I wasn’t home for a couple of years, you’re already labeling me?”

Many partygoers had gathered outside the bar to catch a glimpse of Sophie’s legendary brother, who had become the center of attention at her party.

Naturally, Claude might not have been aware of the buzz surrounding him.

Sophie excitedly waved at Olivia and introduced her to Claude, saying, “Olivia, this is my brother, Claude. Get over here!”

Olivia stood still.

Sophie then ran over and grabbed her arm. She introduced her to him, “Claude, this is Olivia, my best friend and classmate. Her sister is Naomi Jones!” Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Naomi Jones?” Claude thought about it and asked, “Tyler’s fiancee?” Clearly, he had heard of her.

Olivia was somewhat surprised that he knew about Naomi and Tyler. However, it was no secret that

Naomi was engaged to Tyler, a well–known figure in the upper class. Their love story had even been covered by the media, portraying it as a childhood–sweetheart–fairytale–like romance.

Sophie confirmed, “Yes, she’s her sister,” and encouraged Olivia to greet Claude.

Olivia extended her hand to him and introduced herself, “Hello, Mr. Claude. My name is Olivia Jones.”

Claude took her hand gently, shaking it with a warm smile. “Just call me Claude. You’re Sophie’s friend, so you’re practically my sister too.”

Claude’s gentle and approachable demeanor made it easy for people to trust and feel comfortable around him. After the handshake, Olivia felt somewhat shy but managed to say, “Claude.”

Normally, it took Olivia a while to warm up to people, even if they were acquaintances or friends of her sister. She maintained a reserved demeanor around him.

Claude, understanding her hesitation, smiled and said nothing more. They were just getting

acquainted, so it made sense that Olivia didn’t open up to him.

Sophie then ushered them both into a private room, suggesting, “Claude, you have to drink with us tonight.”

Claude had come to support his family, so he smiled and accepted Sophie’s invitation without

resistance.

As expected, the atmosphere in the private room soared as soon as Claude arrived. Numerous girls approached him, attempting to strike up conversations and ask various questions.