The Beginning Of All Sins

Olivia felt like Tyler was a stranger, but she figured that wasn't surprising since he seemed at ease in this setting.

This was how men earned their money, she realized. She was just too young, and it was her first time experiencing something like this.

If Naomi were here, she'd handle it better, probably even making jokes with Tyler.

After the meal, Tyler grew distant. He drank a bit and seemed slightly tipsy, while the other men became downright obnoxious as they drank more. They started by sipping from the women's glasses and ended up kissing them.

Tyler held his wine glass and looked on, his expression somewhere between sober and drunk.

you want. No matter how tough the owners are, we'll handle

market. However, the land was mostly owned by the city's wealthy families who preferred to use it for burials, making negotiations tough. That's why Tyler had found a few people who knew the area

"I hope so, to avoid clashes. Thanks for your

all toasted

in the toast and added a simple "Thank

glass.

their attention back to Tyler,

quietly, barely touching her food, just waiting for the moment she

"Not hungry?" Olivia, not wanting to upset Ana by