Chapter 1412

Claude paused and looked at her. "What's wrong?" Olivia just stared at the familiar door ahead, ignoring his question. He asked again, "Do you need a few minutes to prepare?" Finally, she spoke. "No need," she said, her tone flat. Claude hesitated briefly, studying her face, then nodded. "Alright." He stepped forward and led her toward the house. As they approached the door, a sharp medicinal smell filled the air. Olivia's nose wrinkled slightly. The scent was so strong it almost overwhelmed her senses. 'Why is it so strong?' she wondered. Before she could dwell on it, Claude's polite and measured voice broke the silence. "Ms. Maisy, it's Claude. I've come to see you." They stood waiting, knowing they couldn't just walk in unannounced. For a long, uneasy moment, no sound came from inside. Just as Olivia started to think they wouldn't get a response, a harsh coughing erupted from within, followed by a frail voice. "Come in," it said. It was Maisy. Hearing the response, Claude