hapter 81
Claude watched Kate, his resolve as firm as a rock. “Mom’s coming by tomorrow, so make sure Claire’s here, and you’ve got to give her a real apology.”
His voice was low, yet every word rang clear to me. He meant that Gabrielle was on her way to see me, and if I weren’t there, Gabrielle would make a fuss with Claude. He was always a mama’s boy in his previous life, always hanging on every word his mother said. Even if he despised me, he’d marry me, only to keep tormenting me after.
“It’s fine. It was for Kate anyway.” I forced a smile, my lips tight, an almost crying look on my face as I glanced at Claude before turning
away.
Claude sighed deeply, his expression tuming sour. “Kate, get your bag and show Claire what you’ve packed. If you haven’t taken anything. Claire won’t hold it against you.”
“Claude!” Kate stomped her foot in frustration. “I never even went into her room, okay? The clothes were mine, and as for her bracelet, I didn’t even know about it.T
I covered my mouth in surprise. “So, this pajama set was your own doing. Kate? Did you slip something in the soup, hoping to sleep with Claude in haste so Mrs. Hart would have to accept you?”
I knew Claude well. He was traditional about relationships before marriage. He wouldn’t want Kate
After I ended up in his bed in another life, I knew how much he detested it, getting rid of everything I touched and replacing them with new items. Kate wouldn’t be an exception, especially since he disliked manipulative people the most.
*Claude, I just wanted.. Kate’s whiny voice made my skin crawl.
Claude spoke for Kate. “Claire, Kate will be your future sister–in–law. You can’t talk to her like that. Your bracelet should remain there since she’s never been in your room“>
I scoffed coldly. How come Claude isn’t disgusted by Kate’s manipulative ways this time?”
I sighed. “Il come back some other day for it. I’m heading to my apartment now.”
I couldn’t stand another moment. I was ready to leave when Claude grabbed my wrist. “It’s too late. Il drive you.“%
I rejected it. “No need.”
Claude came closer. “Acting childish again?”
“You’re hurting me.” I pointed to where his grip was tuming my wrist red
He then eased his hold, saying. “You should stay home these next few days. I’ll apply some ointment for your burn. It isn’t something to take lightly 2
I shook off his hand. “Ill be in the way of you and Kate. And I’m a doctor, I can take care of a small burn. I fear there might be more ‘accidents‘ if I stay.“1
My words subtly jabbed at Kate
Claude frowned, “Kate apologized to you.”
I snorted, “An apology doesn’t cut it
Claude looked troubled. “What do you want then?”
“Only if she gets on her knees to beg for forgiveness. I tilted my head up, staring down at Kate, who was a bit shorter, feeling a sense of superiority.
“Claire, you’re being unreasonable.” Kate’s angry
tears flowed freely, making her look like she was about to crumble.
“Im leaving.” I turned and strode towards the door!
“Claire, you stop right there”
Claude’s command echoed behind me. But I didn’t look back, not this time.
Through her sobs, Kate pleaded, “Claude, go after her. I beg for her forgiveness if I have to. Otherwise, Mrs. Hart will think I drove her away again.“2
+ thom! Let’s
see
how she manages then.”
“Let her be. So headstrong! Tomorrow, I’m cutting off her credit cards! All of them!!
A chill ran down my spine as I walked away. No wonder Claude had insisted on finding me and wanted me back at the house. Mrs. Hart was still in the dark about me moving out, insisting that Claude ensure I stayed at the mansion.
