NovelEnglishChapter 276 She flashed a dazzling, utterly sincere smile.
Sunlight streamed through the wide, bright floor-to-ceiling windows, spilling over her and bathing her in a warm golden glow. The light gave her a healthy, radiant look-she seemed perfectly fine, as if nothing at all was wrong.
The elderly lady watched her fondly and said in a gentle voice, "You must be hungry, Claire. I'll go make you sbreakfast with Grace and May." Without waiting for Claire to protest, she stood up and bustled away, calling over her shoulder for Mandy to stay and chat with Claire a while.
Now only Claire, Mandy, and Sean remained in the living room.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtMandy had a thousand things she wanted to say to Claire, her heart brimming with concern. But Sean sat quietly on the sofa, radiating the calm authority of someone used to being in control. His presence was almost oppressive-like an invisible weight pressing down on Mandy, making her so nervous she swallowed her words before they could leave her lips.
After a moment's hesitation, Mandy's eyes brightened as she seized on an idea. "Claire, when I cin, I noticed the garden's absolutely bursting with flowers. Will you coutside withfor a bit?" Claire didn't suspect a thing. She sprang up from the sofa, eagerly taking Mandy's hand. "You'll love it! Mr. Foster had the gardeners pick out and plant every single one of those flowers himself," she said, her voice lifting with unconcealed delight.
Mandy stole a glance at her friend's glowing face, and her heart clenched with worry. Was Claire falling for that man? On the surface, Sean seemed like the perfect catch, but Mandy's instincts screamed caution-he was dangerous, unpredictable, a man with depths she couldn't begin to fathom.
She tilted her head slightly, sneaking a glance at Sean out of the corner of her eye.
He was watching them, eyes narrowed, his gaze cool and unwavering.
Mandy's breath caught in her throat. The sensation was like being a startled deer caught in the sights of a hunting panther-cold fear prickled down her spine.
Only when they stepped outside and the heavy front door closed behind them did that suffocating sense of being watched finally ebb away.
Mandy let out a silent sigh of relief. What a terrifying man, she thought. Best to keep as much distance as possible-once you cross someone like him, you'll never shake free.
Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed that Claire had led her straight into the heart of the blooming garden. Flowers spilled over every border, the air thick with their sweet, intoxicating scent. Surrounded by so much vibrant color, it was impossible not to feel one's spirits lift.
"Claire," Mandy said softly, suddenly stopping and turning to face her with unusual seriousness.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmClaire rarely saw such a grave look on Mandy's face. A flicker of unease passed through her. "What is it?" she asked quietly.
"Do you ever think about leaving this place?" Mandy's eyes were steady, full of hope and determination. Claire fell silent, caught off guard. For a moment, she didn't know how to answer.
Seeing her hesitation, Mandy grew anxious, hurrying to explain. "Remember when you askedat the hospital if I wanted to study m e abroad? do, Claire-l really do. And I want to take you and my mom with me. If we go overseas, the Linwoods, the Coles, even Vincent-none of them will ever bother you again. Please, Claire, cwith me. Cresthaven isn't the right place for you anymore."
She paused, glancing around nervously to be sure no one was nearby, then lowered her voice h know the Fosters treat you well, and I'm not saying anything against them. But families like theirs have so many rules and expectations. And Mr. Foster... he's dangerous, Claire. You must see that, right?" Claire listened intently, her eyes fixed on Mandy's lips, catching every word. She understood exactly what her friend was trying to say.
She knew Mandy meant well. In truth, she often wondered herself if she should stay with the Fosters. They owed her nothing, and she'd long since appreciated the grandmother's kind attempts to set her up with Sean.
But if she was being honest, she didn't want to be with Sean-not really. He was brilliant, dazzling, a man who deserved the world. She was just a sickly, broken girl with nothing left to offer. Why should she drag him down with her? She knew her own health better than anyone; she didn't have much tleft. Why burden Mr. Foster with her troubles? "Mandy, I understand." Mandy's eyes lit up hopefully. "So you'll cwith me?"
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