NovelEnglishChapter 277 Second Floor, The Sewing Room All it took was a gentle push of the window, and the entire garden below stretched out before her in a riot of color and fragrance.
It was Sean's idea to set up the sewing room directly overlooking the garden. He'd thought that whenever Claire grew weary from her needlework, she could simply stand by the window, breathe in the fresh air thick with the scent of blooming flowers, and let herself relax, if only for a moment.
Right now, Sean lounged lazily by that very window, his gaze following Claire and Mandy as they moved about the garden below.
He listened to their conversation drifting up to him, his deep-set eyes narrowing slightly, a hint of amusement flickering across his face. He couldn't help but lift an eyebrow, an intrigued smile curling at his lips.
May really had raised an astute daughter.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHe'd always assumed the biggest threat to Claire would be the men outside, circling like hawks. Who would've thought it'd be Mandy who managed to spirit her away instead? Still, he showed not a trace of annoyance. Instead, he watched with a calm, almost indulgent interest, eavesdropping on their every word.
He heard Claire hesitate, then say softly, "I... I promise." "Really?" Mandy's face lit up in an instant. She bounced forward, throwing her arms around Claire in a tight hug, her voice bright and barely able to contain her excitement. "Claire, when should we leave?" "How about tomorrow? I'll book our tickets in a bit." Claire couldn't see Mandy's lips or hear what she whispered against her ear, but she was sure Mandy was already bubbling over with plans.
Hurriedly, Claire gave Mandy a gentle push, adding, "I'll go with you, but..." "But?" Mandy's smile faltered, anxiety flickering in her eyes. "But what?" A troubled look crossed Claire's face. She bit her lower lip, then said quietly, "I promised Mr. Foster I'd finish embroidering 'Radiant Beauty' for Grandma. At her birthday party, Mr. Foster spent two million to win the piece at auction, but because I was careless, Vanessa tore it to shreds." Her eyes clouded with guilt and self-reproach.
"And besides, I owe Mr. Foster so much. When I was at my lowest-truly desperate he was the one who pulledback. If not for him, the night Irene woke up, I would've thrown myself off that bridge." That night, she'd even drunk two bottles of his vintage wine, each worth a fortune. She'd ended up in the hospital, unable to handle it, and he'd quietly paid her medical bills, too.
All these things-one after another-she'd kept close to her heart.
She owed Mr. Foster more than she could ever repay.
Mandy's hands balled into fists. She'd never imagined Claire had once been that close to giving up.
In that moment, she was deeply grateful Claire had met Sean. If not, Mandy might never have seen her again. Mandy spoke carefully, "Then... once you've repaid Mr. Foster, let's go abroad together, okay?" A gentle smile played on Claire's lips. "Okay." Now that she'd mastered the art of silk embroidery, she could support herself anywhere—even overseas. She'd never have to fear being left with nothing again.
Sean listened in silence, a smile deepening in his eyes-a smile as fathomless as a midnight lake, impossible to read.
Claire, I never agreed to let you run away from me.
Grandma's already decided you're her granddaughter-in-law.
And I've slipped my mother's ring onto your finger.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmYou're a Foster now. How could you just walk away-leave us all behind so easily?
But he wasn't about to step in and stop her now. What he wanted was for Claire to comelback to him of her own accord even if she really did try to escape. The next morning.
Claire woke slowly, rain pattering gently against the windowpane outside.
The soft, rhythmic tapping filled the quiet room.
Just as she did every morning, she washed up and got dressed iman unhurried routine, then headed downstairs for breakfast. When she finished eating, she was about to return upstairs and continue her embroidery.
But as she turned, a strong, warm hand closed firmly around her wrist.
A jolt of heat shot through her at the touch, her heart skipping a beat as she looked up, startled, at the man before her.
Sean's lips parted, his deep, magnetic voice rolling softly through the air. "Claire. Sit."
Just hearing him say her nsent a flush rushing to her cheeks, her heart thundering in her chest.
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
