NovelEnglishChapter 431 Ever since Claire had shown extraordinary intelligence at the tender age of one, the headmistress had taken a special interest in her.
For more than four years, the headmistress cared for Claire as if she were her own daughter-and Claire never let her down. She graduated high school at an age when most children were still learning their ABCs, and the entire orphanage basked in her reflected glory.
So now, when Claire burst into tears, the headmistress's heart ached for her. Furious, she finally lost her patience and slapped Vincent hard across the face.
"You're far too young to be spouting such nonsense. What will you becwhen you grow up?" She turned and barked, "Someone, take Vincent out of here and make sure he learns a lesson." At her command, an attendant hurried over and dragged Vincent away.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtListening to Vincent's miserable protests, Claire felt a wave of satisfaction. Now that she was back in this life, she finally had the chance to put Vincent in his place. She couldn't help but wonder-without her around, would Vincent ever manage to beca lawyer this time? The headmistress shook her head helplessly and turned to the couple before her. "Mr. Tempest, Mrs. Tempest, I'm terribly sorry you had to witness that. Claire is such a bright, well-mannered child. She's always been the pride of our orphanage." "I truly believe that, with the right guidance, she'll grow up to be someone remarkable." Mr. and Mrs. Tempest looked at Claire with visible satisfaction.
Mrs. Tempest softened her gaze and asked gently, "Claire, would you like to chwith us?" Claire nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, I would." She smiled up at her new family.
"This is your big brother, Orion Tempest," Mrs. Tempest introduced.
Claire turned to Orion, her wide eyes blinking, her voice soft and sweet. "Hi, big brother." Ten-year-old Orion looked every bit the little grown-up, his face serious and reserved. But when Claire called him "big brother" in that honeyed voice, a flush crept across his cheeks.
"Little sister," he replied, trying to sound composed.
Claire arched an eyebrow-her new brother was a shy one.
She reached out and took Orion's hand. That simple gesture made his ears turn bright red, though he kept his face his face set in a severe expression. The contrast only made him look more adorable in Claire's eyes.
After Mr. and Mrs. Tempest finished up the adoption paperwork, the family piled into their car, with Claire nestled between her new parents and brother.
Claire was quiet the whole ride, the picture of perfect behavior.
But as they left Cresthaven behind, Claire's curiosity got the better of her. She looked up and asked, "Mom, Dad, where are we going?" Mrs. Tempest, seated in the front passenger seat, turned around with a warmy smile. "Sweetheart, our hisn't in Cresthaven. We live in Northcrest City. We're taking you hto Northcrest." Claire froze at the mention of Northcrest City.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmNorthcrest City? Wasn't that where Sean lived? She couldn't believe she might have the chance to see him again. The thought made her both happy and anxious all at once.
She bit her lower lip, a storm of emotions rising in her chest. Did Sean miss her after she died? Was he doing alright?
Claire pressed her forehead lightly against the window, watching as Cresthaven's familiar streets faded away, replaced by sprawling fields and the blur of highway guardrails. Orion, sitting beside her, noticed her unease. He scooted closer and asked quietly, "What's wrong? Are you feeling okay?" His voice was gentle and clear, the kind of straightforward concern only a child possessed-so different from his usually stoic demeanor.
Claire shook off her thoughts and smiled at him. "I'm fine, big brother. I've just never been to Northcrest City before; so I'm a little curious. This is my very first time." In both her past and present lives, Northcrest City was new to her.
Orion hesitated for a moment, then reached out to pat her head in an awkwardly grown-up gesture. “Northcrest is a fun place. I'll show you around when we get there." Warmth bloomed in Claire's chest. The familial affection she'd missed in her last life seemed to be taking root, little by little.
The drive from Cresthaven to Par be Northcrest City would take several hours, and Claire was still so young. After about an hour on the road, she began to feel tired and leaned Ker head against Orion's shoulder, finally drifting off to sleep.
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