Chapter 109
Adah suddenly lifted her head, her eyes filled with determination, as if she had transformed into someone else in that instant. She stared intently at Claire, her previous sadness and sorrow completely vanished, “Whether you admit it or not, you are the child I carried for nine months and gave birth to. Your bond with the Linwood family can never be severed. As a member of the Linwood family, you have a duty
to contribute to it.”
“Don’t forget how you promised your father and me. If you go back on your word and disregard the Linwood family’s legacy, you won’t get what you want.” Her gaze was unwavering, her lips pressed into a firm line, each word she spoke was like a hammer striking a nail.
Claire was not surprised in the slightest. She had anticipated Adah’s tactics. When emotional manipulation failed, Adah resorted to using the million–dollar inheritance as leverage.
Even if Claire refused, the Linwood family had other ways to pressure her, like using May and Mandy as pawns against her. Her marriage to Heir Foster was a foregone conclusion, whether she agreed or not.
Her heart, once so vulnerable, had long been hardened by their relentless coercion. Facing them now, she felt no pangs of hurt or surprise.
Claire understood that Adah’s visit to the hospital was not out of genuine concern for her well–being. Her frue intention was to secure Claire’s marriage to Heir Foster, thereby strengthening the Linwood family’s position.}
“Are you finished? If so, please leave, Claire said flatly, her tone devoid of warmth
She tumed her head away, unwilling to look at the faces that filled her with such disdain.
Adah’s heart ached like it was being torn apart.
She wished Claire still longed for her affection, that even a single tear shed by Claire would bring her satisfaction.
But there was nothing, absolutely nothing.
The more pain Adah felt, the sharper her words became. “Since you seem fine, let’s get you discharged soon. Your father and I will arrange for you to meet Mr. Foster.” With that, she turned quickly and left the room, almost as if fleeing.
Ethan gave Claire a lingering look, as if he wanted to say something, but he only sighed helplessly and followed Adah out.
The room fell silent, so quiet Claire could hear her own unsteady breathing.!!
Her hands clutched the blanket tighter and tighter, as if her heart was being squeezed, causing sharp pain.
She told herself not to cry, not to show weakness. These people were not worth a single tear
Soon, her hands relaxed, and all her resentment dissipated as May’s concerned voice broke the silence, “Miss Claire, you must be hungry
May opened a food container, releasing the comforting aroma of chicken soup that filled the room with warmth.
As Claire sipped the soup, she couldn’t help but voice her thoughts, “I envy Mandy, having a mom like you.”
May’s eyes reddened with a mix of heartache and sorrow, but she forced down her emotions.!!
Sitting beside Claire’s bed, she said, “Miss Claire, we don’t have to stay with the Linwood family any longer. They’ve never truly cared for you. We should cut ties and find a place where they can’t reach us, and live peacefully.”
Claire longed for nothing more than to escape this prison of a “home.”
But as soon as the thought arose, she dismissed it.
If she left, the Linwood family would never let May go easily. What about Mandy’s education?!
Leaving the Linwood family was inevitable.
Once she married the heir of the Foster family and secured the million dollars, she would leave immediately, taking May and Mandy with her.
But she couldn’t share these plans with May, so she remained silent.
Claire’s eyes were vacant, her eating mechanical, the food tasteless in her mouth.
May continued to urge her gently, “Miss Claire, I can see you’ve become disillusioned with the Linwood family. From the day you were released, you wanted to leave them. Why are you hesitating now? Are they threatening you?!
Claire pressed her lips together, avoiding May’s concerned gaze, and murmured, “No.”
Her voice was so faint it could be carried away by the slightest breeze.
May wanted to ask more, but seeing Claire’s reluctance to speak, she held back, simply sighing inwardly, her eyes filled with helplessness and affection.
