Chapter 77
Claire’s gaze swept indifferently over his bleeding hand, not even a flicker of emotion crossing her face.
Her nonchalant demeanor instantly transported Brian back five years.
It was during her senior year in high school, the last competition she would ever attend. That day, he had a fever soaring to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, yet he insisted on participating just to see her.
Upon learning of his fever, she was so anxious her eyes turned red, supporting him while scolding. “Are you out of your mind? You’re burning up and still insist on competing?”
Seeing her so concerned, his heart warmed, feeling his efforts were worthwhile. But she grew even more frustrated, “You’re going to be delirious from this fever, and you’re still smiling?”
Claire, who never missed a single competition, skipped that one just for him.
Despite her frail frame, she practically camed and dragged him to the nearest clinic.
He lay on the hospital bed receiving fluids, with her watching over him. Back then, they were incredibly close; now, they were strangers. The girl who once cried over his fever now faced his bleeding with a blank expression.!!
Did she truly not care anymore?
May quickly fetched the first aid kit to dress his wound, while Vanessa looked on, tears welling up in her eyes, her voice choking with emotion, “Brian, why are you so careless? Hang on, it’ll be bandaged soon.”
Yet Brian seemed oblivious, his gaze fixed on Claire, unable to tear away.
As he stared at Claire’s calm, unreadable face, a complex mix of emotions surged within him.
Claire sat with her hands folded on her lap, like a cold, unfeeling statue. The tenderness that once worried over his illness had long turned to dust during his five–year imprisonment, leaving only fear of him.
When the wound was finally bandaged, everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief.
let you live the high
Ethan glared at Claire, “Are you so eager to leave this family? Do you think marrying into the Fosters of Northcrest will let y life? Claire, how can you be so materialistic?”
It was the same old story.
Always assuring the worst about her.
But it didn’t matter anymore. She had long stopped caring what he thought.
If it made him happy, so be it
Claire didn’t deny it, “Yes, I want to marry into wealth and be a trophy wife.
Her tone was calm, devoid of any emotion, as if discussing the weather.
Ethan’s face twisted, momentarily lost for words.
He took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. The notorious heir of Northcrest City had a reputation that preceded him, and with Claire’s current health, marrying him would only hasten her downfall.
“You might make it to the altar, but you won’t last long enough to enjoy it. I don’t agree with this.”
Claire laughed, her smile laced with sarcasm, “Your parents agree, I agree, what gives you the right to disagree?”
“Because I’m your brother“}
“I never acknowledged that ”
Ethan shook with rage at Claire’s indifferent attitude, stepping closer, his finger nearly touching her nose, “Claire, don’t think marrying into the Foster family will bring happiness. Do you know what kind of man the heir is? His reputation for womanizing is infamous. Do you really think you’ll have a good life there?”
Claire tilted her head slightly, avoiding his aggressive finger, her eyes unwavering. “So what? It’s better than being treated like a thorn in the side here.”
Her voice was icy, echoing through the spacious living room, each word carrying a chili. 11
