Chapter 21
Ellie grabbed Claire by the shirt and shoved her head into the fountain. The water wasn’t rushing, more like a gentle stream, but it was enough to make Claire choke and splutter. Water filled her nose and mouth, making her struggle for air.
After what felt like an eternity, Ellie yanked her up by the collar and held her there.
“How does it feel, huh? That desperation, just like Lucille felt when she was gasping for breath?“)
Ellie dismissed her, dropping her onto the ground with a disdainful flick of her wrist, as if dusting off something unpleasant.”
“Walter, Ayrton, who ever told you that making a girl jealous with another woman is a good idea? Idiots! No wonder Lucille picked Stephen over you two.”
Ellie had had enough of defending her son this time around.
Diana nodded in agreement, her expression composed and thoughtful. “What you two did was wrong. Lucille’s situation is settled; she’s married now. You should let her be.”
Ayrton looked down, his eyes clouded with emotions he couldn’t quite voice, while Walter clenched his jaw, obstinately refusing to back down. They weren’t the type to give up easily. If they were, they wouldn’t have achieved their current success, whether in business or on the racetrack. Their stubbornness was ingrained in their very being.”
Diana and Ellie exchanged a weary glance, both sighing deeply. They knew too well the nature of their children and there was little they could do to change it. They could only let them go their own way.
After Diana and Ellie left, Ayrton ordered someone to toss the “useless mess” outside. Claire found herself unceremoniously dumped on the street, along with all her belongings.
A patrolling city inspector waved her away. “Ma’am, you can’t sleep here. Move along, please.“}
The word “homeless hit Claire hard. She had never imagined she’d end up like this. Her luggage lay in a chaotic heap, resembling more of a trash pile than anything else. Her face flushed with embarrassment, then paled, then flushed again. In frustration, she kicked her suitcase, causing a metallic clattering that made it seem even more like junk.!!
Her situation was dire, and it showed on her face. Just then, her phone rang urgently.
For a brief moment, she hoped it was Ayrton or Walter, calling to take her back. She answered quickly, but it wasn’t the call she wanted.!! A gruff voice on the other end, speaking in a mix of English and a thick accent, barked, “You little thief, finally caught up with you! Who gave you the nerve to take all that money from horne? Heard you made a tidy sum; time to pay us back!”
It was her father, Simon Yoder, his tone as menacing as ever. If he weren’t miles away, Claire was sure he’d already be there, ready to drag her home by the ear!!
Panicking, Claire hung up, terrified of making any noise. “How did they find out so fast?” she muttered to herself, frantically trying to gather her things!!
But as she reached for the handle of her suitcase, a realization hit her hard: She had returned her rented apartment and Whispering was no longer an option. She had nowhere to go.!!
Overcome with despair, Claire collapsed onto the pavement.
Villa
The city inspector approached her again, his face stern. “Ma’am, sitting here is disrupting the community’s appearance. Please nove along promptly!TM1⁄2
Chapter 22
