Chapter 22
The voice of the city alright?“%
inspector
cut through Claire’s heart like a cold blade. She stomped her foot, frustration bubbling over. “Fine! Ill go.
Claire had just called a moving van to haul away her belongings. She had nowhere to go, and the driver, growing impatient, asked her several times where she wanted to be dropped off.
After a long pause, she finally gave the name of her old neighborhood, “Take me to Orchid Haven.”
Claire had no choice but to contact her former landlord to discuss renewing her lease. Thankfully, her old apartment hadn’t been rented out yet!
As she returned to Orchid Haven, the first thing she saw was her family camped out at the entrance. They were a bit shabby, but at least they were clean.
Despite that, Claire felt nothing but disdain for them, which naturally affected her attitude
She wanted to ask the driver to turn around, but he was already out of the car, unloading her luggage.
“Claire! Pay us back!” Before she could even step out, Simon and her mother, Ariana, were already at her car door.
Claire’s grandparents and a gaggle of kids rushed forward with Claire’s brother, rifling through her bags. They tossed anything worthless to the ground, while stuffing valuable handbags and clothes into large sacks.
“Let go! Those are my things! You can’t just take them!”
No matter how much Claire protested, she couldn’t fight off all those grabbing hands.
Her luggage was torn open, scattering her belongings everywhere. The growing crowd of onlookers began whispering and pointing fingers.
The Yoder family, however, felt no shame. They loudly proclaimed, “My daughter stole all our savings. What’s wrong with us taking a few things back?“}}
To make matters worse, when Claire begged them to go upstairs and settle down, they sprawled shamelessly about, ordering Claire to tend to their every need.
Cooking for the whole family wasn’t enough. All the cleaning, laundry, and every chore imaginable was dumped on Claire’s shoulders. If she dared refuse, they threatened to spread rumors about her past misdeeds throughout the neighborhood.!!
Claire, desperate to avoid humiliation, swallowed her pride and complied.
Still, it wasn’t enough to quench their anger. They pushed Claire to find a job and bring in money.
Every day, Claire ventured out in search of work, only to return home in the evening to a mountain of chores and constant criticism.
Her energy dwindled, and within days, she seemed to age a decade, her complexion sickly and pale, her steps unsteady. This relentless cycle was driving her to the brink of madness.
With nowhere else to turn, Claire sought forgiveness from Ayrton and Walter.
She found herself on her knees outside Whispering Villa, her voice hoarse and desperate.
“Mr. Lewis! Mr. Quinn! I was wrong, I really was. I shouldn’t have hurt Lucille. I’m so sorry…”
She cried out over and over, pleading for their forgiveness.
But the villa stood silent, empty of any response.
Ayrton and Walter had moved back to their previous residence, leaving Whispering Villa vacant once more.
Even though they were gone, the security guard kept them informed of the situation
*Just leave her be. She’ll tire herself out eventually,” Ayrton’s voice came through the phone, calm and unaffected.%
The guard hung up and continued his rounds, making sure Claire didn’t sneak in.
