Chapter 31

The yacht had set sail. Claire and Michael returned to the deck. Inside the cabin, Julian was surrounded by flattery and attention, handling it all with his usual ease. He kept a polite smile here and there, showing no sign of being affected by Tessa's presence. Henry really knew how to help his granddaughter create opportunities. Madeline wasn’t subtle about it either—she kept finding chances to chat with Julian, practically broadcasting “I like you” across her face. Julian, as always, remained a gentleman—polite, but keeping a clear line. Tessa stood beside him, seemingly composed, but Claire could see it—her smile looked forced. Ugh. That ache hit deep. As a woman herself, Claire could feel the sting behind Tessa’s mask. She stood nearby watching the three of them, eyes darting like a neighborhood busybody on high alert. Out of nowhere, Julian glanced in her direction. "...!" Claire instantly froze. Too late to duck away, he caught her with that look—eyes full of curiosity, maybe ev