Chapter 414

Claire glanced down, frowning slightly as she saw the jewelry Ethan had given her trampled into the pine needles. It stung a little. Forcing a stiff smile, she said, "Why wouldn't I want it? If Mr. Cooper insists on gifting it, I'd be dumb not to accept." Wasn't there a saying? Money left on the table is money you never had. She wasn't hurting for food or clothes right now, and worst case, she had her brothers to lean on. But she'd been poor once—she knew how important it was to have cash in hand. If this lunatic really wanted to throw stuff at her, she'd take it. She could always sell it for some change. He was disgusting, sure. But the stuff wasn't. Hanson studied her face for a moment, then his expression abruptly turned cold. "Quit faking that smile. It's painful to look at." Without another word, he turned and walked off, his whole demeanor suddenly distant. "Before sunrise, we need to be off the mountain. If they track us down by then… well, I'm not betting on how that'll play ou