Chapter 11

When she opened the door, Beatrice was feeding Gregory fruit. Seeing Blair completely soaked, she stood up to find a towel and tried to help dry her off. Blair avoided her gesture and placed the necklace on the table expressionlessly. "I found the necklace. If there's nothing else, I'm leaving." Gregory's gaze locked onto her intensely. His eyes appeared calm, yet it was the unsettling calm before a storm. When Gregory said nothing, Blair turned to leave. He grabbed her wrist with such force that red marks quickly appeared on her pale skin. "You're still throwing a tantrum." Gregory held her tight, refusing to let go. Deep down, a voice whispered that if he released her this time, he would truly lose her forever. This thought inexplicably filled him with panic and even made him lose his usual composure. Beatrice sensed something was wrong and pried Gregory's hand away from Blair's wrist, laughing as she spoke. "Greg, you're scaring Blair. She said she didn't do it, and I believe her. Just let it go, okay?" Blair flexed her wrist and left without a word. Beatrice followed behind. "I'm worried she might do something rash. I'll check on her." Blair headed toward the subway station entrance outside Croft Group. "Wait!" Beatrice blocked her path, demanding answers. "Did you say something to Greg about Jedd? If you hadn't said anything, why would he go after my brother?" "He knows what he did. No one accused him of anything he didn't do." Blair checked the time. She needed to catch the subway. She pulled a card from her bag and said, "Please return this to him for me. I'll pay back the rest later." Beatrice clutched the card, wanting to say something, but Blair had already left. Looking at the card in her hand, she began hatching another plan. The night before leaving for abroad, Blair checked her luggage one last time to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything. She yawned and prepared to sleep early. She had just lain down when her phone rang. Seeing the caller, Blair froze for a few seconds before answering. She held the phone to her ear and heard only steady, even breathing. He didn't speak, and neither did Blair. They remained in this standoff for two minutes before Blair broke the silence. "Mr. Croft, I'm hanging up if there's nothing urgent. Get some rest. Good night." "Blair." The man's voice came through low and hoarse, unexpectedly tender. Blair's grip tightened on the phone, her eyelashes trembling slightly. After what happened four years ago, his voice had always been cold and distant when he spoke to her. This was the first time in years he'd sounded so gentle. She smiled bitterly. Hearing that gentle tone again, she could no longer find the flutter of excitement she once felt. "What is it?" Blair waited patiently. This might be their last phone call. A few more minutes wouldn't hurt. "I'm sending a doctor over to check on you. Make sure you answer the door," Gregory said quietly after a pause. Blair found this amusing. What kind of game was he playing at—being cruel one moment and caring the next? "I don't need it. I'm fine. I just want to sleep." She was about to hang up. "Blair!" Gregory's voice cracked as he called out. Something about today made him desperate to hear her voice, as if she really was disappearing forever. He was certain she'd broken the necklace. He'd forgive her if she'd just apologize. Why did Blair have to be so difficult? Blair checked the time. It was already 11:00 pm. "Greg." Blair took a deep breath, her voice soft but final. "This is the last time I'll call you that. Thank you for everything over the years. I'll never forget your kindness. "And just like you wanted, this is it. I no longer have any feelings for you. Please be happy." Gregory's throat tightened. He opened his mouth to speak, but the line had already gone dead. A hollow ache settled in his chest. … At the airport the next day, Blair pulled out her SIM card and dropped it in the trash bin. She took one last look back, her expression shifting from longing to acceptance to quiet resolve. Then, she picked up her bag and walked to her gate without looking back.