Chapter 174

"Dr. Griffith, could you step out for a moment? I need a word with my daughter," Linda Walton said, nodding toward the door. No room left for discussion—she was practically ordering Nathaniel Griffith out. He froze in place for a second, caught off guard. Clara Walton, on the other hand, tensed up instantly. She had no clue how to face Linda once Nathaniel left the room. She'd always been scared of her. So, Clara just stared at Nathaniel, like she was silently begging him not to go. Linda didn’t even glance her way; her eyes were fixed on Nathaniel with a firm, unwavering gaze. After a short pause, Nathaniel gave in. "Alright. I'll let you two talk." Then he looked at Clara. Whether he was doing it to put on a show for Linda or for some other reason, he stepped right up to Clara and gently pulled her into a hug. "Just have a calm talk with your mom, okay? I’ll be just outside. If anything happens, call me right away," he whispered, like he was trying to soothe her. In that moment, Clar