Chapter 39

Ethan went for a check-up, so naturally, he wasn’t around. Clara finally felt like she could breathe. These past few days, Ethan’s intense attention had been driving her up the wall. But now, she could still feel someone’s eyes locked on her—probing, sharp. It was Graham’s. That look? Definitely not friendly. This time, Clara didn’t avoid it. She met his eyes head-on, calm and composed. “Mr. Anderson, you’ve got something to say?” They weren’t close, but they weren’t complete strangers either. The awkwardness? Strictly because of Fiona. Honestly, they kept things courteous only because of Ethan. “You’re a smart woman, Miss Walton,” Graham said, fiddling with a lighter in his hand. He called her Miss Walton. Not Clara. Not Mrs. Blackwood. Message received loud and clear. What he meant was: she didn’t deserve the title of Mrs. Blackwood. And in Ethan’s circle, that meant she didn’t really count at all. Clara gave a faint smile. So what? Even if she didn’t “qualify,” she was Mrs. Blackwoo