Chapter 17

The next morning, as Tara stepped out of her room and was about to close the door, she noticed a tall figure standing in the hallway not far away from the corner of her eyes. She fixed her gaze and was surprised to find it was Lance, who was staring intently at her. Tara was puzzled as to why he was standing there watching her. Shouldn't he be ignoring her like usual, given how much they all seem to despise her? She averted her gaze and closed the door. Then she turned to head toward the pool. But after only a few steps, she noticed from the corner of her eye that Lance was walking toward her. Assuming he had some instructions for her, she stopped and waited for him. Lance walked toward her with long, confident strides. His tall, lean frame, broad shoulders, and narrow waist gave him an imposing presence, making Tara feel a heavy pressure as he stood before her. She instinctively took half a step back. "How can I help you, Mr. Swain?" He glanced past her at her room. "Is that yo