Chapter 134

After posting online, Claire didn't bother to check comments or stats. Like Adrian, she turned off all her devices. Then, business as usual—cooked a meal, sat down with him to eat. While strolling through the plane trees around Silverhollow Villa, she made a video call to her parents back in Raventon. Adrian walked beside her quietly as she chatted and laughed with them. They knew what'd gone down online, but no one brought it up. It was like nothing had happened. Her parents just asked how things were going in Jadewick and when Claire was coming home. "Soon, Mom," Claire reassured gently, "should be able to meet Old Mr. Blackwell in a couple days. Once that's done, I'll head back." She'd been in Jadewick for quite a while now and honestly, she missed home too. Grace missed her even more—after all, they'd only just added their long-lost daughter back into the family register, and she couldn't even keep her around. Of course she felt upset. "Debbie, you better not be tricking Mom again,