Chapter 451

“Yeah?” Hanson Bentley’s hand paused mid-motion. His dark eyes locked with Claire Thompson’s, voice still calm as ever. “Then tell me, Claire. What feels different to you?” “I…” Claire stared at his face—one she knew all too well—for several seconds, her expression tangled in uncertainty. He looked exactly like she remembered, but something… just felt off. Like this kind of tone didn’t belong to Nelson Cooper. But if it wasn’t him… who else could it be? She shook her head slightly. “I don't know how to explain it, just feels like… you're not quite the same. Besides, Nelson, you…” “What about me?” Hanson pressed further. Claire bit her lip, the sadness in her eyes growing stronger as she finally let the words out. “You used to like Serena, didn’t you? You always seemed annoyed when you saw me, even told me to stay away from you. So… why are you taking care of me now?” Her voice got smaller the more she spoke, like she was trying to hide how hurt she really felt. She avoided his gaze, in