Chapter 862

II

"Don't kid yourself," Serena snapped, unable to contain her anger any longer, even if she did have a soft spot for Dailey.

"You think you can marry her? That's just wishful thinking," she continued, her voice dripping with disdain.

Dailey's eyes turned icy, each word he spoke wrapped in frost. "She has a name, Serena. It's Christine."

Serena, who had never encountered a man so indifferent toward her, felt her temper flare with every cutting remark he made.

"The more you protect her, the more danger she draws," Serena warned, her voice low and threatening. "My offer stands. You'll come around and see reason."

With that, she strode to the door, her high heels clicking sharply against the floor. "Linden, open the door, please."

Linden obliged, and Serena held her head high as she descended the stairs.

Just as Linden was about to close the door, Dailey tossed out the untouched meal Serena had brought, ensuring the door slammed shut behind him.

Jayne watched Linden carry the untouched meal back into the kitchen, a twinge of sympathy in her eyes. "He didn't eat anything?"

She had been optimistic earlier, thinking Serena's meal might have been a peace offering, and perhaps they had reached some sort of understanding.

Serena had assured her that things had gone well, and that Dailey was considering marriage.

She was confident.

Dailey couldn't escape the influence of the Clarkson family. He was born into it, and everything he had came from them. Without the Clarkson family, he wouldn't survive. Besides, the family wouldn't allow their only heir to bring disgrace upon them.

"Don't worry, Jayne. He won't let himself starve," Linden assured her. "I saw some snacks in his room."

Jayne turned to Linden, who offered a reassuring smile. "You wouldn't want him to go on a hunger strike, No matter what, he's still the cherished heir."

belongs to swnovel

Jayne sighed, unable to argue with that. "We've spoiled him, I'm afraid. I

apologize for the inconvenience," she said, offering her apologies to Serena and her parents.

Serena waved it off. "There's no need for that, Jayne. We're practically family already."

Jayne found herself liking Serena. Dailey's cold demeanor and reluctance to speak could be balanced out by someone with Serena's lively and talkative nature.

"Do you have time this afternoon, Serena? We could go for a spa day while the men play chess. And join us for dinner again tonight," Jayne suggested.

It was a perfect plan, as if they were already in-laws.

Upstairs in his room, Dailey opened a bag of Christine's favorite cheddar-flavored chips. His diet had been strictly managed since childhood, leaving little room for snacks. While he didn't particularly enjoy them, Christine loved these treats. He wondered if she was off somewhere, dancing and having fun. swnovel

Meanwhile, in Riverside City, Christine was leading a quieter life. She had almost exhausted the movie library and couldn't contact Jane directly. Instead, she had the landlord's daughter send a letter on her behalf. Jane would understand when she received it. swnovel

Staying indoors all the time was getting to her. The thought of a party that

evening, suggested by her landlord, was tempting.

The locals were welcoming, and Christine, eager to stretch her legs and break the monotony, agreed to join.

As they walked, the landlord joked, "Hiding from someone, are we?"

Christine shook her head with a smile, "I'm a law-abiding citizen, I promise. The money I pay you is clean."

The landlord chuckled, "Then who are you hiding from?"

"No one," Christine replied lightly. "Just needed a change of scenery. Maybe I'll move on to another city soon, who knows?"