Building Her Throne Burying My Heart (Claire) novel Chapter 97

Garrison was set on dragging me along, determined to show off just how perfect and happy his family was. He never missed a chance to pull me into their little circle, as if wanting me to drown in it with them.

I looked up at him. “Garrison, I’m alone in this world. I don’t have a family.”

His face twisted for a second with awkwardness, maybe even a little shame. I let him sit with that before I kept going.

“My family is gone. You knew that, didn’t you?”

“And about the Charles family... Why would I take part in a family meeting in a place where I don’t even have my own room?”

That shut him up again, but he still tried to put on a good show for Claire. “Lambert, Dad was just angry when he kicked you out. Don’t be upset. We’re still family, no matter what.”

I let out a cold laugh. Now we were family? I wondered what he called it when he shoved me off that boat.

“Garrison, maybe you should remember some of the things you’ve said before. I haven’t forgotten any of it.”

An uncomfortable silence filled the air. Garrison looked uneasy, and Claire decided I was the problem.

“Lambert! That’s enough!”

I looked at her, feeling the disappointment settle in. She always took Garrison’s side.

“Fine. You all enjoy your family talk. It has nothing to do with me.”

I’d had enough. I turned to leave, but Claire’s voice, sharp and low, stopped me.

“Don’t move! I didn’t say you could go. Where do you think you’re going? Come back.”

Halley’s face changed instantly. He looked like he wanted to say something, but in the end just ignored me.

“Let’s sit down. Since everyone’s here, let’s talk about the wedding.”

Garrison pulled out a chair for Claire and sat beside her. I stood behind her, keeping my distance.

The tension was obvious. It wasn’t like I was some stranger. They all knew who I was, and it made them uneasy.

Halley spoke up, clearly annoyed. “Lambert, we’re here to talk about Garrison’s wedding. This doesn’t concern you. Why don’t you wait somewhere else?”

I smiled, just a little. “Really? Last I checked, this was still a family matter. Don’t I get a say?”