He Gave Me Hearing, Then Taught Me What Silence Really Means novel Chapter 158

Wasn't she hurt? She had just been brutally slapped by Walter.

Did she genuinely not have a heart?

Juniper kept her head down, supporting Beatrice as they slowly walked past the crowd of silent, judging elites.

Beatrice's legs were trembling violently, especially when she realized Yvonne was standing among the guests, making her shrink back in pure terror.

She clung to Juniper tightly, stumbling like a toddler learning to walk.

Juniper practically carried her all the way to the exit.

The atmosphere in the grand hall was thick with tension, prompting the Sterling family to quickly smooth things over. "They must have snuck in by mistake. We'll have to speak with the hotel's security. Please, let's continue the evening."

Nelson turned on his heel, taking massive strides toward the exit to chase after Juniper.

Lydia panicked, calling out, "Nelson!"

Her voice cracked with desperation, but realizing her slip, she bit her lip. "Josie's leg is hurt. Let's take her home first."

Nelson ignored her completely. A suffocating wave of panic was clawing at his chest, threatening to rip his heart out.

As he marched past Yvonne, she stepped directly into his path. "Where exactly do you think you're going, Nelson?"

With hundreds of eyes locked on them, if Nelson ran after Juniper in front of the entire city's elite, the Saint family would be the center of tomorrow's tabloid scandal.

The Saint family could never afford that kind of humiliation.

Nelson stared at Juniper's retreating figure. She was supporting Beatrice without a single backward glance, her entire posture radiating a deep, visceral disgust for this place.

His face turned pale as he pressed a hand to his temples. "I'm going to my room to rest."

Yvonne, always hyper-aware of his heart condition, softened her tone. "Then wait until those two are gone. If you leave now, everyone will assume you're chasing after her."

Nelson didn't say a word.

His gaze was silent, desperate, and terrifyingly dark.

The banquet resumed its normal rhythm, though the guests couldn't stop whispering Juniper's name.

Nelson's chest burned with suppressed rage. He waited a full thirty minutes before scooping Josie up and heading for the exit.

Josie blinked quickly, terrified to look him in the eye.

Beatrice had no idea who this man was, but sensing he was trying to help, she nodded enthusiastically. "Thank you."

Juniper stayed rooted to the spot.

Beatrice took a few steps forward and tugged at her hand. "Come on, June. Let's go."

Juniper lowered her eyelashes. "No."

Quinn maintained his strictly professional demeanor. "I can arrange a car for Mrs. Lane first. She must be terribly shaken up."

Beatrice was absolutely desperate to leave; standing in the shadow of the colossal, hyper-luxurious hotel made her feel physically sick with anxiety.

She instantly turned her frustration on Juniper. "What is wrong with you, June?! Are you seriously waiting for Nelson?! How many times do I have to tell you..."

Juniper blinked slowly, completely drained of energy.

Beatrice's eyes reddened. "Whatever. You are coming back to Oakley with us this time, no exceptions."

"Go back for what? So you can lock me up again?"

It was the one topic neither of them wanted to touch.