The Officer's Runaway Wife & Secret Son novel Chapter 258

"It's too dark," Noah said faintly, taking a sip of wine.

"You get used to it," Daniel replied, looking into the distance. "Brighton City has expanded a lot in recent years. Less scenery, wider roads, more cars. If you want to move fast, it's not easy."

Noah smiled but didn't take the bait on the metaphor.

He turned his head, his gaze landing on Daniel’s sharp, cold profile.

Years ago, he had seen Daniel at the hospital, walking out of Rhys’s ward.

Daniel was one of the last people he wanted to deal with. But now, Daniel was Emily's husband, the family of Clara's best friend.

Alliances can shift quickly.

"Was he at the wedding today?"

Noah asked directly.

Daniel tapped the railing twice, his eyes fixed on the dark forest beyond.

He knew exactly who Noah was asking about.

For the past few years, though no one said it aloud, everyone knew.

Noah was guarding against Rhys.

"Brighton City isn't that small, but it isn't that big either."

He held his wine glass up to the night sky. Through the red liquid, the moon looked distorted.

"If some people are already in the past tense, does it matter if they were present?"

It was a cryptic answer. Noah understood it, but he wasn't satisfied with it.

"I hope it doesn't matter."

He lowered his eyes and downed his drink in one go. "You're a lawyer; you know this better than anyone. Legal ties can be severed, but some things—like blood, like memories—don't cut so clean."

Daniel asked, "What are you trying to say?"

"Clara had a hard time getting to where she is today. I saw clearly what she had to go through."

Noah’s voice deepened, losing its usual gentle, scholarly tone and gaining a sharp edge.

"She has a home in Heron Bay, and she has Felix. She doesn't need any extra pieces for her puzzle."

Daniel remained silent.

"You could say that," Noah replied frankly. "Bill me at your highest hourly rate."

Daniel was silent for a few seconds, then finished his wine.

"Don't worry. I just got married; I don't want to sleep on the couch," he said. "So, my door is shut tight. I'll handle Rhys. Or rather, I already have."

Noah’s eyes flickered. He didn't press for details, just refilled their glasses.

"Thanks."

"Don't thank me." Daniel looked back inside at the three people playing around. "After all, if Clara is unhappy, my wife is unhappy. And if my wife is unhappy, my life becomes hell."

Noah laughed. Their glasses clinked lightly in the night air.

The balcony door slid open a crack, and Simon popped his head out.

"What are you two doing? catching a cold and whispering sweet nothings in the dark? Get inside, Emily wants to play cards, we need two more!"

Noah turned back, instantly returning to the gentle Dr. Carter.

"Coming."