Although Claire had long known they didn't care about her, Nathan's words still pierced her heart.
He didn't even bother to pretend to love her.
Fortunately, she hid her emotions well. From her stubborn exterior, no one could tell how deeply she was hurt inside.
"Fine," she said coolly.
Nathan's eyebrows furrowed. "What did you say?"
Looking up with determination at the family of four standing on the second floor, Claire replied calmly, "Fine. I'll leave the Linwood family now. From today, I sever all ties with the Linwoods. Mr. and Mrs. Linwood, rest assured, I will never bother you again." In her heart, she added a silent vow that even if she died outside, she would never return.
With those words, she felt no regret for leaving this family behind.
After three years of being hurt to the core, she had learned her lesson well; she would never again yearn for a familial love that was never hers.
This time, she walked quickly despite the pain in her injured leg. The light in her once-dull eyes began to shine with the promise of freedom as she shook off her chains.
In no time, she opened the door to the living room and stepped out.
She felt no attachment, nor did she look back. Her departure was resolute.
Ethan's eyes widened in shock, and he wanted to chase after Claire, but the stomach pain left him too weak to stand. All he could do was shout desperately at the slowly closing door, "Claire, come back!"
His shout echoed through the vast living room, draining him of all his strength.
But Claire didn't turn back; she barely registered the sound of someone yelling something.
Whatever it was, it no longer concerned her.
As she stepped out of the Linwood family mansion, the tension in her nerves began to ease.
Her steps were light, and after walking for about five minutes, she saw a figure approaching.
In the dead of night, spotting a man suddenly made Claire's heart skip a beat.
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