Chapter 11

The room fell silent the moment the words left Serena's lips.

Claire's expression shifted subtly—but unmistakably. Serena's too.

Though they both quickly composed themselves, that fleeting look had already been caught.

Paired with everything else that had happened tonight, even the dullest guest could piece it together.

They'd tried to cut Claire off—to cast her out while still wearing halos.

Play the victim, play the saint.

But life didn't work that way.

The damage was done.

Claire didn't waste another breath.

"I know where I stand," she said clearly, her voice calm but resolute. "I won't stay. I won't hold anyone accountable for what happened tonight—consider that my repayment for the years you raised me. From this moment on, I, Claire, have nothing to do with the Thompson family."

She paused, letting her words sink in.

"Don't worry. I won't ever use your name again."

Then she turned and walked away without hesitation.

Nelson instinctively took a step forward—

But before he could move, Serena reached out and grabbed his arm.

"Nelson…" Her voice was soft, tearful. "Are you mad at me? I… I don't even know why I did what I did. I didn't mean to hurt her, I swear…"

Claire paused at the top of the stairs.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Nelson lean down slightly, murmuring something—gentle, quiet.

Comforting.

She smirked.

Bitterly amused, she turned and walked away for good.

Outside the estate, night air cooled the fire still simmering in her chest.

"Hey, Miss Thompson—wait up!"

A familiar voice rang out as Alyssa caught up, her heels clicking confidently against the stone path.

She looked far too relaxed for someone whose name was still trending online.

"Mind if I tag along?"

Claire didn't look over.

"Go ahead."

Her tone was calm. Detached. Not cold—just distant.

Alyssa grinned, falling into step beside her. "You know, I think I like you."

Claire didn't respond.

But she didn't walk faster either.

Back inside, the mood had turned heavy.

Most of the guests had already left.

Only Serena, Elena, and Nelson remained.

Serena sat stiffly on the couch, eyes red from crying, her fingers twisting in her lap.

"Nelson… are you angry with me?" she asked, voice small and trembling.

"I didn't mean to… I just couldn't think straight. Knowing she was your wife—it messed with my head. I didn't want to lose you again. I know I was wrong. Maybe… maybe I shouldn't have come back at all. Maybe I should've just died out there…"

Elena's voice cracked as she pulled her daughter close.

"It's my fault," she choked. "If I hadn't lost you back then, you wouldn't have grown up like this. You're all I have now. Please, Nelson… don't turn your back on her."

It was the same scene all over again.

Just like three years ago—when Serena first found out he was getting married.

The same sobbing. The same theatrics.

Nelson stood still, lips pressed into a tight line, eyes unreadable.

After a long moment, he finally spoke.

"She said she's letting it go."

His voice was low, flat.

"So there's no need to drag this out. Just… don't let anything like this happen again."

Elena rushed to defend. "Serena's sick—she didn't mean it."

"I know," Nelson said quietly. "But being sick doesn't make it okay. If something had actually happened to Claire today…"

He trailed off.

The thought was too dark to finish.

He looked away, jaw tight.

"It's late. You should rest. I'm heading out."

Serena's voice cracked. "You're mad at me."

He turned back to look at her. Long and silent.

Then he shook his head.

"I'm not the one who got hurt."

He paused.

"It's not my place to be mad."

"Just focus on getting better. Try to do better. Things will work out."

Her voice turned desperate.

"Nelson… you said that once the divorce was final, you'd marry me."

He stopped.

She looked up at him, eyes wide, lips trembling.

"Do you still mean it?"