NovelGoldChapter 17 In the cramped little attic, the only furnishings were a worn-out folding bed and a few sparse, basic belongings. Everything else was clutter-boxes, old books, and forgotten knick-knacks. The walls were yellowed, exuding a musty odor, while cobwebs collected in the corners.
Seeing the state of the place, Ethan was seething with anger. "May, what were you thinking? Claire is my sister. Who allowed her to live in this dump?" May, feeling wronged and helpless, replied, "Sir, wasn't it you who told Miss Claire to stay here in the first place? Have you forgotten?" "When did I ever..." Ethan stopped mid-sentence as memories rushed back to him.
Eight years ago, when Claire was brought back home, he had let her choose a room.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtClaire had picked the guest room next to his bedroom, which he immediately rejected, "I plan to turn that into my study. Pick another." Then, Claire chose the room adjacent to Vanessa's. He refused again, "Vanessa wants to make that her art studio. You can't stay there." Finally, Claire settled on the attic, only for him to object once more, "You are a Linwood; if people knew you lived in the attic, they'd laugh at us. May, isn't there another room?" "We do have another space, but it's just a storage room..." "Then clear it out and let her stay there temporarily." He had assumed the storage room was as bright and airy as the guest rooms, never imagining it lacked even a window.
His mind involuntarily conjured images of Claire enduring endless cold, lonely nights in this dreary room, intensifying the ache in his heart.
In the vast mansion where even the staff enjoyed private rooms, his own sister had been relegated to a damp, dark storage space for three long years.
The realization nearly suffocated him.
Ethan exuded a palpable tension, while May hesitated before suggesting, "The storage room is damp. Perhaps it would be better to move Miss Claire to my room, sir." "That's not necessary," Ethan replied firmly, his voice laced with guilt and regret, as though pierced by countless needles of remorse. He took a deep breath and instructed, "Call Victor. Tell him to cto my room." With those words, he cradled Claire's unconscious form and headed straight for his bedroom.
Watching Ethan's hurried exit, May felt a surge of happiness for Claire. It seemed the master finally showed sbrotherly concern for Miss Claire, after years of neglect. She quickly dialed Victor Lewis's number, "Hello? Dr. Lewis, our young lady is ill. Please cquickly..." Five minutes later, the door to Ethan's room swung open, and Victor's voice preceded him.
"Mr. Ethan, do you dote on your sister so much that you'd move her to your room when Vanessa is sick and should be resting in hers? Wait, why is it her?" Victor entered, his expression bemused until he spotted Claire's pale face on the bed. His playful demeanor vanished, replaced by disdain.
"I don't treat criminals," he said, grabbing his medical bag and turning to leave.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Victor," Ethan called out, his voice low but unyielding, "She's my sister. Don't call her a criminal."
Victor's demeanor remained as cold as ice. "She's your sister, but what about Vanessa? Claire Shares yout blood, but Vanessa grew up with you. Irene was a bright young woman, a Cole family heiress, until Claire turned her into a
vegetable. Claire served only five years in prison, yet she can still live a normal life. But who will give Irene a I life second chance? Her life was destroyed by Claire!" Ethan's face showed conflict, his hands clenching and unclenching as he grappled with his emotions.
On one hand, there was his remorse and the unbreakable bond of family with Claire. On the other, the deep injustice and pain suffered by Vanessa and Irene. He felt trapped between two immovable stones. "She... she's still my sister," he said, his voice frail but stubbornly insistent.
Victor looked at Claire's frail, emaciated face and let out a mocking laugh, "I don't care. A woman as malicious as her would only bring harm if healed." "Victor!" Ethan's voice rose, his gaze unwavering and resolute, "At least examine her, especially her right leg." The two men locked eyes, a silent battle of wills hanging in the air.
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