NovelGoldChapter 434 Claire struggled free from Mr. Tempest's arms.
The moment she slipped away, he felt a hollow ache in his chest, his face openly longing for more.
Claire walked up to Orion and planted a soft kiss on his cheek, her voice bright and clear. "Thank you, big brother. I'm so glad you're here." Claire was a master at keeping the peace-no favoritism for anyone.
Between Mr. and Mrs. Tempest and Orion, the three adults were utterly charmed by her sweetness, their faces breaking into wide, delighted smiles.
Orion, still flushed from Claire's gratitude, turned crimson in an instant.
He stammered, "Y-you don't need to thank me, sis. I... I'll always protect you." Mr. and Mrs. Tempest exchanged a warm glance, watching the children's interaction. The whole room seemed to glow with happiness and love.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtJust then, the butler approached respectfully. "Sir, ma'am, dinner is ready." Mrs. Tempest took Claire's hand. "Con, Claire, let's eat." The family gathered in the dining room, where the table was laden with delicious, aromatic dishes. Every plate looked inviting, the scents mingling in the air.
Claire's nose tingled, and she nearly burst into tears.
She silently berated herself-how starved for affection was she, that a simple act of kindness from Mr. and Mrs. Tempest nearly brought her to tears, again and again? Back when she lived with the Linwood family, not once had anyone waited for her to eat. She'd never even had a proper meal.
All she ever got were cold leftovers.
Since entering the Linwood household, there was never any such thing as leftovers in their fridge, nor was a crumb ever wasted-because the uneaten food always ended up on her plate.
The life she'd led wasn't even as good as the family dog's.
The dog's food was meticulously prepared for nutrition; Claire, on the other hand, was never even given fresh meals.
Now, faced with a table full of hearty food, she couldn't help but remember the harsh treatment she'd received at the Linwoods'.
"Claire, you must be starving. Come, sit by me," Mrs. Tempest said gently. "Eat whatever you like." And so the four of them sat together and began their meal.
Claire ate happily, her face glowing with gratitude and contentment. Seeing her enjoy the food, Mr. and Mrs. Tempest and Orion felt their own appetites grow. Laughter and cheerful conversation filled the dining room.
After dinner, Mrs. Tempest took Claire to the bathroom to help her bathe.
Once she was washed and dressed in soft pajamas, Mrs. Tempest carried her to bed, tucked her in, and began reading a bedtstory.
Mrs. Tempest's voice was gentle and soothing, echoing softly in the cozy room.
Claire's eyelids grew heavy as she listened. Before long, she drifted into a peaceful sleep.
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Mrs. Tempest gazed at her sleeping daughter pressed a soft kiss to ker forehead, and quietly got up to turn off the light. She tiptoed to the door, but paused, torn between leaving and staying.
Unable to resist, she returned to the bed, slipped under the covers, and gathered Claire into her arms. Only then did she finally close her eyes, a look of utter contentment on her face. Meanwhile, poor Mr. Tempest waited in their bedroom for over an hour, wondering where his wife had gone.
"What's taking her so long?" he muttered, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.
At last, he sat up with a sigh and padded down the hall to Claire's room.
Bathed in moonlight, he saw his wife and daughter curled up together, an image of perfect peace.
Mr. Tempest Couldn't help but smile. He crept into the room, climbed onto the other er side of the bed, and
stretched out his arm to draw both intog his wife and Claire into a gentlem embrace! Only then, with a satisfied smile, did he finally fall asleep.
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