A Night of Desire

Chapter 417 - 410: We Also Have Cherie’s Mother to Thank

In the dining room, Clara Grant was savoring her porridge. She said to Seth Quinn, "Mmm, this porridge is delicious. But having Mrs. Cheney make a special trip over is too much trouble for her."

Seth took a spoonful of porridge, looked up at her, and said, "Then don’t drink anymore. You know you can’t hold your liquor, yet you still went out to get wasted."

Though his words were scolding, they were brimming with concern.

Clara pouted. When she didn’t say anything, Seth pressed on, "You’re not allowed to drink anymore. You hear me?"

"Alright, alright, I won’t drink anymore." Clara pursed her lips, seemingly reluctant, but she couldn’t help but smile as she lowered her head.

"By the way," Seth said after a few more spoonfuls of porridge, looking up as if he’d just remembered something. "Sarah Shelby stormed out of The Tuberose in a huff yesterday. I think she probably went looking for Autumn Shelby."

An illegitimate daughter going to settle scores with the legitimate eldest daughter? No matter how you looked at it, she was bound to lose.

Clara was stunned for a moment; she had the same worry. She and Sarah had been close for eight or nine years. She couldn’t stand seeing Sarah get bullied, and Sarah felt the same way about her.

’But this time is different. Sarah is already at a disadvantage because of her status. The Shelby Family will definitely think she’s being unreasonable, picking a fight with her own sister over an outsider like me.’

She paused, then said, "In that case, I’ll go check on her in a bit."

Seth nodded. Just as he was about to eat more of his porridge, he heard Clara ask hesitantly, "Do... they all know about me?"

"No. I only told them about Autumn Shelby going to the Quinn Family’s residence. As for your origins, whether or not you tell anyone is your right and your freedom. Even as your husband, I can’t overstep that boundary. But whatever you decide to do, I’ll back you up completely."

Clara was suddenly touched. ’For a long time after meeting Seth, my impression of him was that of a domineering, aloof, and taciturn man. But in truth, aside from our initial misunderstandings, he has always been respectful toward me. That was clear just from how he handled the matter of my ’wifely duties.’ I just hadn’t given it much thought before.’

’Before meeting him, I’d always thought I loved Miles Quinn, always believed he was the first man I’d ever fallen for. After all, I’d had a secret crush on him for three whole years.’

’But after getting to know Seth, I’ve gradually come to understand that what I felt for Miles perhaps wasn’t love at all. It was just the youthful flutter of a first encounter, the gratitude I felt when he so gentlemanly helped me up from the ground and even gave me his umbrella.’

’Perhaps I did like him, but it was just a simple fondness, the kind one has for a kind older brother.’

’And Seth... he’s the first man I’ve ever truly fallen in love with!’

’Perhaps I really should thank Cherie’s mother. If she hadn’t told me to "make a delivery" to Seth, our fated connection might never have begun, and I wouldn’t have been so lucky as to meet such a wonderful man.’

"Seth," Clara looked at him steadily and said softly, "Thank you!"

Seth met her steady gaze, a doting look on his face, his voice gentle. "Silly girl, what are you thanking me for?"

Clara blinked. "For being so good to me. And I also have Cherie’s mom to thank most of all. You should thank her too. Without her, we might never have met."

Seth’s hand gave a slight tremor, and the spoon he was holding tapped gently against the rim of the bowl, making a soft, crisp sound.