When Left
CHAPTER 153

Chapter 153: Listen to Me, Leave Here

I walked away, the echo of the conversation fading into the background. But I distinctly caught the word couple.”

As someone single, it felt foreign and irrelevant to me.

The Harris mansion was sprawling and labyrinthine. As Claire had anticipated, I ultimately had to solicit a servant’s help to navigate my way to the dining room.

“You must be Ms. Royston, the one Mrs. Harris has been talking about since early this morning?” The butler’s voice cut through the silence as I entered the dining area.

Spotting me, he promptly acknowledged my presence, and with polished efficiency, directed a

servant to prepare an additional breakfast setting.

I offered him a polite smile and a word of thanks, before settling into my meal with quiet introspection.

Only then did the butler take his leave.

As I ate, a shadow cast over my side, and before I knew it, Kimberly darted forward, eager to instigate.

“Hope Royston, consider this a warning: stay away from my family! Whatever game you’re playing, end it now–especially trying to worm your way into my grandma’s good graces!”

I didn’t pause my oatmeal, responding with an air of indifference. “What exactly do you think I’m up to?”

Kimberly’s eyes narrowed in contempt. “What could you be up to? It’s clear as day–you’re not over your divorce from Christopher. Now you’re trying to Insinuate yourself back into the Harris family, using my grandmother as a pawn, and ultimately aiming to seduce Christopher…”

“Kimberly Harris, I am not like you I set my spoon down, a slight frown creasing my brow. “I still have some dignity.”

There was nobility in fidelity and passion, but deceit and desperation were beneath even the most ardent heart.

“You!” Kimberly rolled her eyes hard dramatically but then suddenly flashed a sly smile. “The other day, it was you who orchestrated that little revenge stunt against me, wasn’t it?”

Feigning ignorance, I responded, “What revenge?

“Although Jerry covered for you, Kimberly leaned forward, resting a hand on the table, her eyes icy. I recognized the injuries. They were identical to the ones you had last time.”

“So, what do y

you want?”

I dropped the act.

I had anticipated that someone as imperious and overbearing as Kimberly might lecture or threaten me on the spot. Contrary to my expectations, Kimberly’s smile grew saccharine. “I don’t want anything right now because when Christopher saw my Injuries, he was beside himself with guilt. He wanted to replace someone to take you out, but I stopped him.”

I believed that.

After all, when Evelyn had dragged me into traffic, resulting in a car accident and a miscarriage, Christopher had managed to righteously accuse me of cruelty and even slapped me.

Now, having deliberately retaliated against Kimberly, it was only natural that Christopher would want to punish me harshly to defend his beloved.

Even in a room with underfloor heating, I felt chilled to the bone. 1 stood up slowly. “Really? That’s wonderful. He truly is a good man.”

To Evelyn and to Kimberly, he was indeed a good man.

To me, he was nothing less than an abyss.

“Yes, and that’s why I will definitely marry him!” Kimberly raised her chin triumphantly, like a self–satisfied princess. “By the way, I’m very pleased with the design draft you submitted. You need to expedite the rest; don’t delay our engagement party.”

“Wait.” I pulled out my phone and began recording. “Could you repeat the first part of what you just said? Also, just to clarify, the total cost of the

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Chapter 163 Listen to Me, Leave Here

design, labor, and materials for this dress is $2.7 million. You’ve already paid $100,000 upfront. Now, the remaining balance is $1.3 million, which I’d appreciate you transferring to me today and at the next fitting.”

‘$1.3 million?”

Kimberly scowled, clearly displeased. “Hope Royston, is this some kind of joke?”

I offered a mild smile. “Miss Harris, there’s no need to take this personally. These are the legitimate costs. However, if you replace the figure unlucky, feel free to round up–I won’t object.”

With that, I slung my bag over my shoulder and turned to leave.

“Bitch!” Kimberly spat venomously behind me.

I clenched my fists, pretending not to hear, focusing solely on getting away. But in this sprawling estate, I soon found myself disoriented.

After several wrong turns, I stumbled upon a secluded courtyard, its familiarity tugging at some burled memory. Despite its size and cleanliness, the courtyard felt abandoned–as though it hadn’t been lived in for years.

Compelled by an inexplicable force, I ventured inside. No sooner had I stepped in than the door, as if on cue, slammed shut behind me.

The next moment, a tall figure loomed, pinning me against the wooden door. A familiar scent enveloped me, trapping me in an all–too–familiar prison.

I looked up, my heart pounding, to meet Christopher’s intense gaze. His well–defined fingers dug into my waist, his eyes tender yet unrelenting. “Why did you come to the Harris estate?”

“That’s none of your business!” My anger flared, and I struggled against him, but his grip was unyielding.

Christopher’s gaze bore into me. “Have things been going well for you lately? Kimberly Harris hasn’t given you any more trouble, has she?”

I met his stare with derision. “You were ready to kill me for her. What more could she possibly do to me?”

Christopher fell silent, his grip on my waist tightening, a slight furrow appearing on his brow. “You’ve lost a lot of weight recently, haven’t you?”

I shrugged indifferently. “I just lost weight to celebrate the divorce and welcome new love.”

His expression darkened, his lips thinning into a hard line. “Celebrate? New love?”

“What else?” My anger intensified, my voice cold. “You announced your engagement to someone else. You notified me about the divorce. Now, what do you expect from me? Do you think I should sit at home and mourn, staying single forever?”

“I never expected you to.” Christopher’s shoulders slumped, his entire demeanor turning somber. “It’s just… I feel sad.”

I blinked, my heart momentarily softened but quickly hardened again. “Christopher Valence, spare me your meaningless sentiments. You couldn’t stay faithful in our marriage. Now that we’re divorced, the least you can do is vanish from my life.”

Christopher’s grip on my waist tightened, his gaze almost obsessive. “Hope, just wait for me a little longer. I’ll handle everything.”

“Why should I wait for you?” A puzzled smile formed on my lips. “Wait for the day you and Kimberly Harris fall apart, and then be here, waiting for you? Christopher Valence, am I that cheap in your eyes?”

His chiseled face reflected an internal struggle. He pulled me closer, his chin resting gently on my head, his voice a soothing yet urgent whisper. Then don’t wait. I’ll send you abroad, okay? Hope, honey, leave here.”

My skepticism flared. “Is this Kimberly Harris’s idea as well?”

A chill ran through me, and I struggled desperately in Christopher’s arms, but he held me firmly.

Near breaking, I screamed, my voice raw. “Christopher Valence, don’t worry. As long as you stay away from me, I won’t get in your way!”