Chapter 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.

Claire 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."

only for him to object once more, "You are a Linwood; if people

another space, but it's just

it out and

bright and airy as the guest rooms, never imagining

mind involuntarily conjured images of Claire enduring endless cold, lonely nights in this

rooms, his own sister had been relegated to a damp, dark storage

nearly

is damp. Perhaps it would be better

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.

those words, he cradled Claire's unconscious form and

Ethan's hurried exit, May felt a surge of happiness for Claire. It seemed the master finally showed some brotherly concern for Miss Claire, after years of neglect. She quickly dialed Victor Lewis's number, "Hello? Dr. Lewis, our young

the door to Ethan's room swung open, and Victor's voice

your room when Vanessa is

bemused until he spotted Claire's pale face on

he said, grabbing his medical

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