Chapter 436
Chapter 436:
After speaking, Clayton turned a frosty gaze toward Molly and said firmly, “Regardless of the circumstances, I trust Makenna. Should I discover you troubling her again, I won’t be lenient with you.”
Then, Clayton looked down at me and said softly, “Makenna, would you like me to take you home?”
A blush warmed my cheeks, and I nodded shyly. We had not gone far, however, when the voices of the maids, led by Gwyn, reached us. “Molly! What’s wrong?”
I instinctively halted and turned around, only to see Molly on the ground, clutching her stomach with a pained look. Clayton tightened his hold on my hand. He said resolutely, without even a glance back, “Ignore her. Let’s go.”
Gwyn called out anxiously from behind us, “Your Highness, please remember Molly is carrying your child. If anything were to happen to her, His Majesty would be furious!”
At her words, a flicker of hesitation crossed Clayton’s stern expression.
Makenna’s POV:
I noticed Clayton’s conflicted expression. “Your Highness, you should take Molly for treatment first.”
My voice wavered slightly as I spoke. Despite my words, a wave of bitterness swept through me.
Clayton looked over at Molly, his brows knitting together. He was clearly conflicted. After a brief pause, he tightened his grasp on my hand and said gently but resolutely, “Makenna, I’ll take you back.”
The deep warmth in Clayton’s eyes momentarily made my heart tighten.
I desperately wished to leave with him at that moment, to leave behind all the chaos and petty issues. But, I knew I couldn’t. My impulsive desires shouldn’t put Clayton in trouble.
Clamping my jaw, I withdrew my hand from Clayton’s hold.
“I can manage on my own. You should attend to Molly first.” Under my firm insistence, Clayton let out a heavy sigh and, with a reluctant turn, lifted the unconscious Molly and hastened toward the hospital.
As I watched Clayton’s figure fade into the distance, a pang of heartache surged through me, and my eyes brimmed with tears. “Let’s go.”
Swallowing the bitterness rising in my heart, I led Evie and Alice back home.
The moment we stepped inside, Evie approached me and apologized with a guilty expression, “I’m sorry, Miss Dunn.”
I raised an eyebrow, puzzled. “Evie, why are you apologizing to me?”
Evie looked utterly remorseful, and her voice faded into a whisper. “Miss Dunn, if not for me, you wouldn’t have nearly been wrongly accused. I’m so sorry…”
Tears welled up in her eyes as she sniffled, clearly distraught.
Seeing her so upset, my heart softened. I took her hand earnestly. “Evie, none of this is your fault. You’ve handled everything exceptionally.”
Evie gazed at me, stunned, as if she couldn’t quite believe what she was hearing.
I let out a laugh and playfully pinched her cheek. “Next time you’re in danger, you have to tell me. Even if you can’t share it immediately, make sure you keep yourself safe and don’t let anyone push you around. And another thing…”
I added with a serious tone, “I really see you as a friend. No need for formalities; just call me by my first name from now on.”
Tears filled Evie’s eyes as she nodded emphatically in response. At that moment, even Alice, who usually held reservations about Evie, unexpectedly voiced her approval. “Evie, you did well. Knowing you’re there for Makenna gives me peace of mind.”
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