Chapter 16 Abandoned
Before long, the car rolled through the gates of the Moore family estate.
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The massive wrought–iron gate adorned with floral motifs opened wide. Though it was winter, the grounds inside were lush and green, a quiet brook winding through the garden with a touch of traditional elegance.
The car followed the main path through the courtyard and pulled up right in front of the warm parlor.
As soon as it stopped, Claudia’s father–in–law Chase came out to greet them. He first took Nancy’s hand and checked her face to make sure it was warm–only then did he relax. His gaze then shifted to Claudia as she stepped out of the car.
His expression was cold and serious.
In the Moore family, Nancy was the only one who liked Claudia.
Neither Alan nor Chase had ever liked her–but thanks to Nancy, Chase at least kept it subtle.
Claudia gave a quiet, polite greeting: “…Dad.”
Chase barely responded with a grunt, then turned and led Nancy inside, still holding her hand. Claudia followed silently behind.
“Alan called. He won’t be coming tonight. Don’t wait for them,” Chase said bluntly.
Nancy’s expression soured instantly. She pulled her hand away and walked straight over to Claudia, eyes
full of worry and irritation.
“Claudia, don’t be upset. Tomorrow! When that brat Alan gets back, I swear I’m giving him a piece of my mind. What kind of husband leaves his wife out in the cold like that? Taking the kid and running off–what kind of father is that?!”
“It’s okay, Mom. I’ll stay and have dinner with you.”
Claudia wasn’t upset. Not anymore. She wasn’t even disappointed. It wasn’t the first time Alan had left her behind.
And honestly, she had no expectations left.
Once Nancy calmed down, Claudia joined the two elders for dinner.
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The meal was extravagant, but it was just the three of them. Not only had Alan and Andy not returned, but Alan’s younger brother, You, was also absent.
Then again, Claudia was used to that.
Alan’s younger brother had always been somewhat of an enigma. Outside of major holidays, she had never seen him at the estate.
Whenever she came over for dinner, You was never around.
Strangely, Chase and Nancy–his own parents–never seemed concerned about his absence. They barely mentioned him at all.
Even Alan was visibly uncomfortable whenever his brother was brought up.
From what Claudia had gathered, her brother–in–law was practically excluded from the Moore family dynamic. In fact, she held more standing in the family than he did—and she was the one who’d married in.
Claudia had overheard the house staff chatting once:
Apparently, when Nancy had given birth to her second child, she’d fallen seriously ill. Her recovery had been long and difficult, and she’d suffered from postpartum depression. That’s when her health really began to decline, and she couldn’t stand to have the baby around.
So You had been sent away at a young age to be raised by a nanny.
Now that Nancy was better, for reasons unknown, You still rarely came to the estate.
But that wasn’t Claudia’s business.
After dinner, Claudia was invited to stay the night.
She’d wanted to decline–she was still preoccupied with finishing her portfolio–but Nancy dragged her upstairs to a massive walk–in wardrobe.
In the center of the room stood a dazzling purple evening gown.
The upper half was a sleek, black strapless bodice. From the waist down, the skirt fanned out into soft, lustrous violet satin, dotted with tiny gemstones that sparkled under the lights. The craftsmanship was impeccable–elegant and radiant.
Claudia admired it first, then asked curiously, “This is…?”
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Nancy beamed. “I had it custom–made for you by one of my favorite couture designers. Do you like it?”
Claudia’s heart warmed–though she was a little confused. “Is there a party coming up?”
She hadn’t heard anything. Alan hadn’t mentioned a thing.
“Trevor–the eldest son of the Taurine family–is back in town, remember? His mom and I have been dear friends for years. Their family sent out invitations to us and to Alan. My health’s not great, so I’m skipping the gathering, but you definitely have to go with Alan. I had the dress made using your measurements from last time–I wanted to surprise you.”
Then she added, “Of course, if you’d rather wear something Alan picked out for you, I won’t mind.”
That was what she said–but it was clear from her face that she was already bracing for disappointment.
Claudia couldn’t help but smile as she reassured her. “If I go, I’ll absolutely wear the one you picked for me. Thank you, Mom. I really love it.”
Nancy’s face lit up with joy.
Claudia saw it—and sighed quietly inside.
Alan had almost never taken her to events, let alone prepared a gown for her. In the rare cases they did attend together, if Nancy hadn’t helped, Claudia had to commission her own designs from her preferred boutique.
Still…
She asked, “Mom, when did the invitation arrive?”
Nancy thought for a second. “Maybe a month ago?”
Just as Claudia had suspected.
Alan had received the invitation long ago–but he never said a word to her.
Clearly, he had never planned to take her.
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