Cindy heard her name and jumped in right away. "Lance, I really don't mind. If Claire wants to stay..."
But Claire cut her off, not even hesitating. "Sorry, but I don't."
Cindy's eyes widened. "But it's so late. Where are you even going to go?"
Lance felt a sudden wave of irritation. "That's enough, Cindy. Don't worry about her." "This isn't her home anyway. She can go back to her own family now."
He reached into his pocket, pulled out his wallet, and tossed two hundred dollars at Claire's feet. “It's pouring out there. Take this, find a hotel, and stay the night."
Claire didn't even glance at the money. She just looked at Lance, her eyes cold and steady.
She couldn't believe she'd never seen what kind of person Lance really was.
He could switch faces faster than flipping a light switch.
Claire picked up her suitcase and walked out, not looking back.
The rain was coming down harder, making her look even smaller and more alone.
Cindy watched her leave, worry creasing her face. "It's still raining. Where is she supposed to go?"
"I don't think she's planning on going all the way back to her village tonight. Did I even give her the address?" Cindy's voice trailed off, realizing her mistake. Lance's expression shifted. He started the car, the engine rumbling to life.
“Cindy, get in and tell me the way. I'll take her back myself."
Cindy didn't have a choice. She got in, and Lance sped after Claire.
They caught up to her in less than two minutes, splashing her with dirty water as they passed before stopping a little ahead.
Lance rolled down the window. "Claire, get in."
"I don't need your fake concern," Claire said, trying to walk around the car.
Lance scoffed. "Concern? Who said anything about that? I just don't want you hanging around and refusing to leave."
"And what if I don't get in?" Claire glanced across the street, where a flashy sports car was parked, looking out of place in the rain.
Lance leaned in, dropping his last weapon. "Don't you want to meet your real family sooner?"
That hit a nerve. Claire paused, then nodded. "Fine, I'll get in."
With Cindy giving directions, Lance had no problem finding The James Village.
The drive was fast, the sky lit up by lightning and shaken by thunder.
Across the street, the sports car did a quick turn and started following them.
Claire's phone rang, breaking up the silence. “Hello?"
"Claire, did you get in the wrong car?"
"No, Lance is personally driving me back to the countryside," Claire answered, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Wow, what, is he worried you'll stick around or something?" The voice on the other end couldn't help but laugh.
Claire just sighed. "You go home. I'll be fine."
There was a string of grumbling before the call ended.
Lance glanced over, clearly annoyed. "Who was that?"
He didn't get an answer. Claire had already closed her eyes, shutting him out.
Lance slammed his fist against the steering wheel, the car swerving a little.
"Lance!" Cindy shrieked, clutching her seat.
He snapped back to reality, forcing a calm voice. "It's fine, Cindy. Don't worry."
He pulled himself together and focused on the road ahead.
The way to the village was rough
and bumpy By the time they finally
The James Village, it was
three in the morning. .net>
The village was wrapped in darkness and rain, the car's headlights cutting
through the night as barogs
echoed all around. The air felt alive, somehow more awake in the storm.
Mud splattered up the sides of the car, and Lance looked like he wanted to be anywhere else.
He stepped out, wrinkling his nose in disgust. He couldn't imagine ever coming back to this place.
“Claire, the car can't go any further. We'll drop you off at the entrance.”
Claire realized she'd underestimated
how little Lance cared. She didn't
even know where Cindy's house was and now she was supposed to sand find someone in the middle of the night?
She turned to Cindy. "Where do you live, anyway?"
The question caught Lance off guard. He had no clue either.