Chapter 434
Karla glanced at Claire, relieved to see her in good spirits. “How’s your injury p>
“It’s nothing, really p>
“Is Oakley awake yet p>
Claire asked without much interest, just making conversation.
“He woke up. He actually wants to thank you in person, but he’s still in the hospital. Plus, there are paparazzi everywhere — it’s a mess trying to get out p>
“That’s okay.” Claire smiled warmly. “The thought is what matters p>
Karla got the hint right away. “Don’t worry, you’ll definitely get a proper thank-you present p>
“But honestly, you were too reckless today. I’m glad you saved Oakley, I really am, but I was terrified for you p>
The image of Claire rushing straight into that car flashed through Karla’s mind, making her heart race. If anything had happened while she was there… She didn’t even want to think about facing the family.
Everyone knew how much Padgett cherished Claire. It was like getting a miracle, a second chance, and she poured all her love for her own daughter onto Claire instead. If Claire ever got hurt, Padgett would be the first to fall apart.
“I’m sorry for making you worry.” Claire’s voice was soft. “Honestly, I just thought I could help, so I did. I would never put myself in real danger if I wasn’t sure about what I was doing p>
Karla let out a deep breath. After all, she was grateful to Claire. Scolding her too much would just seem ungrateful.
“Promise me, don’t ever risk yourself like that again p>
“I promise.” Claire had always been respectful toward her elders.
“It’s late. Try to get some sleep, okay? We’ll talk about everything else tomorrow p>
Karla had waited up for Claire in the living room, not able to relax until she was home safe. Claire nodded and headed off to her room.
As for all of this, Karla decided not to tell Padgett — at least, not right now. She just shared what happened with her husband once she got home.
After she finished explaining, Bishop frowned, worry etched all over his face. “Honestly, the fact that Claire’s okay is all that matters. And even if Padgett found out, she wouldn blame you for anything. You took Claire to the set with good
intentions. Still, this whole thing was risky. How did Claire get so
fearless p>
“To dive in and save someone like that, and to pick such a dangerous way to do it… She’s got some nerve p>
Karla leaned against the headboard,
thinking things over. “I don’t think
things were easy for her back in
it.
Apex. She seems to know cars. inside and out. The way she handled that out-of-control car? She must’ve believed she could stop it Driving straight into the river – Ithink she’d already figured that escape route out the moment she spotted the water ahead p>
“She’s both brave and smart. But you can’t raise a kid like that just by spoiling her. Not even growing up pampered in the James family would make her so p>
Her words trailed off. She didn’t even know how to finish the thought.
“She reminds me so much of Melissa,” Bishop said quietly.
Melissa had always been the adventurous type. Even though she was part of the Churchill family, she picked things up fast and never shied away from a challenge.
And yet, all the background checks said Claire had basically never touched a car before. Today she drove like a pro.
Clearly, there was a lot Claire wasn’t telling people. She was keeping secrets from everyone, even the James family. Maybe Karla was right — Claire’s life probably hadn’t been smooth sailing at all.
“I’ll ask Owen to clear his schedule tomorrow and take her out,“ Bishop said. “She’s been through a lot. She should have some fun and unwind p>
Karla agreed right away. “Owen’s not much help with anything else, but he’s a pro when it comes to eating out and having a good time. If give him some money. All he needs to do is make sure Claire enjoys herself p>
Bishop rubbed Karla’s shoulders, trying to ease her tension. “You really don’t have
to give him an allowance p>
He got up early the next morning and handed Claire a bank card.
“Let Owen show you around today, have some fun, clear your head p>