CHAPTER 131: CHAPTER 115: AT THIS MOMENT, HE JUST WANTED TO KISS HER.

"They say it’s important to forgive when you can, you ought to give her a chance to start anew. Hasn’t she paid enough with twenty years behind bars for your mother’s death?"

Clara scoffed, "What do you mean by ’enough punishment’? Isn’t a life for a life the most natural justice?"

"Clara, is this what I’ve taught you? Have you lost all sense of forgiveness?"

Clara stood up looking disappointed, "Forgiveness? Because of her, I lost my mom. Isn’t sparing her life the greatest forgiveness I can give her?

Uncle Oliver, I won’t stop you from caring for her, but you can’t treat me unfairly. You can’t ask me to forgive my enemy just because of your own views.

I’m human, not an unfeeling machine. You can’t treat me like this just because I love you."

Oliver Turner put down his chopsticks, his face growing more displeased, "So what do you want to do now? Stay stuck here with Faye Townsend for the rest of your life? Faye is already exhausted managing the company and raising a child by herself. Can’t you stop troubling her?"

Clara bit her lip and stared at him, "Uncle Oliver, you’re such a gentle and considerate man towards all women in the world, why can’t you show the same compassion to me?!"

What do you want me to do, go back home and watch you and that woman be in love together? I can’t do it."

"In love? I see her only as an old friend.

If she hadn’t come to my house that day, maybe none of this would have happened, and her life wouldn’t be like this now.

I feel guilty towards her, so I wanted to make amends by helping her a bit. Is that such a big deal for you?"

"Do you know she sent people to follow me?"

"She told me about it. She was just curious about how you were doing now after all these years. She’s always regretted turning you into an orphan at such a young age and feels sorry for you.

No one in this world is infallible. Those who realize their mistakes often suffer the most. I don’t expect you to treat her with kindness, but at least don’t run away from home like this.

I’m already busy enough these days, and I really don’t have time to deal with your whims. Today, you’re coming back with me, and don’t act so spoiled ever again."

She’s the spoiled one? Clara bit her lip, "Yes, I’m spoiled, Director Turner, and this is who I am. Did you just realize this today?

I’m not going back with you. I know you’re busy with the company and that old lover of yours.

I’m truly grateful you took the time to see me today.

But sorry, I’m not going back. That house never felt like mine in the first place.

If I weren’t there, you could have brought her home, couldn’t you?

I won’t bother you again and will find a place to move out as soon as possible.

Sorry, I’m a bit tired, so I won’t join you for dinner."

Clara finished speaking and turned to go upstairs, while Oliver Turner slammed his chopsticks on the table, "Clara."

Clara ignored him and went straight upstairs.

Oliver Turner frowned and thought that this brat was truly spoiled by him.

He stood up and walked out. If she didn’t want to come back, so be it; he wouldn’t force her. After all, he had raised her and she could now choose her own path in life.

Faye Townsend was strolling in the park across the street with Darnley and Uncle Rivers. In the evening, the park was bustling with people doing square dancing, practicing tai chi, or jogging, all enjoying a vibrant nightlife.

"Uncle Rivers, I remember you quite like practicing shadow boxing. After dinner, you should come out and practice more often."

She learned shadow boxing from Uncle Rivers as a child, but she had long forgotten it after years without practice.

Uncle Rivers smiled and nodded, "At my age, it’s good to come out and get some exercise."

Darnley folded his arms and asked, "So this is Eldoria’s shadow boxing? I’ve seen it in movies, it looks really impressive."

Faye rubbed his head, "Do you want to learn? Grandfather Rivers knows how, and you can learn from him."

Darnley pulled at Uncle Rivers’ hand and looked up, "Grandpa, can you teach me? If I learn, no one will dare to bully me anymore."

Uncle Rivers laughed, "Darnley, shadow boxing isn’t about fighting, it’s more about cultivating body and mind. But if you’re really interested, I can start teaching you now."

"Great."

The old man and the young boy started practicing on the side.

Faye walked a little distance away, wrapped her coat tighter, and sat down on the grass watching them.

Before too long, her phone rang in her pajama pocket; it was Oliver Turner calling.

"Hello, Oliver."

"Faye, where are you?"

"I’m in the park across the street, why?"

"I want to talk to you. Do you have a moment?"

Faye got up, "Sure, wait for me. I’ll be right back."

After hanging up, she informed Uncle Rivers and headed home.

The park wasn’t far from the house, and soon Faye returned to find Oliver Turner standing by the door smoking. She walked up to him and said, "Why are you out here? Did you have enough to eat?"

Oliver Turner extinguished his cigarette, "Forget about eating; I’m already full from all the anger stirred up by that girl."

Faye pursed her lips and smiled, "Are you exaggerating? Did you two have a fight?"

"It’s complicated."

"Weren’t you going to talk to me? Let’s go inside."

"Faye, let’s go for a walk together."

Faye noticed he seemed to want to avoid Clara, so she nodded and walked with him along the road.

Oliver Turner was straightforward, "You’ve probably heard about Luna Fisher."

"Clara mentioned some things to me."

"I guess it was more than just a few things. Knowing Clara, she must have told you everything and more.

Faye, I indeed helped Luna a bit. But I hope you don’t misunderstand. I let go of my feelings for her long ago. Helping her was only out of remorse for the past events."

Faye nodded, "I understand, don’t worry. I won’t misunderstand. It’s your choice, and you’re entitled to make it.

It’s just... I noticed Clara hasn’t been in a good mood lately, and this involves her mother.

I think you should be considerate of her feelings.

Perhaps you could clarify your thoughts to her so she can understand you.

You’ve been through so much together over the years; you can’t let this cause a rift between you, can you?"

Seeing Faye’s calm demeanor, Oliver felt a bit frustrated. Didn’t she care at all?

What worried him more than Clara’s anger was her thoughts.

"Leave Clara be; there are things I can’t explain to her anyway.

That girl can be quite stubborn, so let her figure it out on her own.

I came today to bring her home and explain things to you.

I don’t want you to misunderstand me. My intentions remain unchanged; I still want to marry you and make you my wife.

My assistance to Luna won’t affect my feelings for you."

Faye felt a moment of panic but nodded slightly.

"I know, I’m not misunderstanding anything."

In fact, he rather hoped she would misunderstand so it would show she cared.

"Faye, I’m honestly curious sometimes about what it takes to make you show any emotions.

Seeing you so indifferent to everything is actually quite hurtful to me.

I may not be outstanding, but there are plenty of women in Anchester who want me.

Why are you the only one who doesn’t care about me at all?

Don’t you like me, or have I just failed to understand your heart?"

Faye looked at him and smiled faintly, "Oliver, you really don’t have to be so concerned about my thoughts.

It only puts a lot of pressure on me.

I feel a lot of guilt towards you, so of course, I wish for your happiness.

The reason I say you shouldn’t care about me is because I support your decisions."

"Then do you support my decision to marry you?"

Faye was taken aback and looked at him.

Seeing her sudden silence, Oliver felt a wave of frustration.

Lately, nothing seemed to be going right.

Luna required his attention, Clara caused him worry, and Faye broke his heart.

He really was falling into the hands of women.

"Faye, some things you can’t avoid forever.

After all these years, have you really never considered me?

Do I really seem unworthy to you?

Am I really worse than that Hunter Warren?"

Faye felt troubled, "Oliver, don’t say that. You know I don’t mean it that way."

She could clearly sense that Oliver was emotionally intense tonight.

"I know I’ve wronged you, so please don’t say that.

It’s not that you’re inferior to Hunter Warren; the fault lies with me and my own lack of wisdom."

Oliver suddenly grabbed her wrist, drawing her into his arms.

He hugged her tightly, "Faye, I’m sorry. My emotions are off tonight, and I’ve taken it out on you."

Faye smiled softly, gently embracing his waist, "It’s fine. It’s only human to have emotions and feelings.

I quite like seeing you so full of emotions and loyalty, and when you’re in a bad mood, I’m willing to be your punching bag."

Oliver released her and stared at her intently. This foolish woman...

She pursed her lips, a gentle smile curling at the corners.

Seeing her smile, a chord resonated within Oliver, warming his heart in an itchy way. He tightened his grip on her shoulders, eyes becoming more blurred, slowly leaning forward, his lips approaching hers.

At that moment, he only wanted to kiss her.

For a second, Faye’s heart went into a flurry. She wasn’t a child, and naturally, she knew what Oliver intended to do."