Chapter 261

"How intimate," Arthur said coldly. "By any measure, it isn't your place to pay for her."

Declan froze. The words were harsh but not wrong. Arthur and Clara shared no blood, yet they were still brother and sister in name. Arthur had lived beside her for nine years—far longer, far closer than the husband who had failed her at every turn.

Clara could not read his intent.

"What do you want?" she aske