The Rival's Claim

Upon reaching the dining room, Tess was then placed in a chair.

She asked, "What's the matter, Mr. Drexel? You can't even spare a pair of shoes for me now?"

With that, Tess looked up at Gideon, who was standing before her, and was puzzled by his reason for taking her shoes away.

"Your foot was already injured, and staying in the sea for too long caused the wound to become inflamed. It's not wise f