Chapter 401 - 404: Returning the Kiss

Claire Bennett’s panicked form quickly vanished around a pillar down the corridor.

A tidal wave of emotion crashed through Wren Sutton, an indescribable feeling sweeping over her.

There was the excitement of the truth finally coming to light, but also a chill that crept up her spine.

The person she was investigating had just appeared so brazenly before her, even provoking her and pressing her at every turn. The mere thought of it sent a shiver of retrospective fear through her.

Wren Sutton closed her eyes. When she opened them a few seconds later, she had forcibly suppressed the turmoil within, her composure restored.

’A similar build and gait alone can’t confirm that Claire Bennett is the person in the surveillance video.’

’But, without a doubt, she’s a major suspect.’

"Ma’am, do you still want this scarf?"

The salesclerk’s voice broke Wren Sutton’s train of thought.

Wren snapped back to reality. Masking all emotion, she looked up at the salesclerk with a gentle smile.

"Yes, but could you please get me a brand-new, unopened one of the same style?"

’Claire Bennett touched this one. I don’t want it now that her scent is on it.’

"Of course. Please wait a moment."

"Thank you."

...

Claire Bennett strode quickly out of the mall. It wasn’t until she was inside her car that she finally dropped the innocent expression she had struggled to maintain.

Seething with all the anger and humiliation she had bottled up, she vented her fury on the steering wheel, slamming her fist against it.

Back at the counter, the strange looks from the people around her, their hushed whispers, the salesclerk’s thinly veiled disdain, and Wren Sutton’s nonchalant, unruffled composure from start to finish...

It all felt like a series of slaps to her face, leaving her utterly humiliated.

Claire Bennett had originally intended to use the scarf to one-up Wren, take her down a peg, and put her in an awkward position.

’I never expected that I would be the one left flustered, humiliated, and trapped in an embarrassing situation!’

Claire gritted her teeth, her expression dark. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became.

’How many times has it been? Every single time, I lose to Wren Sutton. Every time, she puts me down.’

’Ever since I came back to Aston, I haven’t beaten her even once.’

"AHHH! Wren Sutton, why don’t you just die?! Even a truck couldn’t kill you!"

...

Wren Sutton took the packaged scarf from the salesclerk, paid, and left with a satisfied turn.

On the way back to the hospital, she leaned back in her seat, closed her eyes, and carefully recalled Claire Bennett’s figure and the way she walked.

She replayed it frame by frame in her mind, constantly superimposing it over the person in the surveillance footage.

Wren took a deep breath, opened her eyes, and silently took out her phone. She opened the video and watched it again and again.

With each viewing, her certainty grew, but so did her questions.

’If it really is Claire Bennett, how does she know about Adrian’s past?’

’Before the auction, I’d never even noticed a Claire Bennett in Aston. Where did she come from? And what is her goal in getting close to Adrian?!’

The mall wasn’t far from the hospital. Soon, the driver pulled up to the hospital and stopped in front of the inpatient building.

"Young Madam, we’ve arrived."

Wren snapped out of her thoughts, put her phone away, and got out of the car.

For now, she pushed all her questions to the back of her mind, pretending nothing had happened as she took the elevator straight to the top floor.

Inside the hospital room.

Adrian Lancaster sat in his wheelchair by the window, patiently waiting for Wren.

Hearing the door open and her familiar footsteps, his cool, detached eyes instantly softened, and he quickly looked toward the entrance.

Wren lightened her step and walked over with a radiant smile, a beautifully wrapped gift box in her hand.

"Honey, I got the scarf."

"Darling, thank you for going to the trouble."

"It was no trouble, I took the car."

The two exchanged a smile.

Wren unwrapped the package, took out the deep, misty-gray pure cashmere scarf, and personally put it on Adrian.

The soft fabric complemented his refined temperament, and the steady, understated color was perfect for his age.

Wren took a half step back to get a better look, a genuine smile rippling in her eyes.

"It’s beautiful."

Adrian glanced down at it, his heart filled with joy. "Of course it looks great. You picked it out."

"Do you like it?" Wren’s voice was full of anticipation.

Adrian nodded earnestly in response. "I do. I love it, because my darling gave it to me."

A pleased Wren walked forward. "Let’s go downstairs and get some sun."

"Okay."

Then, the orderly began to push the wheelchair out, with Wren walking alongside.

Within a few minutes, the orderly had wheeled him to the small garden behind the inpatient building, stopping in an open area with a bench nearby.

The orderly tactfully retreated to a distance, careful not to disturb Adrian and Wren.

Wren adjusted the thin blanket on Adrian’s legs, then sat on the bench beside him. They maintained a comfortable, intimate distance.

The sun was pleasantly warm, not harsh, and felt wonderful on their skin. It was a perfectly comfortable moment.

The fresh scent of grass and trees filled the air, washing away the smell of disinfectant.

It was peaceful and quiet, without a single clamorous sound.

Adrian turned his head, his gaze resting on Wren. He didn’t say a word; he just wanted to look at her.

Wren looked up, meeting Adrian’s deep gaze. She smiled naturally and reached out to touch the scarf around his neck.

"Is it too stuffy?"

"Not at all, it’s very comfortable." Adrian’s voice was steady, laced with genuine delight as he reached up to touch the scarf. "I really like it."

"I’m glad you like it."

Just then, Adrian took the initiative to take Wren’s hand, holding it in his palm.

Wren smiled slightly, her gaze shifting to the lawn in the distance.

They sat there quietly, not forcing conversation or exchanging overly sentimental words.

Even in silence, it wasn’t the least bit awkward.

The sunlight slowly shifted, casting soft shadows and light over Adrian and Wren.

It was as if time itself had slowed down, and the very air was sweet.

After a while, Wren remembered that Adrian’s legs could get heavy from sitting for too long.

She leaned over slightly, her palms on his calves, and skillfully began to massage them to help him relax, her pressure just right.

Adrian looked down, watching Wren’s focused expression as she bowed her head. His heart was enveloped by endless tenderness and love.

Not wanting her to tire herself out, he gently pressed her hand to stop her.

At that moment, a light breeze drifted past.

Adrian raised his hand and gently tucked a stray strand of Wren’s hair behind her ear.

Their eyes met, and they both saw the deep affection in the other’s gaze.

Adrian couldn’t help but lean in, carefully placing a kiss on the corner of Wren’s lips.

"Darling, I love you."

Wren didn’t pull away. She raised a hand to steady his arm and kissed him back.

"I love you, too."

Deep in the garden, a figure was hidden among the shadows of the trees.

The scene of Adrian and Wren holding hands, gazing into each other’s eyes, and sharing a gentle kiss was all taken in.

This person took out a phone, crouched down, found the right angle, and quietly pressed the shutter button. Their movements were cautious and deliberate, making not a single sound.