Chapter 413: Chapter 413: I’m Sorry, I Won’t Dare to Do It Again
Claire Sinclair only caught the gist of it and said politely, "Thank you."
Morinka smiled. "Miss Sinclair, please, sit down. I’d like to have a proper chat with you. Perhaps we can become good friends, just like you and Little Prince Hale."
Claire Sinclair glanced at Adrian Quincy, seeking his approval.
Adrian Quincy said in a low, serious voice, "Sit down."
Only then did Claire Sinclair dare to sit, though she felt a little nervous.
Adrian Quincy had someone bring another place setting, then said, "Pardon me, I need to step out for a moment."
As if on cue, both women watched his departing figure. An unconcealed reluctance to see him go filled Claire Sinclair’s eyes, while Morinka sighed, a hint of sadness in her own.
Once Adrian Quincy had disappeared through the door, Morinka began, "Miss Sinclair, do you know why I wanted to see you?"
Claire Sinclair shook her head. "Please explain, Princess Morinka."
Morinka sighed softly. "I wish to pursue Duke Quincy. However, he told me he’s completely devoted to you. He said he would never marry anyone else, and that you are the woman he loves most in this world."
Claire Sinclair was speechless.
’Why would he say something like that? Isn’t he afraid Princess Morinka will turn around and go to Ethan Kingsley?’
Morinka smiled and asked, "Miss Sinclair, do you have feelings for Duke Quincy?"
Without a moment’s hesitation, Claire Sinclair replied, "In my heart, Mr. Quincy is the only man qualified to be president."
"So, the Astoria Daily is backing Duke Quincy?"
Claire Sinclair frowned and clarified in a serious tone, "My personal views do not represent the official stance of the Astoria Daily. Please, Princess Morinka, refrain from making such assumptions."
Morinka immediately apologized. "My apologies. I misspoke."
Although she knew it was rude, Claire Sinclair did it anyway. She rose abruptly to her feet, looking down on the princess.
"Princess Morinka, I’m very sorry, but I don’t think we can be friends. I can, however, offer you a piece of advice. Rather than humbling yourself to ask a stranger for help, perhaps you should first look within yourself for the reason you failed. At the very least, Mr. Quincy was brave enough to be honest with you about his position. And I know that in the end, Mr. Quincy will succeed."
Morinka was left speechless.
With a final, "If you’ll excuse me," Claire Sinclair walked out.
The corridor was silent. Before the window at its end stood a solitary, imposing figure.
Claire Sinclair walked toward him, stopping a few feet behind him. "Mr. Quincy, I’m sorry. I think I may have ruined this reception."
Adrian Quincy turned slowly, a cool, sharp glint in his eyes. "Come here."
Claire Sinclair froze for a second before walking to stand before him.
Adrian Quincy reached out, took hold of her shoulders, and lowered his head to capture her lips with his...
"Mmph..." Claire Sinclair blinked. ’What is happening right now???’
’Is this really appropriate in a place like this?’
The kiss didn’t deepen; it was as if he were staking a claim for all to see. When he released her, he gently smoothed back a strand of her hair.
"Claire, don’t get too close to Ethan Kingsley, understood?"
’!!! He found out!’
Claire Sinclair immediately and meekly admitted her mistake. "I’m sorry! It won’t happen again!"
Adrian Quincy didn’t reply. His gaze flickered to something over her shoulder.
Claire Sinclair couldn’t resist looking over her shoulder. Ethan Kingsley was standing at the top of the stairs, staring in their direction with an intrigued expression, his thoughts impossible to guess.
’I’m so dead,’ she thought. ’I just told him we were breaking up, and now he’s seen me kissing someone else...’
’Ethan Kingsley must think I’m a terrible person.’
’Then again, why should I care what he thinks of me? It’s not like we’re even close.’
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