Chapter 9 - The Wrong Apology
Claire told Harper to pack, then drove her to Evan’s apartment herself. Neither mentioned the unused hotel bill. At the curb, Harper reached for the door and stopped. “I’m sorry about the laundry,” she said. Both knew it was the wrong apology. Claire answered, “I’m sorry I touched you.” Harper nodded without forgiving her. That honesty changed them. Harper left, but the damage stayed. Back home, Wyatt stood beside the bare island and asked where his niece was. Claire repeated Harper’s account, watching for denial. He offered none. He said she had misunderstood desperate advice, then asked if Harper would report the assault. Claire heard the fear beneath his concern. “You wanted me to become the woman you described,” she said. Wyatt looked at the coffee ring and replied, “You didn’t need much help.” Claire slept behind a locked bedroom door that night. Wyatt slept in the guest room. Before dawn, she heard him wiping the island clean, the ritual he once mocked. She did not open the door.
