Chapter 421: Chapter 421: Each Goes Their Own Way
James Grant’s lips moved slightly, and for the first time, Evelyn Clayton saw bewilderment and confusion in his eyes.
"Why?" James was almost stubborn, "Why do you say that?"
Evelyn Clayton remained utterly calm, "Yes, I once truly loved you."
When James Grant heard the word "love" from Evelyn’s mouth for the first time, his whole body tensed, an indescribable joy surged from every part of his being, gathering at his heart.
His heart felt hot and swollen, emotions ready to burst forth—
"But what does that matter? Nothing in this world is unchanging; without you, not loving you, I won’t die."
As Evelyn spoke, she smiled, as if mocking herself, or perhaps scoffing at fate.
"You know, just recently, I cut ties with my biological mother who gave birth to and raised me. Because of her years of emotional abuse, because of her coldness, because of her heartlessness, I severed that putrid connection."
"Since she doesn’t love me, I don’t want that relationship."
Evelyn looked back at James Grant, gentle and serene.
"You know how much stands between us, and you know the vast effort it would take for you to come to me. Perhaps right now it is sweet for you."
"But one day, this feeling will settle, and there will come a day when you and I grow tired and weary of each other. What will I do when that day comes?"
"Will you turn around and ask me, blame me, saying that everything you did for me before was in vain?"
James seemed eager to prove something, but the words got stuck in his throat, unsure how to express them.
He looked at Evelyn, using his eyes to trace her delicate and splendid features repeatedly, as if trying to engrave her into his memory, never to be forgotten.
"So, let it go, James Grant. Go live your life well, focus on your career, marry Lynn Yates, and take on the responsibilities you should bear. I am not your responsibility. Let us remain the most familiar strangers, that’s enough."
During the journey, James said nothing more.
In the dim cabin, they sat on opposite sides, a clear divide between them.
When the plane landed, it was already early morning.
The rain in Y Province fell even harder, but James Grant no longer saw Evelyn Clayton off.
As if pondering or in a standoff with Evelyn, he had his assistant Quentin Hale escort Evelyn to the hotel, while he stayed on the plane.
Evelyn Clayton got off the plane, looked back once with an umbrella.
Through the rain, a small window on the wing reflected that figure, gradually blurring.
Evelyn turned around, her expression calm as she got into the car.
During the ride, Quentin Hale anxiously watched Evelyn Clayton’s expression, wanting to speak but holding back several times; Evelyn saw it clearly.
But she said nothing, acting as if she hadn’t noticed.
Upon reaching the hotel, Quentin Hale courteously escorted her to the top floor, "Miss Clayton, I’ll be staying in Y Province for the next couple of days. If you need anything, please feel free to contact me."
"Thank you for your efforts today, Assistant Hale, and please relay my thanks to your Director Grant." Evelyn flashed a gentle smile, subtly refraining from addressing Quentin’s words, "When I return, I’ll have a gift sent in appreciation."
Quentin understood, Evelyn was politely declining his assistance.
He opened his mouth but said nothing, finally nodding and taking his leave.
Once the hotel room door was closed, Evelyn Clayton released all the tension and collapsed heavily onto the bed.
She gazed silently at the hotel ceiling, a bitter smile forming on her lips.
After this time, it seems James Grant will not seek her out again.
That’s fine, let the bridge return to the bridge, the road to the road.