Chapter 179
Claire nudged Amber’s arm. “Amber, your sister is here to pick you up. You should head back. That motorcycle is so cool! I’ve never ridden one before. Next time, ask my brother to take me for a spin.”
Amber absolutely didn’t want to leave with Winifred. She waved her off. “I can get home by myself. I don’t need you. Just leave already.”
Don’t embarrass yourself here, Amber thought.
“Hey, Winifred! You look so cool! Can we get a picture with your…” Claire called out excitedly.
Winifred’s expression turned cold, her eyes sweeping over them with a chilling sharpness. “Scram,” she said harshly.
Claire blinked in surprise. “Amber, your third sister is kind of scary.”
“Amber, stop yapping, or I’ll make you pay for it,” Winifred snapped, her patience clearly running out as she shot Amber a sideways glare.
Amber felt her face heat up as she realized everyone was staring at her. With that tone and attitude, anyone would think Winifred was there just to pick a fight.
Her cheeks flushed, and she shouted back. “I told you, I’m not going back with you! I can get home on my own, so mind your own business!”
Winifred let out a cold snort, twisted the throttle, and the motorcycle’s engine roared down the street as she sped off without looking back.
“Amber, is she really your sister? She seems… nothing like Sienna at all,” Claire said, sounding genuinely puzzled.
Amber pouted, grumbling. “She’s not! I can’t stand her.” She pulled out her phone to call a ride, but Claire slung an arm around her shoulders. “Come on, Amber, don’t be upset. Let me give you a ride home.”
“I don’t want to trouble you,” Amber said, still hesitant.
Claire pinched her cheek, which was so soft and tender that she almost wanted to make Amber even more upset—give it a playful bite or a kiss—but held back, afraid it would just…
“It’s really no trouble. Honestly, I like it when you need me,” Claire said with a warm smile.
“Huh?” Amber barely had time to react before Claire pulled her into the car. Miles had just gotten off work and was there to pick up Claire, only to find Amber tagging along as well.
“Miles, can we drop Amber off first?” Claire asked.
“Sure,” Miles nodded.
The two girls sat in the back seat, gossiping about everything—nicknames for teachers, schoolwork, entertainment, novels, and TV dramas. Miles couldn’t help but smile, a gentle warmth in his eyes as he listened to them. It was such a pure and beautiful age.
“Oh, by the way, the teacher said there’s a parent-teacher conference next Monday. Amber, are you bringing Sienna with you?” Claire asked, her eyes full of anticipation.
Amber pouted, feeling a sweet warmth in her heart. I already told her—my sister will definitely come. She said aloud, “I’ll ask her; if she’s not too busy, she should be able to make it.”
Claire propped her chin on her hand, hesitated for a moment, then said, “You’re right, Sienna is always super busy. If she can’t make it, are you going to ask Winifred to go to the parent-teacher conference instead?”
The moment Amber pictured Winifred’s carefree, defiant face, her good mood vanished. She snapped, “Never! If she dares to show up at my parent-teacher conference, I’ll just skip school!”
Claire laughed. “Amber, you really crack me up. Anyway, tomorrow night—don’t bail on me!”
When Amber got home, Miles got out of the car as well. Amber looked a bit surprised. “Miles, you really didn’t have to. Thanks for the ride.”
Miles nodded, his eyes landing on a Rolls-Royce parked behind them. There was a tree in front of the Hart house, its blossoms blazing like a fiery sunset. Sienna walked toward them, stepping through the fallen petals.
“Amber,” Sienna called.
“Sienna!” The moment Amber saw her, she ran straight into her arms. Sienna ruffled her hair. “Mr. Quinn, thanks for bringing my sister home. Would you like to come in for a while?”
“No need, Ms. Sienna. It was on my way,” Miles said politely. “By the way, are you free tomorrow night? I’m hosting a dinner party on a yacht, and I’d be honored if you could join us.”
Even though he’d already sent the invitation, he couldn’t help but bring it up again, hoping she’d do him the honor of attending.
“Of course, Mr. Quinn. I’ll definitely be there,” Sienna replied with a nod and a faint smile.
It was only the second time Miles had seen her smile, and it struck him just how beautiful she was. That usual cool, distant look on her face was suddenly softened by a gentle, human warmth.
Miles wasn’t sure if she was smiling because of him or because of Amber, but he was pretty sure it was the latter.
“I’ll take my leave, then,” he said.
“Take care,” Sienna replied.
Sienna brought Amber home. “Didn’t Winifred say she was going to pick you up?”