Chapter 327 She Needs Some Quiet Time
After hearing about the trouble Desmond had caused, Maximilian furrowed his brow in thought before saying to Katniss, "Don't worry, I'll take care of it. He won't be bothering you for a while."
Gabriel had sent Desmond to Starhaven to lay low, but Desmond acted more like he was there to stir up trouble.
"With you around, I'm not worried," Katniss replied, not pressing Maximilian on what he planned to do.
Desmond was a nuisance, and she was content as long as he stayed out of her way.
Maximilian mentioned he had a place to stay in Starhaven, so they went straight back to the hotel, grabbed their luggage, and headed to their new residence.
Meanwhile, Gabriel, having received news from Maximilian, quickly called Desmond and gave him a thorough scolding.
Desmond had just finished helping Clara rent a house when he received Gabriel's call.
Clara was inspecting the house, and her mood significantly improved.
After hanging up, Desmond approached Clara and said quietly, "Clara, I have some other things to take care of in the next few days, so I might not be able to help you for a while."
Clara was taken aback and, feeling wronged, asked, "Desmond, are you saying you won't help me anymore?"
Desmond reluctantly nodded and then said, "Johnson is from Starhaven. With his help, you should be able to handle things with Katniss."
Clara hadn't expected him to abandon her at such a time, but she didn't argue further.
She bit her lip and said, "If you're busy, Desmond, you don't have to spend too much time helping me. But can I come to you later?"
Desmond couldn't refuse Clara and quickly agreed, "Of course, but let me know in advance."
Remembering Gabriel's warning to be cautious in Starhaven, Desmond decided not to help Clara against Katniss anymore. At least, not openly.
More importantly, Gabriel had arranged a blind date for him before sending him to Starhaven.
He couldn't let Clara know about it, or she would be heartbroken.
But he couldn't cancel the date; their family needed to strengthen their ties after being outmaneuvered by the Elise family.
Clara accepted Desmond's promise and didn't push further.
After a brief conversation, Clara saw Desmond off.
She was about to go to the villa to get her luggage when she received a call from Johnson.
"Clara, why haven't you come home yet?"
Johnson's voice made Clara shiver. She suppressed her discomfort and replied softly, "Mr. Thompson, I found a place near the school. I want to move here."
She couldn't afford to offend Johnson, so she spoke gently.
Johnson paused before saying, "Clara, you're being disobedient. I prepared a villa for you, and you insist on renting a place. You're breaking my heart."
Clara didn't know how to respond, and Johnson continued, "I was planning to introduce you to some eligible bachelors. Oliver asked me to find you a good match in Starhaven."
"What? Dad asked you to help me find a match?" Clara was stunned and confused.
Johnson explained, "Yeah, he wanted me to help. I know your reputation in Luminous City was tarnished by Katniss, but no one in Starhaven knows that. Don't worry, Clara, I'll find you a good match."
Clara was attractive, and Johnson was eager to see her marry into a prestigious family in Starhaven.
The Thompson family, while respectable in Luminous City, was no match for the elite families in Starhaven.
"No need, Mr. Thompson. I already have someone I like," Clara whispered, "I'll talk to my dad. You don't need to trouble yourself."
Johnson was furious, "Clara, what do you mean? Don't you trust me?"
Clara was startled and quickly apologized, "No, Mr. Thompson, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that."
"Then come back, and I'll arrange a meeting for you," Johnson said before hanging up.
Clara hesitated and called Oliver.
After getting a clear answer from Oliver and learning that even Desmond was going on a blind date, she was devastated.
Desmond had just left, and she remembered his words about informing him in advance if she needed him. She made the connection.
Desmond was hiding things from her again.
It wasn't the first time. Desmond was going on another blind date and hadn't told her.
Clara's eyes filled with tears, but she held them back.
She looked at the newly rented house, threw the keys on the floor, and left.
There were two keys to the house. She had given one to Desmond, not expecting him to go on another blind date.
Even if he had no choice, he hadn't planned to tell her.
Clara was disappointed and hurt. She didn't take a cab, just walked aimlessly.
She wandered the streets, thinking the later she returned to the villa, the better. She needed time to calm down.
In a charming residence in Starhaven, a car pulled up outside.
Katniss and Maximilian got out as dusk settled.
The courtyard of the house was lit with warm lights, casting long shadows of the flowers along the path.
It was peaceful and elegant.
"Do you like it here?" Maximilian asked, leading Katniss inside and holding her hand as they entered the foyer.
Katniss looked around and was pleasantly surprised.
The interior of the house was almost identical to their home in Golden Crest Estates in Luminous City.
If she hadn't seen the outside, Katniss would have thought she was back in Luminous City.
"This was set up at the same time as Golden Crest Estates," Maximilian explained, guiding her further inside. "You came to Starhaven in a hurry, so I didn't have time to get it ready."
So, they had to stay at a hotel.
Starhaven wasn't Luminous City. He had fewer resources here and needed time to establish himself.
"I love it!" Katniss said, looking around. "It's not too late. I love it here."
She noticed the house was spotless, clearly just cleaned.
The coffee table had fresh fruit and snacks, and she assumed the fridge was stocked with food.
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