Chapter 470 Dreaming
"Desmond, are you sure this is gonna work? What if they only let me go after they see you?" Clara asked, her voice full of worry.
When she was first forced to agree to Emma's plan to lure Desmond to Starhaven, she had already considered the possibility that she might not escape from Emma's people before Desmond arrived.
Now, Desmond was casually telling her to find an opportunity to board a plane.
Even if she found a chance, could she escape from two bodyguards?
Who knows, she might have to face more than just two burly men.
Desmond remained silent.
"Desmond?" Clara called out again, worried.
"I'm here," Desmond finally responded. "I'll do my best to distract Emma's people. When the time comes, just do your best."
Clara was taken aback by his words.
Her face turned pale, and she wondered if Desmond would marry someone else if she didn't make it back to Luminous City.
She felt utterly helpless.
Desmond didn't seem inclined to say much more. He just told her to inform him once she had a set time, and he would coordinate with her.
When the call ended, Clara felt a chill in her heart.
She pondered whether to follow Desmond's plan.
The more she thought about it, the more she realized she didn't want to stay in Starhaven any longer.
Not only was Emma a threat, but Ryan was also there, making her feel disgusted.
And if she didn't return to Luminous City within three days as Desmond suggested, she feared she would lose her last and best option—Desmond.
Returning to Luminous City, given her previous reputation there, she probably wouldn't find a better choice than Desmond.
So, despite her immense worry, she decided to take the risk.
But even if she was leaving, she had to deal with Ryan's matter first, at least destroy the photos.
And she needed to persuade Nathan to go back with her.
However, with Dylan still in custody, convincing Nathan to return to Luminous City with her might be difficult.
As Clara was feeling overwhelmed, Oliver unexpectedly called her.
She was surprised and puzzled. Why would Oliver contact her?
After a brief hesitation, Clara answered the call.
"Dad? Is there something you need?" Clara asked cautiously.
Since Oliver had been forcibly sent back to Luminous City by Dylan, they hadn't been in touch.
Why was Oliver calling her now?
Oliver replied, "Why would I call you for no reason? You need to come back to Luminous City. I've arranged your marriage with the Boleyn family. The wedding can happen as soon as you return."
Clara was stunned. She hadn't expected Oliver to urge her to return to Luminous City.
"Marriage? With the Boleyn family? That must mean Desmond," she thought.
She hadn't expected Desmond to be telling the truth earlier.
Gabriel had indeed agreed to their marriage, and even Oliver knew about it.
"What? You didn't know? Gabriel and I have already discussed it. The previous misunderstandings are cleared up. Clara, you and Desmond like each other, so it's only right for you to be together," Oliver said, as if afraid Clara might change her mind.
Clara felt a mix of emotions but obediently agreed, "I understand, Dad. I'll come back as soon as I can."
If it weren't for the mess in Starhaven, she would have flown back immediately.
Hearing Clara's promise, Oliver didn't continue the conversation and hung up.
After the call ended, he immediately called Desmond back.
"Desmond, I talked to Clara. She said she'll come back as soon as she can," Oliver said, his tone much softer than when he spoke to Clara, with a hint of flattery he didn't even realize.
"Thanks, Mr. Manners," Desmond replied.
He didn't want to wait any longer, fearing things might change, so he had specifically asked Oliver to push Clara.
Whether it worked or not, it made him feel better.
"No need to thank me. But Desmond, the money you lent me before, I've spent it all. So, for now..." Oliver's voice trailed off, becoming slower and quieter until he was barely speaking.
Desmond frowned, feeling impatient. "It's not urgent to repay me. Just return it when you have the money, Mr. Manners."
Oliver was taken aback.
He hadn't heard Desmond say he didn't need to repay it, and he felt uneasy.
"Then I'll repay you when I have the money. Desmond, do you have any extra cash? Could you lend me a bit more?"
Despite the situation, Oliver shamelessly asked.
After returning to Luminous City, he hadn't fully kicked his gambling habit. He had secretly gambled a few times and lost most of his money.
After losing, he wanted to win it back, so he thought of borrowing money.
But the Manners family wasn't as influential as before, and his reputation was in shambles.
Oliver had asked around for loans, but no one was willing to lend him money.
Fortunately, he had encountered Desmond. Knowing Desmond liked Clara, he figured Desmond wouldn't refuse to lend him money.
And indeed, Desmond had lent him money.
Once it happened, it happened again.
Whenever he asked Desmond for money, Desmond lent it to him.
He had even won back the money he lost, but his greed led him to lose it all again.
Thinking it was too much of a pity to stop, he borrowed more from Desmond, but still lost.
Now, he was contemplating how to ask Desmond for more money.
"Mr. Manners, how much do you need and for what? If it's for something specific, I can buy it for you," Desmond said, not directly agreeing to lend the money.
He had only been back in Luminous City for a short time, but Oliver had already borrowed money from him several times.
Even though his allowance was less than before, even if it were the same, he couldn't keep up with Oliver's borrowing!
Oliver replied, "There's no need for that. Why trouble you? Just lend me the money, and I'll handle it myself. Besides, Desmond, you're about to marry Clara. You can start calling me Dad soon."
Desmond was extremely annoyed by Oliver's attempt to establish a closer relationship.
Calling him Dad?
Desmond had never thought highly of Oliver, and the idea of calling him Dad was laughable.
Though filled with disdain, Desmond spoke gently, "Mr. Manners, I've spent my allowance on gifts and surprises for Clara. I don't have any money left. How about I ask my dad for you?"
Oliver quickly refused, "No, no need."
He had seen Gabriel earlier that day.
If he could ask Gabriel for money, he would have done so himself.
Why would he need Desmond to ask?
The reason he couldn't ask Gabriel was that Lucas would likely find out.
He wasn't afraid of much, but he was afraid of Lucas.
Lucas had taken over the Manners family business, but still deposited money into his account every month.
If Lucas found out he was still gambling, that money would probably stop.
Oliver didn't want to lose his last source of income, nor did he want his family to find out about his gambling.
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