Chapter 947 Tit for Tat
Lyra noticed Clara's icy stare and felt a wave of unease, instinctively moving closer to Jeffery. Picking up on her tension, Jeffery gently placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his touch offering silent comfort.
Clara caught this intimate gesture, and jealousy flared within her. Forcing a smile, she spoke with a hint of jealousy, "Mr. Gray, and who's this?"
Jeffery frowned slightly, his tone polite but distant. "This is Lyra, a friend of mine."
He glanced at Lyra, his eyes filled with a tenderness only she could understand.
Clara let out a small huff, her voice dripping with feigned hurt and reproach. "A friend, huh... Mr. Gray, you're always so busy with work. I thought we were close, especially since you were so attentive when I was sick."
She emphasized "so attentive," casting a suggestive look at Jeffery.
Jeffery's frown deepened, his tone still courteous but detached. "Ms. Ross, a doctor's job is to care for their patients. I'm glad you're better, but I prefer my time to be quiet."
Lyra listened to Clara's sarcastic remarks, feeling uncomfortable but keeping her cool. She smiled politely, "Hello, since you're Mr. Gray's patient, I assume you're feeling better now? Wishing you good health."
Clara shot Lyra a dismissive look, ignoring her well-wishes, and turned back to Jeffery with a pout. "Mr. Gray, I've been feeling a bit off lately; my heart races sometimes. Maybe you could check on me again?"
She lightly touched her chest, feigning vulnerability.
Jeffery sighed, "If you're not feeling well, I suggest a full check-up at the hospital. I'm off duty now, so it's not convenient for me to diagnose."
Seeing Jeffery's firm stance, Clara's eyes flickered with frustration, her gaze landing on the matching bracelets Lyra and Jeffery wore. Her expression darkened.
"Oh, those bracelets are unique, a couple's set?" she sneered. "Mr. Gray, I didn't peg you for someone who'd wear such girlish things."
Jeffery instinctively tightened his grip on Lyra's hand, responding calmly, "They're a prize from an escape room we just completed, a keepsake."
Clara smirked coldly, "A keepsake? Mr. Gray, you're too smart to be fooled by someone with ulterior motives. Some people might not be as genuine as they seem."
Lyra couldn't hold back any longer, meeting Clara's gaze with determination. "What do you mean by that?"
Clara crossed her arms, her chin raised defiantly. "What do I mean? You know exactly what I mean. Don't think I can't see through you. You're just after Mr. Gray's status, trying to climb the social ladder! Look at you, using all sorts of tricks."
Lyra's face flushed with anger, her body trembling slightly. "Watch your mouth! I respect him for his compassion as a doctor, and I won't let you slander him like this!"
Jeffery's expression turned stormy. He stepped in front of Lyra, shielding her protectively, his eyes cold with anger.
"Enough!" His voice was low and commanding. "My patience with you ends here."
Clara was taken aback by Jeffery's imposing presence, involuntarily stepping back, yet stubbornly holding her ground. Her lips trembled, wanting to speak, but her throat felt constricted.
She wanted to tell him she liked him! From the first time they met, she was captivated by him!
But why couldn't she say it?
Her eyes reddened, tears stubbornly welling up.
Lyra felt a pang of sympathy watching Clara's struggle and was about to say something when Jeffery gently pulled her back.
His gaze remained icy, but his tone carried a hint of impatience. "Let's end this here. Please, don't bother us again."
Clara seemed struck by his blunt words, her body jolting as tears finally spilled over.
She opened her mouth, her voice choked and broken. "I... I just..."
But the rest was swallowed by her overwhelming emotions.
Jeffery didn't respond further, simply taking Lyra's hand, ready to leave.
Just then, Clara cried out desperately:
"Jeffery, I like you! I've liked you for a long time!"
Her voice echoed through the empty hall, drawing curious glances from those nearby.
"From the first time you spoke to me kindly, patiently asking about my condition, I was hooked! I cooperated with the treatment just to see you more. But why... why did everything change when she showed up?"
Jeffery paused but didn't turn around, speaking softly.
"I only care for you as a doctor does for a patient, nothing more. And..." He hesitated, his voice softening, "My heart already belongs to someone. Continuing this will only hurt everyone."
Clara closed her eyes in despair, tears flowing freely. When she opened them again, Jeffery and Lyra were already several steps away.
She sank to the ground, clutching her head, her shoulders shaking violently. The surrounding noise seemed distant and irrelevant.
After a long while, she slowly stood, wiping her tears with her sleeve, her eyes still pained but now resolute.
She bit her lip and turned towards the bustling street, her silhouette filled with a sense of loneliness.
Lyra watched Clara's solitary, determined figure, her heart tightening. She instinctively pulled away from Jeffery, ready to follow.
Jeffery quickly stopped her, frowning slightly. "What are you doing? She just caused a scene. Why bother?"
Lyra, anxious, spoke rapidly. "I'm worried she might do something rash! Her emotions were so intense just now. What if she does something foolish? We can't just stand by and do nothing!"
Jeffery saw the concern in Lyra's eyes, feeling a warmth spread through him. Despite being hurt, she still cared for others, a kindness that made him cherish her even more.
He sighed, looking in the direction Clara had gone. "If you're that worried, let's go check on her."
Lyra's eyes showed gratitude as she nodded firmly. They quickened their pace, blending into the crowd, following the path Clara had taken. The street was crowded and noisy, making it difficult to find a lost soul.
Lyra's eyes scanned the crowd like searchlights, growing more anxious the longer they searched without success.
Jeffery remained calm, gently soothing Lyra's back while recalling the general direction Clara had gone, leading Lyra through the streets and alleys.
"Maybe she went to the park?" Jeffery suggested suddenly. "People often seek quiet places when they're upset."
Sure enough, at the entrance of a nearby, somewhat deserted park, they spotted Clara's solitary figure.
She sat on a bench, hugging her knees, her head buried, her shoulders occasionally shaking with suppressed sobs.
The setting sun cast a long shadow, adding to the scene's melancholy.
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