Twin Cupids at Work Daddy Come Home novel Chapter 631

A wave of shame washed over Madeline, dragging her gaze to the floor. Claire had really gone all out, desperate to silence her without Julian ever catching on, even dragging her to this remote, wild mountain.

“We’re being hunted,” Madeline said, not bothering to hide it. Their appearance alone had probably already told the old man enough.

“No wonder,” the old man replied, moving dried herbs between his fingers, calm and unhurried. “A group of people stormed in here last night, searching for someone. I’d bet they were after the two of you.”

“They’ve already been here?” Claire tensed. She was always careful. If she’d searched here once, she was sure to come back. Claire would never rest until she found her.

Madeline’s worry spiked. She stood up on the spot. “Sir, thank you for taking us in, but I’m afraid we’ll cause you trouble. We should probably leave now.”

Luke rose immediately, steadying Madeline by the elbow.

The old man kept his eyes on the herbs but didn’t miss a beat. “Take a seat.”

Both of them froze mid-step.

He went on, voice even and low. “The mountain roads are rough. They won’t make it back anytime soon. Even if you plan to leave, wait until your strength returns a bit. There’s no rush.”

Luke glanced at Madeline. “You’ve still got a fever. Better stay and rest for now. I don’t think your body can handle another escape.”

The old man added, “If you insist on heading out and trouble finds you again, there might not be anyone around to help.”

A quiet moment hung in the air. Then Madeline nodded, gratitude softening her face. “Thank you, sir. We’ll accept your kindness.”

…

The Ballard Estate

Claire sat in her car at the estate gates, hands clenched tight on the steering wheel. She couldn’t bring herself to go inside. Maybe it was guilt, maybe fear, but her heart hammered in her chest, every beat feeling off.

She let her mind spiral, trying to guess what the Ballards were thinking, but came up with nothing clear. After wrestling with herself for what felt like forever, she finally managed to summon the courage to get out.

Just then, a guard appeared at the entryway. “Madam, Elders, Miss Claire has returned.”

Shelly’s eyes flickered, emotions rushing up before she caught herself. She hadn’t seen her daughter in over a decade. Her excitement fluttered—only to be quickly shadowed by doubt. Was this really her daughter, or an impostor?

“Bring her in,” she said quietly.

Claire stepped through the doorway, chin high and posture perfect, doing her best to look fearless.

Sitting at the head of the room was a woman maybe in her early forties, still beautiful, her face marked with years of dignity and strength.

Claire’s gaze locked on her. The resemblance to Madeline was striking, and for a second Claire felt a sickening jolt in her chest.

Shelly. The name echoed in her mind.

She froze mid-stride. Maxwell had insisted Shelly was basically lost, her depression so deep she’d vanished for years. How was she suddenly back? Why now, when Claire was least prepared?