Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 1201

Claire Chase finished speaking with the nurse and turned back to Felix Quigley. "Since you're fine, I'm leaving."

A sudden, suffocating chill instantly extinguished the tiny flicker of hope that had just ignited in his chest.

Felix swallowed hard. The dull, throbbing pain from his surgery mixed with a much sharper sense of despair. He didn't want to admit he was begging her, but his lips moved on their own. His voice came out raspy, almost pleading.

"Are you... not going to stay?"

Claire saw the desperate yearning in his eyes.

But she didn't move.

She didn't soften.

She simply refused to meet his gaze.

Lowering her eyes, she pushed down any lingering hesitation and grabbed her purse from the chair.

Her intention to leave was absolute.

Just as she turned toward the door, it burst open.

"Felix! You're finally awake! Thank God!"

Madeline Lynwood and her mother, Aunt Jean, swarmed into the hospital room, bringing a loud, overwhelming energy that instantly hijacked the space.

"Oh, you terrified us! Madeline has been crying her eyes out. Look how puffy they are," Aunt Jean fussed, making sure Felix knew exactly how devoted her daughter was.

Madeline had already crossed the room in two long strides, seamlessly elbowing Claire out of the way.

Claire stumbled back a half-step, her purse strap slipping down her arm.

She caught her balance and watched, expressionless, as Madeline brazenly took a seat on the edge of Felix's bed. The younger woman leaned in close, arranging her flowers on the nightstand before reaching out to touch his unbandaged hand.

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