Chapter 143

Cindy's tone carried a hint of probing. I tried to deflect. "My ankle is fine. Thank you for your concern." Cindy paused slightly but showed no intention of leaving. Instead, she spoke up. "It takes a long time for an injury like that to heal completely. Let me take you upstairs." I thought my words would have been enough to create some distance, but Cindy insisted on following me. I suspected she had something else on her mind, so I didn't refuse. However, when she stepped into the room I was staying in, her eyes flashed with a hint of disdain. I was very familiar with the look of contempt. Well, that was understandable. After all, she was staying at Fortuna Inn's famous mountain-thatched cottage. During the peak season, it would cost at least eight thousand dollars a night. It was a far cry from my room, which only cost two hundred dollars a night. "Thank you, Ms. Lane," I said calmly. "Since I've reached my room now, there's no need for you to stay." "Nance, I mean no harm,"