Chapter 74

Wren froze in place, a surge of anger and fear crashing through him like a tidal wave, squeezing his chest until he could barely breathe. He tried to suppress the emotions that threatened to overtake him, but his face hardened, and he demanded, "What do you mean?" Clara looked at him calmly, her gaze steady and devoid of emotion. "Wren," she began quietly, her voice firm and measured. "I'm grateful for everything you've done for me. Aunt Katrina was always busy with work, but you raised, protected, and spoiled me. "I'll never be able to repay that kindness. I don't have much to offer, but the things I sent with Aunt Katrina were my way of expressing gratitude." She paused briefly, then continued, her voice unwavering. "I wasn't mature enough before. I put myself in the wrong place and caused you a lot of trouble. For that, I owe you an apology. "I hope you and Ivy can find happiness together. From now on, I'll treat you as nothing more than family—a brother. I won't ent