Chapter 268

"To be honest, staying would just be awkward now." I forced a smile and avoided Lucas' probing gaze. The situation with Mr. Hastings Senior and Mom had caused quite a stir at the company. Even though no one spoke about it openly, I could feel the whispers and judgment behind my back. Rather than enduring the discomfort, it was better to just leave. Lucas seemed to understand. He let out a soft sigh and didn't press further. "Have you thought about where you'll go next?" I shook my head. "Not yet. I'll just figure it out as I go." Deep down, a quiet voice told me it didn't matter where I went as long as I could get away from all this chaos here. "If you ever need help, you can always reach out to me," he said sincerely. I simply thanked him and left it at that. After we parted ways, I walked home alone. The fall wind howled around me. The swirling fallen leaves in the air mirrored the turmoil inside me. I had no direction, no clear path forward. The sudden ringing of my phone bro