Finley owned plenty of properties, but only one had Claire’s name on it—a house in the next neighborhood. The Lloyd family gave it to her when they found out she was pregnant. 

Now, with the divorce looming, Claire just wanted some peace. She didn’t care if it was Finley or Renee; she wasn’t in the mood to deal with either of them. 

“Isn’t there a house in the neighboring community?” she asked coolly. “Why not let Miss Slutsky stay there? It’d be more convenient.” 

Finley frowned, caught off guard. “That’s your house.” 

“If she needs it, she can use it,” Claire said flatly before turning to head upstairs. 

“You’re not having any pumpkin soup?” Finley called after her. 

“No.” 

She hated pumpkins—and pumpkin soup most of all. 

When she came back down later, the living room was empty except for Emma, the maid, who was clearing the table. 

“Mrs. Lloyd, Mr. Lloyd and Miss Slutsky went to the house in the neighboring community,” Emma said quietly. 

“Okay,” Claire replied, barely glancing up. 

Not long after, her phone buzzed. It was Finley. 

“I’m not coming home tonight. Renee’s afraid of the dark, so I’ll stay here with her.” 

“Alright.” 

Claire’s calm reply threw Finley off. Feeling a flicker of guilt, he tried again. “I’m sorry, Claire. Renee’s still like a kid—afraid of the dark, scared of ghosts. I can’t leave her alone. Tomorrow’s your birthday. I’ll be back to celebrate, okay?” 

“Okay.” Claire didn’t bother with anything else and hung up.