---- dipped below the horizon. "I want to spend the night here," Clara said quietly. "You go back to the hotel." Aaron thought for a moment. "How about this? I'll go check out, grab some of my stuff, pick up dinner, and come back to keep you company." Clara nodded. That worked. She walked through each room, checking things over. The cleaning service had done a decent job-it was all in good shape. Clara sorted through a few personal items and made up her mind-she'd list the place with a real estate agent. Other than coming back to visit her mom's grave, she had no reason to return to Silverton. And honestly, she didn't want to. Aaron came back soon after. They had a simple dinner, then called Leo on video chat. Leo was living it up at Elsie's place, happy as a ---- clam. He barely missed them. They booked their return flight to Greystone for the next night. Clara said, "I want to go to the cemetery in the morning. If you've got stuff to do, go ahead." Aaron replied, "No way. I've got to visit my mother-in-law, don't I?" Clara gave him a look. "I'm really not in the mood for your jokes. I need to talk to my mom. Alone." Aaron raised his hands in mock surrender. "I'll stay far away. Promise not to eavesdrop." As the night deepened, Clara led Aaron to her old bedroom. "You'll sleep here tonight. I'll take Mom's room." Aaron let out a deep, disappointed sigh-but he knew better than to push. Some things couldn't be rushed. Clara pretended not to notice and changed the subject. "Do you know a reliable real estate ---- agent?" Aaron raised a brow. "You're selling the house?" Clara nodded. "This place meant something to my mom. But to me? It's just a burden. It takes time and effort to maintain, and I barely come here once every few years. I'd rather sell it and never set foot in Silverton again." Aaron sighed. "That's a shame. These villas are rare-people would kill to own one in this condition. But... alright. I'll ask around." He noticed Clara was sorting the closet and walked over to help. "There's so much stuff... must be tough to go through it all." Clara shook her head. "I already dealt with the valuables. The rest? I don't need it. And none of these clothes fit anymore." Ever since giving birth to Leo, her bust had gone up a size. She couldn't squeeze into her old clothes if she tried. Sierra never stopped teasing her about it, and just thinking about that made her cheeks flush. ---- Aaron spotted a cedarwood box tucked away at the bottom of the closet. It looked old, but the craftsmanship was beautiful-carved with delicate patterns. "This box is gorgeous. Looks like it's been around for a while. What's inside?" Clara glanced over-and suddenly panicked. "Wait-don't open that!" But Aaron was too fast. The box wasn't locked, and he'd already lifted the lid. Inside... was just a simple black men's blazer. "Huh," he muttered. "Fabric's pretty basic. Stitching's nothing special either. Why were you freaking out? It's just a coat." Clara's face went pale. She lunged at him to grab it back. The more anxious she looked, the more curious Aaron became. He lifted the blazer-and something light fluttered out. A yellowed business card drifted to the floor. Aaron picked it up, stunned. Loyalty Law Firm - Intern Attorney Aaron Devereaux He stared at the card, then at the jacket. "This... this was my coat?! Wait a second. You knew me ---- back when I was still an intern?!" Clara turned beet red and covered her face, mortified. Aaron grinned like a wolf. "Hold on, let me think... when could this have been?" Clara snatched the blazer and shoved it back in the box. "Nothing to think about! I forgot all about it!" Aaron, now thoroughly amused, couldn't stop smiling. "No way. This is important! Our first meeting-how could you forget something like that?" Clara backed away. "Think all you want. I'm going to bed!" Aaron grabbed her hand before she could escape. "Wait! I've got it now-you were in high school. Some punks were bullying you in that alley behind the school, right?"