You Walked Away When I Needed You Most

The moment Sabrina’s words fell, I locked eyes with him.

I had given in once before—because I was too afraid to repeat the same mistake.

This time, I wouldn’t back down.

My gaze pierced straight through him, and for a second, he flinched, as if my silence burned more than any insult ever could.

Grinding his teeth, Sabrina forced a sneer.

"What? You think you can glare at me just because Mr. Linwood is here? You’re just an outsider—are you planning to attack his future daughter-in-law in front of him?"

Before I could speak, Mr. Linwood’s cold snort broke through the room.

“Hmph! If you hadn’t opened your mouth, I might’ve mistaken you for the head of this family. You seem awfully comfortable giving orders, Sabrina.”

His sarcasm was sharp, deliberate—and most importantly, on my side.

Sabrina's face twitched. Even with her shamelessness, being publicly rebuked like that stung.

He turned quickly to Ethan and clutched his arm, pouting in feigned innocence.

“Baby, help me out here! Say something for me, won’t you?”

Ethan looked awkward. He hesitated, then finally turned to me.

“Claire, this is your decision now. Either you do what Sab said, or—”

“No need to waste your breath,” I cut him off flatly. “I never intended to stay.”

My words made Mr. Linwood lurch to his feet in alarm.

“What? No. That can’t happen!”

He stepped forward and gripped my shoulders tightly, voice filled with both urgency and disappointment.

“You’re Linwood’s chief pharmaceutical expert! If you leave, what will happen to those unfinished drug projects? They were your life’s work!”

I smiled, gently prying his hands away.

I knew he wasn’t thinking about profits or market impact.

He just didn’t want me to go.

“Sir,” I said softly, “all the research data is already documented. I’ve personally filed everything, and your expert team will be able to complete the rest without any issues.”

I wasn’t angry. On the contrary, I felt lighter than I had in years.

“As long as you appoint professionals and keep people like Sabrina from interfering, Linwood Pharmaceuticals will be fine.”

I turned to leave, but not before offering one last reminder.

“It’s a pity I can’t stay to help any longer. I hope you find the real heir soon.”

My words struck a nerve.

“What do you mean by that?!” Sabrina exploded. “Are you implying Ethan and I aren’t qualified?”

I didn’t even look at him.

Instead, I turned back to Mr. Linwood, offering a slight bow.

“Sir, Claire is officially leaving.”

I took a step toward the door—but Sabrina rushed ahead, blocking my way with outstretched arms.

“Oh no, you don’t!”

“If you want to leave, then leave the way you came in! Everything you’re wearing, every piece of jewelry, even the car you drove here—none of it belongs to you! The Linwood family paid for all of it. How shameless can you be, trying to walk out like a queen?”

His eyes narrowed, full of venom. He was clearly looking for a fight now.

I stared him down, my voice was like ice.

“If you’re so desperate to find fault, try using facts next time.”

I took a step closer and said, calmly but with unmistakable force:

“In just the past two years, I developed three new pharmaceutical patents for Lin’s. Each has generated an average net profit of over 10 billion.”

“Thirty billion. Do you really think these clothes and a car can’t be bought with that?”

Sabrina’s mouth twitched, the color draining from his face.

He had no comeback. Not one.

I didn’t say it to brag—I said it so he’d understand one thing clearly:

I wasn’t being kicked out.

I was walking away—on my terms.

But just as I turned again to leave, Ethan stepped in front of me and bit his lip, his voice suddenly low and bitter.

“Claire... all that effort... was just to repay the Linwood family for raising you?”