Skylar Hayes paused what she was doing for a moment, then smiled and said, "Of course I’m not surprised. The person who took over caring for Cherie told us that your film crew fronted the medical fees, but the crew belongs to Seth, so of course he was the one who paid.

"Besides, he was always there whenever I went to see Cherie. Don’t you remember? He was there that time you called Cherie."

It dawned on Clara Grant, and she smiled and nodded. She had completely forgotten about that.

Speaking of Cherie, though, it had been a long time since she’d last gone to see him.

"Hey, Mom, why don’t we go see Cherie together tomorrow? I haven’t seen him in ages, and I have no idea how his recovery is coming along."

As soon as she said this, Skylar Hayes’s hand, holding a dish, trembled slightly before she quickly steadied it.

’It seems Seth Quinn hasn’t told her about Cherie. And I don’t know what Seth might have told Clara... so what should I say now?’

"What is it, Mom?" Seeing her mother staring into space, Clara Grant asked nervously, "Are you feeling unwell again?"

"Oh, no, no." Skylar Hayes waved her hand dismissively. Afraid Clara would see through her, the words tumbled out before she could think them through. "Um, you were asking about Cherie? He’s all better now. And, uh, his mother came and picked him up a few days ago."

’I’ve hardly ever lied in my entire life. But both then and now, helping Seth Quinn deceive my own daughter... it’s all for her happiness!’

’I just hope Clara doesn’t blame me when she eventually finds out the truth.’

"What?" Clara Grant was shocked beyond belief by the words Skylar had just blurted out. She asked, her words slow and deliberate, "Cherie was taken away by his mom? When did that happen? Why didn’t anyone tell me?"

This barrage of questions left Skylar Hayes completely flustered. She had no choice but to pass the buck to Seth Quinn. "You... you should go ask Seth. He handled the arrangements, so he knows more about it."

Clara Grant spun around and headed for the living room. Skylar Hayes quickly turned off the stove and hurried after her. ’I haven’t even gotten our stories straight with Seth! What if what we say doesn’t match up?’

’I know Clara’s temper. If she finds out Seth Quinn deceived her with no warning like this, she might get angry enough to demand a divorce.’

Clara Grant’s earlier shout had been quite loud. Seth Quinn was just about to get up to see what was wrong when he suddenly saw her storming out of the kitchen.

He shot to his feet, looking her up and down as he asked, "What happened just now? You didn’t get burned, did you?"

Clara Grant was in no mood to answer that. She waved a dismissive hand at him and demanded, "Seth Quinn, what on earth is going on with Cherie?"

Seth Quinn’s heart sank. Their relationship had improved so much over the past couple of days, and he had been planning to tell her the truth. But he had been so caught up in their sweet moments together that he had completely forgotten about it.

’Did my mother-in-law just let it slip?’ he wondered. ’Well, maybe it’s for the best. I can use this opportunity to finally tell her the truth. If I keep lying, things will only get more out of hand.’

Seth Quinn swallowed nervously and said, "Clara, please don’t be angry. About Cherie, just listen to my explanation..."

Afraid he would say something that contradicted her story, Skylar Hayes opened her mouth, about to prompt him. But Clara Grant cut him off first. "Forget explaining anything else. Just tell me this: is Cherie completely healthy now?"

Seth Quinn nodded. ’Cherie was never sick in the first place,’ he thought. ’So saying he’s healthy now isn’t really a lie, is it?’

"Clara, the truth is, I’ve been meaning to confess and explain this to you for a while now..."