Chapter 23 " Paperwork ? " " For my visa . " Clarinda made something up on the spot . " Cecily asked me to travel to Trastrica with her . I thought it'd be a hassle , so I didn't want to go . But Matilda heard about it and said she'd arrange someone to handle it for me ." No sooner had she spoken than her phone chimed . 800,000 dollars were transferred to her account . Corbin didn't press further . Instead , he brought up last night . " Didn't you say you wanted to talk to me about something ? What was it again ? " Startled , Clarinda pursed her lips . " It's about the visa . I thought asking you for help would save me some trouble . " " Am I late to the party ? " Corbin chuckled , tilting his head toward the empty gift box on the coffee table . " That was your gift for me , wasn't it ? " Chapter 23 " Matilda saw it . She liked it , so she took it ." Clarinda replied , " If you want one , I'll have Matilda give you another next time . " Corbin nodded , not asking what it had been . " If Mom likes it , then let her have it ! " He didn't care to look deeper . Just like his attitude toward their marriage over the past three years . Clarinda used to think it was because he was gentle and even- tempered . Only later did she realize it was indifference . He didn't care about her gifts or about her . From start to finish , he'd always kept his distance . Now Clarinda no longer minded . She just smiled . " Fine , as long as I don't have to spend money preparing another one ." " Stingy ." Corbin shot her a sidelong look . " I'm not stingier with you than Ambrose , am I ? " Her fingernail grazed her fingertip as she smiled faintly . " You've always been generous . " " As kids , many of her birthdays were spent with Ambrose and his friends . And whenever it came time for gifts , Corbin always managed to pick the one that hit home . He was never stingy . He was a gentleman , willing to make his friend's sister happy . But only as a friend's sister . That answer seemed to please Corbin . He smiled . " Still holding a grudge against your brother ? " " I'm not sulking " Clarinda Whitaker's voice was calm and cool . She had never been sulking at Ambrose . When Matilda left , she hadn't shut the door , and cold drafts slipped in off and on . Clarinda sniffled and changed the subject . " Corbin , I should go ." " " Heading to the clinic again ? " Corbin didn't catch the undertone . Chapter 23 Clarinda didn't explain . She only nodded . " Yeah . Rudolf said he's busy today , so he asked me to help . " " Go on then . Want me to have the driver take you ? " " No need . " Clarinda Whitaker declined . " I can manage on my own . " She'd long been used to being on her own . With that , she pulled on her long down coat and stepped outside into the icy , slick ground where sunlight still spilled across the pavement . After hailing a cab , Clarinda pulled out her phone and transferred the full 800,000 dollars she'd just received to a charity supporting girls from poor families so they could grow up with an education . She hoped every girl could live a real life , standing in the sunlight , free and unrestrained . Not like her . They couldn't end up like her . Corbin watched her figure fade from view , a hint of emotion in his eyes . Chapter 23 That girl from the past , she'd grown up in the blink of an eye . Sarah's anxious voice carried over . " Hey ! Careful with that . Don't drop it ! " Corbin turned at the sound and saw Sarah directing people as they carried things toward the back garden . He walked over , frowning . " What are you moving ?" Sarah answered honestly , " No idea . Mrs. Alden packed it up and asked me to have it shipped . " Something felt off . Corbin lifted his chin . " Open a box and see ." " Wouldn't that be bad ? If Mrs. Alden finds out , she won't be happy ... " " Whose orders do you follow , mine or hers ? " " Yes , sir ." Sarah knew who paid her salary . She fetched scissors and carefully slit the tape . Just as she was about to lift the lid , Corbin's phone rang . " Let me go ! " Chapter 23 Adrienne's panicked voice cried through , breaking into sobs . " Corbin ! Save me ! " Corbin's expression darkened , and he bolted . Sarah froze . " If you don't check , I'll be sending it off right away ... " " Then send it ! " Corbin was too frantic to care . He sped to the hotel like the wind , brushed past the front desk's protests , and reached the room . One kick from his leg , and the door crashed open ! Inside , there was more than one man . Thankfully , Adrienne's clothes were still intact . The moment she saw Corbin , she collapsed to the floor in tears . Corbin's face was stormy , his eyes bloodshot , fury rolling off him in waves . He grabbed a chair and smashed it toward the three men ! When the chair splintered , he used his fists . Each punch landed heavy and hard . Chapter 23 *** When Clarinda got the call from the police , she could only feel the absurdity of it all . Corbin , the picture of refinement , had actually thrown punches . And not just that , he'd taken on three men and left them all worse for wear . When she arrived at the station and saw the bruised men , she froze . " What happened ? " " Clara , don't be mad ." Adrienne walked over , eyes swollen red . " It was all my fault . I drank too much . If Corbin hadn't shown up ... " She didn't finish , but Clarinda already understood . It was the classic tale of a man fighting for his beloved . Only the man in question was her husband in name , nothing more . Corbin looked at Clarinda with a hint of apology . " Sorry to trouble you ." " Not at all . " Chapter 23 Clarinda briskly followed the officer to sign the papers and complete the procedures . Title: ReelTalk EP 40 - Contract Lovers & Heartbreak CrushReel's ongoing romance series, Miss You After Goodbye, continues to captivate on the latest ReelTalk episode. Haley Lohrli dives into her daring new character, while Ben and Josh share insights into their own memorable roles, promising a blend of laughter and heartwarming moments. Exploring themes of love, loss, and unexpected connections, this episode delves deep into the intricate relationships that drive the narrative forward. As the stars reveal their on-screen chemistry and off-screen camaraderie, viewers are in for a treat with each unfolding scene. What sets this episode apart is its ability to balance humor with poignant storytelling, offering a refreshing take on modern romance dynamics. Dive into the world of Contract Lovers & Heartbreak, available to read at CrushReel for a journey that promises both entertainment and emotional resonance.