When Left
CHAPTER 171

Chapter 171 Feeling Like Betraying Her 

Jerry’s sleep was incredibly light. Without removing his eye mask, he extended a long arm, revealing an innate familiarity with his surroundings as he opened his hand. 

With a profound sense of relief, I placed the earplugs into Jerry’s palm. Jerry swiftly inserted the earplugs and promptly returned to his slumber. 

o murmur softly. 

Avery let out a long sigh of relief, leaned over, and, after a moment of contemplative silence, began to “Hope, I was deliberately trying to annoy Jerry just now. Actually, he’s a really good person.” 

“What?” I queried, puzzled by Avery’s sudden disclosure. 

Avery rested her head on my shoulder. “I have a bad relationship with my father because his mistress. I hate him for betraying my mother.” 

I was taken aback. 

Avery continued, “When I was young, I was not in good health and always stayed in the yard without leaving the house. After that incident, I moved out of the Hammer family manor and even blamed Jerry for not leaving with me.” 

I lowered my eyes. “He probably matured earlier.” 

Avery sighed, her voice tinged with regret. “Later, I realized he was much smarter and more rational than me. Staying was the right way. Otherwise, everything that belonged to my mother and us would have been taken away by the other. woman. I was too naive and impulsive.” 

Hearing this, I comforted her, “You didn’t do anything wrong. As long as it doesn’t hurt others, it doesn’t matter how you choose.” 

Avery must have been quite young at the time. In youth, how many truly understand complex situations? 

Avery shook her head. “No, I was wrong. I moved out, yet continued to enjoy the luxuries provided by the Hammer family’s status–all because Jerry shouldered the responsibilities meant for me.” 

I gently rubbed Avery’s head. “But he probably never blamed you. 

Jerry seemed indifferent to many things, but it was evident he cherished Avery deeply. 

After a moment of silence, Avery suddenly called out to me, “Hope.” 

I smiled. “What’s up?” 

Avery hesitated for a long time before stammering. “Does Mr. Lewis only like girls like you?” 

I was slightly stunned, surprised by Avery’s frankness, and replied calmly, “I’m not sure, but don’t worry. I have made it clear that there will be nothing beyond friendship.” 

Avery asked, “Then what are his hobbies…” 

Chapter 171 Feeling Like Betraying Her 

Jerry suddenly spoke through gritted teeth. “Avery Hammer! Whatever you’re thinking, give it up. Otherwise, I’ll break your legs before he has a chance to sell you.” 

His tone was cold and harsh. 

Avery recoiled and retorted angrily, “How dare you eavesdrop on our conversation!” 

“Who was eavesdropping?” Jerry took off the earplugs and threw them at Avery. “You shouldcomplain to the seller about these crappy earplugs. They’re worse than stuffing your ears with air. At least air wouldn’t hurt.” 

Avery stomped her foot in frustration. Jerry’s gaze hardened. “You better heed my warning.” 

“Got it!” Avery responded reluctantly and added, “I just think he’s gentle and considerate. If we were to marry, it might be beneficial.” 

Jerry’s expression remained indifferent. “Am I doing so poorly that you need to sacrifice your life?” 

“Okay, I see.” Avery responsed simply. 

However, my intuition told me Avery hadn’t truly given up. She just didn’t want to anger Jerry. 

After arriving in Maple Valley, Jerry first took Avery back to the Hammer’s before escorting me to the Harris family 

Manor. 

Claire Harris was elated to see Jerry and me. While they conversed, I hung up the clothes I made for her and carefully 

ironed them. 

“Hope!” Claire feigned a look of displeasure as she stood up and guided me to the sofa. “The servants can handle these. Sit down, have some coffee, and chat with me. Must you do everything yourself?” 

I chuckled, “This is part of my job.” 

“You diligent bee!” Claire exclaimed, holding my hand and then addressing Jerry. “You just mentioned you were going to have Hope help you deceive your parents?” 

Given their close relationship, Jerry didn’t shy away and nodded. “Yes.” 

Claire’s face grew concerned as she turned to me. “He didn’t force you, did he?” 

“Claire, what do you take me for?” Jerry sighed, exasperated. 

1 smiled reassuringly. “No, I have something to ask him for as well.” 

Claire didn’t inquire about it, but she did voice a grievance. “Whether you and Hope are genuine or not, it warms my heart to see you together, Bella probably won’t come back…” Holding back her tears, she looked at Jerry with the demeanor of a caring elder. “Let her stay in my house for the next few days, and you must bring her back to me by ten every night.” 

“Claire. Bitterness spread through me at her words. 

F/33 

Chapter 171 Feeling Like Betraying Her 

Claire patted my hand and looked at me seriously. “You’re a girl all alone; it’s not easy. I consider you like a granddaughter and will be your support from now on. Are you willing?” 

Not only was I astonished, but even Jerry seemed taken aback by her declaration. His expression briefly turned cold. 

my Jerry 

I knew felt a sense of injustice for Bella. Kimberly had taken Bella’s place in the family, and now, was Claire trying to use me as a stand–in? 

Instinctively, I wanted to shake my head, but then I noticed Jerry’s expression soften. He said, “Just agree.” 

I couldn’t figure out what Jerry was thinking. 

After lunch at the Harris family estate, I sought a quiet moment to explain. “I didn’t expect Claire to say that.” 

Jerry looked down at me, puzzled. “Hope Royston, why do you always feel the need to explain yourself? In this scenario, if anyone’s at fault, it could be me or Claire, but definitely not yo 

you.” 

I wasn’t sure. Perhaps the Harris family’s high status made me wary, and I feared being misunderstood as having 

ulterior motives. 

Jerry suddenly got up and left abruptly, but halfway down the hall, he spun around, grabbed my hand, and led me out of the dining room, pulling me all the way to the yard we had visited last time. 

Bella’s yard! 

Jerry let go of my hand, pushed open the door, and stood there, staring at the furnishings inside for a long time. His thin lips moved. “I don’t blame Claire because even I sometimes think you are her. If it weren’t for Claire’s health being too fragile to handle intense emotions, I might have taken both of you for a paternity test.” 

I pursed my lips. “Didn’t you already check?” 

When Johnson made me doubt my identity last time, Cecil had helped confirm it. I had always been Hope, not Bella. 

Jerry looked at me with a self–deprecating smile. “Isn’t it ironic? Reality tells me you’re not her, but my subconscious keeps pushing me toward you.” 

Jerry closed his eyes, pain evident on his face, his expression reflecting his inner turmoil and conflict. “Sometimes I 

feel like I’m betraying her.” 

Chapter Comments 

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