Part 3The Foster Daughter's Departure

It was almost 1:00 PM when Mason and I arrived at the restaurant.

The afternoon graduate exam started at 2:00 PM, but we had to enter the exam room half an hour early.

Calculating the time, I didn't have time to stay for lunch.

So, before opening the private room door, I explained the situation to Mason:

"Mason, I'll go in, give the gift to Chloe, and then I have to catch the subway to the exam center."

Mason looked at me with pity. "You're not going to eat anything before you go?"

"I'll buy a couple of buns at the entrance and eat them on the way. I really don't have time. It takes about half an hour to take the subway from here to the exam center. I can't delay."

Mason agreed, but suddenly changed his tone:

"Harper, don't call me 'brother' in front of Chloe. Remember to call me 'Mr. Vance'."

"After all, she's my real sister. I can't give her the illusion that I want both of you. Between the two of you, I have to choose one, and I must choose her, understand?"

I clenched my fists, forcing a smile.

The brother who used to dote on me now only guarded against me.

"I'm sorry, I forgot to change how I address you."

"Don't worry, from now on I will treat you like a stranger and never call you 'brother' again."

With that, I consciously stepped back, putting distance between us.

Just then, a waiter carrying a tray of dishes filed past, almost bumping into my back.

Mason grabbed me and pulled me to his side, scolding the waiter:

"Watch where you're going! You almost spilled soup on my sister's back! She has an important exam today, can you afford to delay her?!"

The waiter apologized profusely.

I smiled bitterly. So Mason did know today's exam was important to me.

Then why did he keep stabbing me in the heart, over and over again?