Vera had thought Ian Lockwood would never appear before her again, yet here he was. Beset by one crisis after another, she didn't want him getting any closer, for fear of dragging him into her disasters.
Ian Lockwood's expression was a complicated mix of emotions, but worry was the most prominent. "Vera, so much has happened. Why didn't you tell me?"
"Ian, you were right to leave. Being near me only brings endless trouble."
"You should know that's not what I'm afraid of."
"I've already told you everything. You of all people should understand how dangerous my situation is. You were right to leave."
For Vera, the last thing she wanted was for the people she cared about to be targeted because of her. The best way to keep Ian Lockwood safe was to never see him again.
Over the past two days, Ian Lockwood had been struggling with a great deal of internal turmoil. It was undeniable that Vera's secrets had truly shocked him.
