Crossley packed a few clothes and took her bag.
She walked to the bed, kissed her daughter again, her heart filled with reluctance. She looked at her for a full five minutes, then with red eyes, turned away decisively and left.
In the hallway, she encountered Butler He. The old butler, seeing her with the bag, had already guessed she might be leaving.
"Miss Gibson, are you leaving?"
"Yes, Butler. President Owen he…"
"Sir has instructed that Miss Gibson can leave at any time." The butler interrupted her before she could finish.
"…Oh." The woman nodded, her eyes still red. "Butler, I have some matters to attend to, so I'm leaving Raleigh here. I'll come back for her as soon as I can…"
"Alright…" The butler frowned but didn't ask more, gesturing politely, "Shall I see you out?"
"Thank you." Crossley walked forward, but before stepping out of the hallway door, she stopped and turned her head for one last look behind her.
