Adrian Quincy took her hands, lacing their fingers together. "If Mrs. Hale wants to bring you to the main hall later," he said gently, "just come along with her."
'The m-main hall?'
'But that's where they broadcast live to the whole country! I don't want to be on camera at all!'
Claire Sinclair was startled. "I don't want to go to the main hall. Do I have to?"
"Why don't you want to go?"
"I'm... I'm not mentally prepared to handle such a grand, large-scale event. Please don't push me so hard. I want to take things at my own pace."
Hearing this, Adrian Quincy realized he had been pushing her too hard, trying to rush her growth.
"Alright." He nodded, tenderly stroking her hair. "There's still time. I'll wait for you to catch up."
After saying those cryptic words, the man turned and left.
Claire Sinclair was a bit stunned, as if she had just been dreaming. Her mind was in a haze.
