Chapter 76
Nathan was caught off guard by her sudden retort, momentarily at a loss for words. He only managed to widen his eyes, glaring at her with an intensity that could bore holes through steel.!
back to her room.
Claire curled her lips into a silent, mocking smile and turned to head back to h
But Nathan’s voice, commanding and imperious, halted her in her tracks. “Stop right there, Claire. Come down here; we need to discuss something. His tone left no room for argument, as was often the case with his habitual orders.
Every fiber of her being wanted to flee from this pretentious family, whose very presence made her skin crawl. The urge to escape this suffocating house of hypocrisy was almost overwhelming.”
Yet, the thought of the ten million dollars made her pause and reconsider. Begrudgingly, she descended the staircase and took a seat on the sofa, her gaze icy as it swept over everyone present.
Nathan picked up his cup of tea, gently blowing on the leaves floating stop before taking a sip. “You’re not getting any younger, Claire. Staying at home isn’t a viable option forever. Your mother and I have discussed it. The Fosters of Northcrest are one of the top families around. Marrying into their family would ensure you live in comfort.”
“Despite your shortcomings, you’re still our child, and as your parents, we want what’s best for you. Naturally, your dowry will be substantial T
Hearing this, Brian’s grip on his teacup tightened abruptly. Nathan’s earlier mention of a way to collaborate with The Fosters of Northcrest now made sense.
But this was not what Brian wanted to hear. An inexplicable agitation surged within him, and he downed his tea in one swift motion, trying to quell the turmoil inside.
Adah’s face was a mask of smiles as she leaned forward, clasping Claire’s hand and giving it a gentle pat. “Claire, your father and I will miss you dearly, but you must understand that daughters eventually leave home. Marrying well while you’re still young is essential. If you wait too long, the choices will diminish. The Fosters of Northcrest are an illustrious family, surpassing even our Linwood family.”
Claire subtly withdrew her hand, lowering her gaze, saying nothing.
Illustrious? If they were truly so wonderful, would they really settle for her? This was nothing more than an attempt to use her to solidify the Linwood family’s status among the elite.
They wouldn’t allow her to refuse, and she couldn’t find a reason to do so.
Claire remained silent, but Ethan reacted strongly. “Dad, Mom, you’re planning to marry Claire off to the heir of the Capital Elite Circle? Why didn’t you discuss it with me first? I disagree.”
Nathan’s expression darkened.
Adah quickly intervened to smooth things over “Ethan, don’t speak nonsense.“}
“I’m
not. The heir of The Fosters of Northcrest isn’t easy to deal with, and he ”
“Enough!” Nathan cut him off with a furious shout, his eyes full of warning.
Ethan clenched his fists. “Claire doesn’t even know this heir. She won’t agree to this.”
The conversation shifted to Claire. Everyone’s eyes turned to her expectantly.
Claire met Ethan’s gaze, her voice unwavering as she declared, “I agree.”
Her voice rang out clear and strong, echoing through the quiet living room.
Nathan, Adah, and Vanessa beamed with satisfaction X
Ethan’s face, however, was a picture of dismay.
Brian, on the other hand, stared intently at Claire, his grip on the teacup tightening until it shattered in his hand. The glass cut into his palm, blood dripping onto the pristine carpet, blossoming into a vivid, crimson flower.2
Vanessa gasped, her voice filled with concern. “Brian, you’re hurt. May, bring the first–aid kit, quickly.”
Vet Brian seemed oblivious to the pain, his eyes sharp and fixed on Claire.X
