Chapter 218

Jack felt the blood rushing to his head, ready to let loose a storm of expletives.

His shoulders were tense, fists clenched by his sides, when Florence stepped between him and the inevitable

disaster.

"Jack, enough!" she said, her voice cutting through his fury

"Clara's your aunt. You're going to show her a bit of respect. She came all the way from Vermont, and this birthday bash could help her make some connections. Let her head out with Charles and Sophia."

Jack's glare shifted from Florence to Clara. "Oh, I heard it loud and clear, Mom. Helping dear old Auntie Clara rub shoulders with Miss Kane-great plan. Let me know when can book my slot to kiss her ring."

Clara raised her chin and smirked. "See that? I'll be on the fast track to the high life once I befriend Miss Kane. Maybe I'll toss a few crumbs your way too!"

That was the match on Jack's fuse.

He slammed his open palm down on the edge of an antique vase, rattling it violently. "Do us all a favor, Clara, and don't make promises you can't keep," he growled.

"Jack, watch your tone," Florence snapped.

"My tone was fine before your precious sister showed up," he spat, then stomped off, slamming the door so hard the walls vibrated.

Ever since Clara's arrival, the spotlight had swung from him to her.

Meanwhile, Charles had arranged a limousine to pick up Sophia and Clara.

Outside, the car was sleek and polished under the porch lights.

A private hangar awaited them, where a gleaming jet stood ready to whisk them away.

They sank into the limo's leather seats, the city lights spinning past tinted windows.

Charles cleared his throat. "Sophia, right, I almost forgot." He reached into his blazer and pulled out an ornate jewelry box. "I thought you might like this for the party tonight."

Clara's eyes glittered with curiosity.

reveal a delicate

softly, though her discomfort was obvious. "But I already have something from my grandfather.

a casual smile. “Don't worry about

snatched the box in a flash, practically shoving it under Charles's nose. “I've never laid eyes on something so exquisite. You said it cost

shrugged, clearly embarrassed by the attention. "A

mix of jealous and awe. "Why would you turn

1/3

Chapter 218

she held out

Charles's movements were hesitant.

trying not to offend either woman. But Clara's eagerness

and clasped it

"Well, Charles, how does it

uncomfortably, hands settling in his lap. "It looks... it's nice on you,

course it's nice," Clara interrupted,

overly sweet smile. "Don't worry Charles. Sophia can take it back from me

tightened. She wasn't worried about the necklace itself-she hated how Clara

it back now,"

niece. It's just for one night. Don't be so small-

again, forcing calm. "It's not about being

here is so generous. Why would I waste a chance to wear

eyes shifted to Charles, brazenly flickering with flirtation. "Surely you wouldn't leave a woman necklace- less, especially on a big night. And later, you can help me

knew Clara's game: promise to

resented how Clara stepped all over people's boundaries as if it were her

you will make the best

she opted

glanced at Sophia, his gaze apologetic, then returned to Clara with a polite

he wanted

Charles's jet, a pristine white aircraft that

filling the flight with her laughter, coy touches,

an ivy, eager

out the

Jack's furious, she thought. Clara's

the air, they landed

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255