The CEO Gets What He Wants

Chapter 646 Maternal Love

Nicole stepped forward, reining in her hostility, and smiled as she snuggled up to Claire.

“Mom, I'm home. I see we have a guest.”

“Mrs. Lambert...” Navya followed her, calling out to Claire meekly.

In the presence of the dignified Claire, even the usually unrestrained Navya became reserved.

Claire's eyebrows furrowed slightly when she saw Nicole and the flamboyantly dressed girl behind her.

She disliked Nicole hanging out with girls like Navya as she always felt that many of Nicole's undesirable behaviors were influenced by her.

Despite her close relationship with Nicole, Claire still nodded at her before saying kindly said to her, “My company is recently planning to hire a group of architects. I really like Ery's design style, so I invited her over to discuss a potential collaboration.”

Nicole's gaze fell on Claire's hand, which was grasping Avery's, and a hint of dissatisfaction gleamed in her eyes.

Avery happened to spot her complex and resentful gaze.

Seeing Nicole staring intently at her, Avery flashed her a provocative smile.

Normally, she would not bother doing such a thing, but Nicole's pretentious look made her want to provoke her.

Sure enough, despite maintaining an indifferent facade, the coldness in Nicole's eyes was unmistakable. The sparks of jealousy in her gaze began to flicker and burn.

Avery found it incredibly ironic. Claire is my biological mother, to begin with. Nicole has monopolized my parents for so many years, so what right has she to give me that look? I am the biological daughter of William and Claire, so why should I be treated as the person who has forcefully occupied someone else's spot?

Naturally, if Nicole had a good character, she did not mind if she could not reunite with her family in this lifetime. However, Nicole was cunning and malicious, so she was scared that her parents might be nurturing an ingrate, and even more so, she feared that the real-life version of The Farmer and the Viper fable would unfold.

However, Claire did not notice the simmering tension between the two girls.

She led Nicole to Avery, saying affectionately, “Ery is truly talented, Nickie. You should address her respectfully since she's older than you. Once our collaboration is confirmed, Ms. Rumpley may frequently visit our home, so you two will probably see each other often. You should get along well with Ms. Rumpley, understand? I know you have deep prejudices against Ery because of Cayden's incident, but matters of the heart can't be forced. Let the past be the past. One day you will understand the words I once told you.”

In Claire's mind, although her foster daughter had done something wrong, it might have been a momentary impulse. As long as she was properly educated, she would still be the same innocent and kind-hearted girl she used to be.

Her feelings toward Avery, on the other hand, were even more complex, containing guilt, joy, excitement, affection, and above all, a desire to make amends.

Nevertheless, whether it was her foster daughter or biological daughter, Claire loved them both sincerely, so naturally, she wanted to give them the best of everything.

Avery will return to the Lambert family sooner and later. Right now, I want to nurture the bond between my foster and biological daughter. Even though I know that my foster daughter must have some reservations toward Avery because of Cayden, I believe that with time, she'll surely come around.

She hoped to see a scene of her two daughters getting along harmoniously.

Despite feeling extremely bitter, Nicole merely nodded in response. “Yes, Mom. I understand all of this.”

Seeing Nicole's considerate attitude, Claire chuckled and said to Avery, “Ery, I've spoiled Nickie too much. She can be quite willful at times, and sometimes she may speak rather bluntly, but she has a good heart.”

“Time will eventually reveal one's true character, Claire,” Avery said, her lips curling into a subtle smile as she made the profound comment.

It looks like Nicole is excellent at putting up a facade in the Lambert family, so much so that even the astute Claire hasn't uncovered her true colors. Let's see how I'll gradually tear off her phony mask.

Claire glanced at her watch. “It's getting late. I'll prepare lunch for you all. Let's go downstairs, Ery. Nickie, take Ms. Rumpley for a stroll in the yard later.”

As she spoke, she naturally took Avery's hand and led her toward the staircase at the side.

Ever since she grew up, aside from Cayden, no one had ever held Avery's hand like that. The woman holding her hand carefully shielded her with her arm as if she was leading a naive child. It made her feel incredibly warm and fuzzy inside.

The feeling of maternal love gave Avery an inexplicable urge to shed tears.

Seeing her foster mother only holding Avery's hand and not even caring about her, Nicole's dissatisfaction reached its peak.

Ever since she came of age, Claire seldom held her hand.

Overwhelmed by jealousy, Nicole deliberately twisted her ankle. With a thud, she fell heavily in front of Claire. “Argh...” she cried out.

“Nickie, what happened to you?” Sure enough, Claire let go of Avery and hurriedly went to help Nicole after seeing her fall.

Navya was quietly snickering at the side. Nickie is truly quite cunning.

Nicole cast a pitiful look at Claire. “I was lost in thought and accidentally fell. I'm such a klutz.”

Claire helped Nicole up, and upon noticing the latter's scraped knee, she shook her head helplessly and said distressfully, “Why are you still as clumsy as when you were a child? You truly know how to make people worry.”

After saying that, she began to kneel down and gently help Nicole massage the bruised area.

Nicole shot Avery a defiant look that said Claire still loved her, so she should not even consider competing for her affection.

Were it not for the inappropriate setting, Avery truly wanted to laugh. Nicole is so immature, resorting to such a childish method to vie for affection. I couldn't bear to hurt myself to win my mother's affection if it were me.