Chapter 16 Showstopper
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When Claudia was about to head out, she made a point to stop by the study door and call out, “Honey, I’m leaving!”
Nero gave a small nod. “Go ahead.”
But Claudia didn’t move.
Nero looked up from his desk. “What is it?”
Why didn’t you call me honey anymore?” She leaned against the doorframe, her eyes full of hope. Though clearly shy, her words were straightforward. “I like it when you call me that.”
Nero’s breath caught slightly. He looked at the girl staring at him from the doorway with those eager eyes. His gaze was fathomless. After a moment-
“Honey.”
There was a trace of helpless compromise in his tone.
Claudia’s face lit up with a dazzling smile. “Okay, I’m going now!”
She lifted her skirt and skipped off joyfully.
kaway u
until her
Watching her bouncing away with barely contained excitement, Nero’s eyes darkened slightly. He didn’t look figure vanished from sight.
But even after that, he couldn’t seem to focus back on the d
documents in front of him.
“Look into her time with the Cloud family over the past few years,” he said.
He wanted to know how her life had been with them.
Simon accepted the order.
Hudsonville Hotel.
The venue for Summer’s birthday party.
The banquet hadn’t started yet, but quite a few people had already arrived.
Yvonne was dressed to the nines, surrounded by several wealthy young heiresses.
Claudia’s not here yet?”
“Is she really going to wear that?”
“This one’s even worse than the last time. Just imagining it makes my eyes hurt!”
“Oh my god, she’s going to disgrace your whole Cloud family!
Their voices dripped with disgust and contempt as they gossiped about Claudia.
And the reason for this chatter was because Yvonne had already sent a picture in the group chat earlier, claiming it was the dress Claudia was wearing today.
-She was sure Claudia would, like every other time, follow her suggestions on what to wear. So she’d confidently spread the photo ahead of time.
Hearing everyone trash Claudia. Yvonne felt smug inside.
“But this is your mother’s birthday party. You’re really going to let her do this?”
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Chapter 16 Showstopper
Yvonne gave a pained smile. “I tried to stop her, but she wouldn’t listen. She insisted on wearing that
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“If you ask me, she shouldn’t even be here! Her showing up is basically ruining the whole event. It’s your mother’s birthday, for god’s sake!”
Seeing the others‘ disgusted expressions, the corners of Yvonne’s lips curled up ever so slightly.
But she let out a helpless sigh. “Claudia’s still my sister, after all. It’s my mom’s birthday. How could she not come? If she ends up embarrassing herself later, I can only ask you all to bear with it.”
in our circle. Just
“You’re too soft–hearted, Yvonne! She’s not even your real sister. Why be so nice to her? She doesn’t belong in our let her fade into obscurity already.”
They talked and laughed, completely forgetting that Claudia wasn’t Yvonne’s biological sister–but the truth was, Claudia was the real daughter of the Cloud family. Yvonne was just the stepdaughter.
If we’re being honest, Yvonne was the one who didn’t belong here.
But Yvonne herself seemed to have forgotten that too. She only wore a resigned look and didn’t argue.
As they chatted, someone suddenly rushed over. “Claudia’s here!”
All their eyes lit up, the anticipation of watching a train wreck clear on their faces.
“She’s here! Ugh, my eyes already hurt just thinking about it!”
“Should’ve brought eye drops today!”
“I wonder what kind of makeup she’s got on this time?”
“Bet it’s awful. Just think of her past looks–goth, emo, clown–core. Why does she insist on punishing our eyes?”
“She doesn’t belong at an event like this. She should be in a circus. They’d love her there..”
The girls cackled without a care, not noticing the odd look on the messenger’s face.
“Actually…” the girl hesitated. “Claudia looks… kind of different today.”
Someone let out a mocking snort. “What, worse than usual?”
The others laughed freely, eyes drifting toward the entrance.
Then, all at once, the laughter died. Expressions froze.
Their eyes widened in shock as they stared at the doorway.
The entire banquet hall fell into a moment of silence. Every gaze turned to the entrance.
There, walking in with serene grace, was a young woman.
Her eyes gleamed like crystal glass, her face delicate and lovely. She wore a lake–blue gown adorned with tiny rhinestones that shimmered like a river of stars with every step.
The dress had been custom–made for Claudia by Nero’s personal request. Her hair and makeup had also been handled by a professional styling team.
There was no way she was dumb enough to wear something Yvonne had picked out. With a husband like hers, was she really hurting for a decent gown?
“Am am I seeing things?” someone muttered in disbelief. “She looks just like Claudia…”
“Is Claudia actually this pretty? All I remember is her ridiculous outfits and terrifying makeup. She used to look like a clown
