Chapter 1
Claire Adams returns to her rented house, and as soon as she pushes open the door, her stomach turns even more as she's hit with the strong odor of herbs and the pungent smell of smoke. The room was a mess, the table and floor covered in garbage and fruit peels. Megan Adams slouched on the couch, smoke greeting her with a misty look in her eyes. The moment she saw Claire return, she rose to her feet and said to her with a smile on her face, "Finally, sis! Come on, give me some money." "I have no money." Claire frowned and tried to walk towards her room, but Megan got in the way. Megan puts her smile back on and shows an impish look, "No money? Do you think I'm stupid, you work at a kindergarten, I heard from my uncle that you get paid today!" "Uncle hasn't paid me in half a year!" Claire clutched her pocket tightly. It was the money she had saved with great difficulty, and she had just taken it out today to buy medicine for her mom. "I don't care! Give it to me! Don't make me do it to you!" Megan pushed Claire so hard she fell to the ground, and then snatched all the money out of her pockets, opened the door and fled. Claire tried to go after her, but just as she reached the door, Lily Martin came trembling out of the bedroom and called out to her, "Claire, don't go after her, let her go." "Mom, that's the money I saved for your medicine." Claire's eyes were full of grievances, and her eyelashes fluttered. "I'll just take a little less medicine. Your sister is also well-intentioned, wanting to ease the burden for the family, you have to understand her more." Lily said, her tone was filled with helplessness. Reducing the burden means taking her hard-earned money to gamble? "Mom, that money ......" Claire's words have not finished, was interrupted by Lily: "Claire, the landlord today to call the rent again, as if it is killing. You get the money ready, give it to her quickly, we Adams family do not owe others." Claire's fingers froze slightly. "What's wrong?" Lily sensed something strange about her. "Nothing, Mom. I know, get some rest." Claire lowered her head, her voice faint, her heart heavy, as if she were weighing down a stone. Since her father's death, her uncle had taken over her family's house and kicked them out. The 60-square-meter rented house became the only asset for the three of them. The large bedroom was reserved for her mother, the small bedroom for Megan, and her room, a converted utility room, was pitifully small. Apart from a small bed and a crude coat rack, there was little else. Claire had just walked into the house when a message from her uncle rang on her cell phone: Claire, get the money ready, you don't want to see the school your father worked so hard to build destroyed! Money, or money! If they knew that she had been secretly married to Derek Stone, they would have pounced on her like wolves and emptied her of all her money. At the thought of Derek and his outrageous behavior, Claire ran to the dilapidated bathroom and brushed her teeth until her gums bled, but everything still felt so dirty. When she's done, she collapses on her cot, her heart pounding like a tidal wave, making it even more suffocating. She curled up, like a little fox, stubborn and heartbreaking, her eyes glistening with water. If the five million dollars given by Derek's grandfather hadn't gone to that man, none of this would have been so difficult. A tear slid down her cheek, she wiped it away with the back of her hand, and reflexively touched the bracelet that held her thoughts, but only found a bare space, remembering that it should have been dropped at Derek's house. She wanted to call Derek, but hesitantly put down her cell phone, and sighed, "Forget it, he's not going to help her look for it, he'll just throw it away if he finds it. Tomorrow she'll go back and look for it herself. Early the next morning, Claire was woken up by the ear-piercing ringtone, as soon as she answered the phone, she heard her uncle's agitated voice: "Claire, you're a dead girl pretending to be dead, aren't you?" "What's wrong?" As soon as she uttered her voice, she realized that her throat hurt so much that her voice was a bit hoarse. It was all Derek's fault! "Why didn't you reply to the messages I sent yesterday? I was in a hurry, but you were still sleeping! Have you gotten the money yet?" Claire frowned at the noise, put the phone away from her ear and said, "No, Uncle, can you give me a little more time?" "No need! I knew you were useless, I didn't expect you at all. Dress up today and come to the Hyatt Hotel at six o'clock tonight!" John Martin's tone was strong and commanding: "I'm telling you, this is an opportunity that I've struggled so hard to get, don't mess it up for me!" After hanging up the phone, Claire rubbed her sore throat, immediately got up and started to get busy, cooking for Lily, cooking medicine, working all day, until the light went down, she started to clean herself up, picking out one of the sexiest dresses from her closet. It was an expensive dress that Derek had bought for their first anniversary to be a good example for her grandfather. She'd always thought it was too revealing and had never worn it, but she didn't think it would come in handy today. Just as she was about to leave the house, Megan came back and said sourly, "You said you didn't have any money, where did you get that dress? My God, or Dior high-custom, Claire, you are with the big money to make friends? Why don't you introduce me?" Claire frowned in disgust and tried to shake her off, but Megan pulled her back, "Where are you going dressed like that this late?" "None of your business." Claire smacks Megan's hand away, closes the door and walks away, not seeing Megan's expectant gaze for a moment. Just as she arrived at the Hyatt Hotel, John Martin took her arm in a hurry and made the arrangements for the evening crystal clear on the way upstairs. It was only then that Claire realized she was meeting with the demolition manager, Luke Bennett, a single man in his thirties. Before entering the private room, John winked at Claire, "Claire, I promised to let you meet him, this is a hard opportunity, you have to take it." Claire nodded, took a deep breath, and made up her mind. As long as she could keep the kindergarten, she was willing to do anything. Pushing open the door, Luke, who was sitting in the front seat, looked up when he heard the commotion, and his eyes were instantly attracted by Claire's figure, and he froze for two seconds. Her fair skin, long eyelashes, sparkling watery eyes, cheeks slightly flushed, like a shy peach blossom. Luke looked like a gentleman, but his heart was in turmoil. He just held the mindset of trying, did not expect to be able to run into such a beautiful girl. Claire held back her sore throat, extended her hand in a not too hoarse voice, and politely said, "Hello, Luke, I'm Claire Adams." "Hello, Claire," Luke said as he stood up and took her soft, smooth hand in his, "I'm the manager of the demolition department at Centurion Realty, Luke Bennett." Claire's smile faltered at the sound of his voice. Surprisingly, Astoria Real Estate ......Derek's company?
Chapter 2
It seems Derek Stone was well prepared for his divorce, knowing full well what that Kindergarten meant to Claire Adams. "What's wrong, Claire?" "Nothing." Claire Adams withdrew her hand, then smiled at Luke Bennett, "I just didn't expect to run into a company the size of Astoria Real Estate, Luke, just call me Claire." "You don't have to call me Luke, just Luke, come on, Claire sit down, I don't know what you like to eat, so I just ordered something." Claire Adams sniffed and was ready to sit next to John Martin, but John poked her in the back and she sat down next to Luke. Luke opened the wine and said, "Claire, it was nice meeting you today, let's have a drink." Claire Adams gulped, moistened her cracked throat, and tried to say no, but when she thought of school, she just said yes. Luke poured her a full glass, and even though he'd already gotten the lowdown, he asked, "Claire, how old are you?" "Twenty-three." "Oh, that's pretty young, I'm thirty, I'm an old man in front of you." "No way." "In fact, these years, chasing me a lot of girls, but I have been busy Adams career, do not have time to manage the relationship, the result of a flash will be thirty years old, in fact, I especially like to do education work girl, think this kind of girl is very caring, in the future become a family, will also be a good wife and mother." "Luke you're right, my niece's merits can't be counted on ten fingers, twenty-three years old, still as simple as a piece of white paper, she hasn't talked to a single boyfriend." John Martin said positively, not hesitating to push Claire Adams out as a bargaining chip. "Really." Luke's face showed a happy expression, no different from other men, he said, "John, thank you very much for your matchmaking today, Claire is indeed very much in line with my expectations of the other half, I now have a career, the only thing that is missing is a family, if Claire and I can make it work, the school's business is my business, I just don't know, what Claire means. Claire means." With that said, Luke turned around, a gentle look on his face staring Claire Adams in the eyes. Claire Adams buried her eyes, her hands clenched, could she say no? Watch the school be razed to the ground? Or put her dignity on the line and beg Derek Stone to continue to be humiliated by him? No! Remembering last night's nightmare experience, she immediately decided to say yes to Luke first, at least Luke would help her, he was much kinder than that creep! Just as she was about to speak, a man's voice from outside the door cut her off, "I didn't realize that teachers are so busy nowadays." Claire Adams immediately froze. This voice ...... who else could it be but Derek Stone? How could he be here! The next second, the door was unceremoniously pushed open from the outside, Derek Stone wearing a well-tailored suit, will be his broad-shouldered narrow waist of the good figure wrapped properly, a knife-cut deep face, scarlet thin lips, but also sexy and charming. But the beauty of his perfect features was completely ruined by his iron face and sharp eyes. John Martin still did not know who was coming, and was about to go up to stop, but Luke stood up, looked at Derek Stone and said with a forced smile, "Derek, what a coincidence." He seems to deliberately avoid the position as if, the words do not have a little bit of complimentary meaning, compared to the superior and subordinate, more like a friend, which makes Claire Adams a little surprised. Derek Stone's kind of people, there are friends? Derek as if he heard her thoughts, a cold eye shot over, swept up and down a Claire Adams dress, fell on her white gully, said with a smile but not a smile: "This should be the Starlight Kindergarten teacher, quite dedicated ah, during the day to call the leader, the night contains the leader? " When Claire Adams heard this, her face was suddenly furious with a burst of green and red, could he humiliate her on a separate occasion? Luke wrinkled his eyebrows, not the slightest bit guilty, walked over, blocked in front of Claire Adams, blocking Derek Stone's line of sight: "Derek, you misunderstand, Claire is my girlfriend, we come out to eat a meal together." "Girlfriend?" Derek Stone tone ghostly, in hearing Luke call Claire's name, eyes obviously narrowed, full of dangerous flavor snort: "In that case, do not mind if I sit down to eat together." "Sure, just as an introduction to you guys." Luke hid the embarrassment on his face, wondering what tune Derek, who was usually at odds with him, was singing today. Luke picked up a glass of wine, handed it to Claire Adams and said, "Claire, you toast to Derek, not only is he my childhood friend, but he is also the president of Astoria Real Estate, my boss, you can call him Derek." Upon hearing the word "president", John Martin, who had been sitting on the side and had not dared to say anything, immediately changed his attitude and gave Claire Adams a wink. Who knows that always listen to his words Claire Adams, this time, but ignored, mute voice, not humble and not supercilious back: "Sorry Derek, I'm allergic to alcohol." Derek Stone unexpectedly did not get angry, but his fingers on the desktop crisply knocked, narrow eyes lifted to stare at Claire Adams, knowingly asked: "What's wrong with your voice?" Claire Adams' face flushed uncontrollably, and while her heart had already cut Derek Stone to a thousand pieces, her face still courteously replied, "Fever." "Oh? So ah ......" Derek Stone pulled a long tail tone, seemingly smiling, and then the tone of voice and facial expression violently gloomy down: "But I today, have to drink you can not?"
Chapter 3
Claire Adams hears these words, frowns at Derek Stone, her tone growing more and more irritable, "So what do you want?" "What, you're pissed off after busting your secret scene?" Derek Stone raised the corner of his eye, his face flashed with a trace of emotion that was hard to recognize: "Claire Adams, is the Stone family lacking you to eat or wear, actually letting you make a fool out of yourself in the name of being single?" Embarrass him? That was ridiculous, when had she ever admitted to their relationship? "Derek Stone, don't be so harsh, Luke Bennett and I are just dating, he doesn't know about my relationship with you, so how can he be ashamed of you?" Derek Stone, apparently oblivious to the point of Claire Adams' statement, snorted, "Luke Bennett, that's very kind. Do you think it's a normal relationship as long as you don't take your pants off?" "Derek Stone, please watch your language, you have no right over me. We agreed the day we got married that we'd stay out of each other's way." Derek Stone heard that, the smile on his face instantly disappeared, and he became completely cold. It was the first time she'd mentioned the agreement, and her mind was set on Luke Bennett, who had only met him once, and whose appearance had made her so moved? "Claire Adams, say that again?" "I said you have no right to control me!" "I see you've got a good voice, how dare you yell at me so loud. a few kind words from Luke Bennett and you're ready to jump into his bed, aren't you?" Said, Derek Stone's body leaned over, confined her firmly in his arms. Claire Adams tried desperately to stomp on him with her legs, but he clamped one hand firmly around her swollen ankle. "Get off me, Derek Stone, what I do to him is my business!" If he hadn't purposely tried to tear down that nursery, she wouldn't even be dressed like this to meet other men! And what was he forcing her to do? "Your business is my business, and as long as you're not divorced, you're mine!" Claire Adams froze as if she'd been struck in the heart, instantly biting her lip. Derek Stone saw her well-behaved look, the corner of his mouth surfaced a smile of satisfaction, and then stretched out his finger in her red lips, seeing her bite her lips can not help but sneer: "Claire Adams, I loathe you, but that does not mean that you can betray me, or else you'll be the same as your school, death can be ugly. " Before the words left his mouth, Derek Stone gave her a violent shove, pushing her away from him and practically slamming her head against the car window. Claire Adams froze, Derek Stone's words made her realize that he was the only person she could rely on at that moment. In front of him, she didn't have the strength to fight back. Silent for a moment, she carefully asked, "Derek Stone, school ...... can not be demolished?" "Divorce." The blue light of the cell phone screen is reflected in Derek Stone's cream-colored shirt, he exhaled a mouthful of smoke, the action of clamping the cigarette complemented his near-perfect jawline, no temperature. "Besides the divorce?" Claire Adams inquired cautiously. Derek Stone looked up from his cell phone screen, swept her a glance, and smiled casually, "Want to use your body?" Claire Adams coughed a few times, not answering. "Do you have any idea how much money I could make opening a property there? Is your body worth that much? I'd have to sleep with you for a hundred years to get my money back? What's more, I don't want to touch you at all." Said, he will half a cigarette extinguished in the cigarette box, hands crossed, white shirt sleeves stopped just above the wrist bone, posture like the emperor. Claire Adams suddenly lost the strength to fight back, sighed: "But, it can be used as a school house, it will be sold better, the price will be higher, isn't it?" Derek Stone, expressionless and suddenly amused by her comment, responded dismissively, "Your shitty school." Claire Adams clenched her fists softly and remained silent, the school was old, but it was her father's belief that at least none of the children had suffered. If the school was gone, what would happen to the two hundred and thirty children? Promise Derek Stone a divorce? But without ten million dollars, there was no way to get out of this marriage! While she was worried, the car arrived at Stone's house. Derek Stone nonchalantly threw a piece of chewing gum on her lap: "Get the stink out of your mouth." With that, he got out of the car. Claire Adams glanced at his back, realizing that there were already limousines parked outside Stone's house, and relatives and friends were all here, wondering what kind of special day it was. No wonder Derek Stone showed up at the Hyatt Hotel today, and didn't kick her out of the car in the middle of the road, so he wanted her to accompany him in the movie. Claire Adams opened her mouth and took a breath, the strong smell of alcohol came to her face, and while peeling the gum, she thought to herself, "This guy is really strange, he doesn't feel the stench when he drinks, obviously he forced her to drink. After finishing her gum, Claire Adams limped up to Derek Stone, who took the door in his stride before stopping and waiting patiently for her. When she finally came to her side, they walked in side by side like a "loving couple". As soon as she pushed open the door, a happy figure jumped into Derek Stone's arms, hugged his waist, and rubbed against his chest with a smile: "Brother, why did you come back so late, Ningning misses you so much!" It turns out that the special day is Sophia Stone returned to China, last night Derek Stone specially rushed back to mention divorce with her, right. Derek Stone's face showed a smile, rubbed Sophia Stone's hair intimately and said: "Sophia has grown taller, and is about to surpass her brother." "Not at all, brother is so tall, Ningning only reaches your chest here!" Claire Adams was on the side, almost sick to her stomach. They have obviously slept together many times, but here they are acting like brother and sister who haven't seen each other for a long time, it's stomach-churning. Derek Stone patted Sophia Stone on the back, and caught a glimpse of Claire Adams' sad face. After ten seconds or so, Sophia Stone reluctantly let go of Derek Stone, and seemed to have just realized that Claire Adams was also here, and said in surprise: "Sister-in-law, you are also here! It's been a long time, you are getting more and more beautiful." She pretended to smile, turning her back to her elders, her voice was sweet but she couldn't hide her disgust. After saying that, she reached out her hand to Claire Adams to straighten her clothes, seemingly unintentionally revealing the string of star bracelets. Claire Adams froze. This is her bracelet!
Chapter 4
Sophia Stone sees Claire Adams staring at her wrist, lifts her head and stares back, responding with a provocative look.Claire Adams is about to open her mouth to ask a question, when Emily Mason in the living room suddenly interrupts her, "Come on in, don't stand in the doorway." Derek Stone cast a sidelong glance at Claire Adams, and then walked in with Sophia Stone, leaving Claire Adams alone behind, who didn't care, limping slightly to keep up with her, her mind filled with thoughts of the bracelet. "Mom." Derek Stone called out faintly. Claire Adams immediately followed with a smile and called, "Granny." Emily Mason, who was originally wearing a smile on her face, suddenly turned cold when she saw Claire Adams, simply pretended not to see her, and directly said to Derek Stone, "Chengcheng, the company's staff said that you had already gotten off work long ago, so why did you delay until now? Where have you been?" She said, alertly glanced at Claire Adams, her eyes seemed to imply that Claire Adams must be the one causing trouble here, deliberately delaying. "Oh, there is a female employee in the company who has a bad working style, and she took the initiative to make improper transactions with her superiors, and I bumped into her, so I delayed a little bit to deal with it." Derek Stone's voice was relaxed. Improper dealings? Claire Adams clenched her teeth, but had to hide her anger from the world. Derek Stone gave her another lingering glance, seemingly unconcerned. Emily Mason tsked, "Young girls these days really don't know what to look for, how many of them work hard? It's rare to find a simple girl like Sophia." She stole a glance at Claire Adams, and then admonished Sophia Stone, "Sophia, you need to use your head more, or you'll just get bullied. Women in society are much more complicated, and you can learn from Claire to teach you how to marry a man as good as your brother." Subliminally, Emily Mason is alluding to Claire Adams' tactics in taking down Derek Stone. Claire Adams didn't bother to argue, not with the fact that everyone except Stone's grandfather had already labeled her as an unscrupulous snake, and there was no point in arguing. She'd never intended to stay in the Stone household, and if that's what they wanted, then so be it. "Claire, come to dinner." Alexander Stone's voice came out, obviously heard Emily Mason's words, with a little bit of dissatisfaction in his tone. Claire Adams answered, hurriedly walked to Alexander Stone's side, and called out, "Grandpa, how is your health these days?" "Uh-huh." Alexander Stone put his hands behind his back, although he was already 73 years old, his hair was still dark and shiny, his body was in good shape, and he wore a loose-fitting white cotton linen shirt, which made him look imposing. In appearance, Derek Stone resembled his grandfather. "How have you and Shiro been doing? Has he been bullying you?" "Why yes, Grandpa, Derek is so good to me, practically holds me in his hands." Claire Adams laughed as she wrapped her arms affectionately around Alexander Stone. "Hmph, if only he was that understanding... Claire, if he ever bullies you, just tell Grandpa, and he'll back you up!" Alexander Stone's face was serious. "Grandpa, you're really great, you can cure Derek Stone's disobedience." Alexander Stone laughed, his usual seriousness turned into a loving face. Derek Stone watched this scene from afar, but could not help but recall the situation when his grandfather insisted on forcing him to marry Claire Adams, and could not help but frown. This grandfather, who was not even satisfied with the mayor's daughter, instead favored Claire Adams, I really don't understand what is so attractive about her. Sophia Stone gently pulled Derek Stone's sleeve and asked, "Brother, what are you staring at?" "Nothing, let's eat." After Derek Stone finished speaking, he raised his feet and walked towards the restaurant. Sophia Stone followed Derek Stone's gaze, and saw Claire Adams smiling like a flower, and the good-natured look on her face instantly turned to disgust. She then self-consciously sat next to Derek Stone, and as soon as she was seated, she heard Alexander Stone's voice questioning, "Claire, you sit next to Chengcheng, and if there is any dish that you can't get, just let him clip it." Sophia Stone's movements stopped abruptly, Derek Stone did not make a sound, Claire Adams had to respond forcefully, "Good." Against the hostility in Sophia Stone's gaze, she forced herself to sit down next to Derek Stone. She'd just eaten, and now she was eating again, albeit with a little alcohol, and she looked at the food in front of her, and instead of her appetite going up, she felt a little sick to her stomach. Derek Stone secretly glanced at her, but gave her a piece of fat pig's trotters and put it into her bowl, smiling "gently", "Claire, eat some pig's trotters, it's good for your skin." Alexander Stone, who was sitting in the main seat, smiled with satisfaction when he saw Derek Stone being so "considerate". Claire Adams barely managed to squeeze out a smile: "Thank you, Derek, how did you know that pig's feet is my favorite food!" The word "favorite", she said through gritted teeth. Derek Stone wore a gentle smile and said lightly, "I know a lot more than that about your favorite food." At this point, Alexander Stone asked, "Claire, what's wrong with your voice?" Claire Adams blushed like an apple, and was about to use the old trick of explaining that she had a fever, but Derek Stone snatched it away, "I choked on my food yesterday." Hearing this, Claire Adams' face reddened to the base of her neck. "Oh...... "Alexander Stone asked with concern, "What can you choke on eating, so delicious?Claire, remember to eat slowly next time." "Ahem, got it, Grandpa." Claire Adams coughed dryly twice, her body was so hot, she bit her lips tightly, and glared weakly at Derek Stone, wishing to shoot him through with her eyes. Derek Stone just smiled, his eyebrows raised slightly, a hint of teasing in his eyes. But this subtle expression in Sophia Stone's eyes has become a flirtation, especially obtrusive, her hand under the tablecloth can not help but clench hard. See Claire Adams delayed to move the chopsticks, Sophia Stone deliberately smiled, like a lovely sister said: "Sister-in-law, the food is getting cold, but this is the sister-in-law from the daytime to stew, the heart is very good, you quickly taste whether it is suitable for the taste." Sister-in-law ...... Claire Adams looked up at Nina Carter who was sitting next to Emily Mason, her face full of disgust for Claire Adams, not even a hint of hiding it. Claire Adams knew that both of them were daughters-in-law of the Stone family, so it was inevitable that there would be comparisons. Although she did not bother to compete for the performance, but Nina Carter secretly regarded her as a rival, in order to attract Sophia Stone, in the weekdays did not give her face. Especially when she and Derek Stone appear at the same time, no matter what they do, Nina Carter will feel that it is in front of her on purpose to show love. Claire Adams retracted her gaze, stared down at the bowl of fat, and told herself that even if it was arsenic, she would have to swallow it, or else she would be caught in the act again. But things do not go against their wishes, the ideal is full, the reality is that her stomach is not competitive, just bit a small mouthful, felt a strong stomach, had to cover the mouth all spit out. "Well..."
Chapter 5
The atmosphere at the table turned stark. Claire Adams awkwardly drew out a paper napkin and apologized as she wiped it off, "I'm really sorry, I'm not feeling well today, I don't have much of an appetite." "Since you don't have an appetite, don't force yourself." Nina Carter pretended to be considerate, but in her heart, she secretly remembered all the things Claire had done, and felt that she was deliberately making herself look bad. She smiled weakly and said falsely, "Maybe I'm just a bad cook." "How could it be, sister-in-law, Lily's pig's feet are your signature dish. When I was abroad, I thought about this dish every day, maybe it's because Claire's taste is higher and not to her liking!" Sophia Stone was apparently trying to make peace, but in fact, she was secretly pushing the issue. Claire heard, is ready to helplessly explain, did not expect Alexander Stone suddenly interjected, with a few expectations in the eyes: "Claire, you are not, pregnant?" "Ahem." Claire covered her mouth with a tissue and coughed again. Derek Stone sat on the side, his eyebrows slightly wrinkled, if this can win the lottery, then Claire is really unmatched. Sophia didn't get a negative answer, her heart lifted, she gripped the sidecloth tightly, and looked nervously at Derek for confirmation, "Bro, are you guys for real?" "Grandpa, don't guess, the company has so many things to do, I'm too busy every day, I haven't been home for the past six months." His meaning is very clear, Derek and Claire haven't lived as a couple for half a year. The expression on Sophia's face was then slightly relieved. Nina's heart became balanced, and she finally smiled, as if she was watching Claire's joke. Claire lowered her head in shame, not daring to look at anyone. Alexander said to Derek with slight anger: "You know you are busy, busy, busy, work and family are not in conflict, including busy, you should go home more often to spend time with Claire, or just let her move to live near your company." "Claire has to go to kindergarten every day, this place is close to her, don't worry, I will take good care of her." Derek responded "obediently", with a sincere face, not the slightest crack. Claire still kept her head down, her heart was pounding with anger. He had the nerve to use the nursery as a shield! "By the way Claire, how is your kindergarten doing?" Alexander asked with concern. Claire immediately looked up, stayed for two seconds, pinched her fingers, and tried to squeeze out a very forced smile, "Well, it's not bad, Grandpa." "That's good." Derek slightly sideways head, looked at a gloomy Claire, slightly surprised in his heart, like Claire such a deep hearted woman, shouldn't she take the opportunity to perform well in front of grandpa? I thought that the kindergarten matter was over, but I didn't realize that Emily Mason had seized the opportunity to ramble on, "Claire, it's not that I'm saying that you should think about changing your job, too. Working in a kindergarten is just a pool of stagnant water, with low salary and no future, not even comparable to an elementary school teacher. For a daughter-in-law of a family like ours to take up such an unskilled job, isn't it hurting our family's face? Besides, you can see how busy Derek is at work, you can't help Derek at work, and you can't even eat a hot meal at his place." Claire gripped the chopsticks tightly, stirring in the bowl, this kind of words she has heard countless times, also answered many times. There was no way she was going to give up her father's work and her love for the Stone family's attention, and try to become an accessory to Derek Stone. "Why don't you say something?" "Granny, I ......" "Claire, you go see if the fish head is steamed in the kitchen, we'll talk later." Alexander suddenly interrupted, as if to relieve her. "Okay Grandpa." Claire stood up with a sense of relief and walked quickly towards the kitchen. Sophia, after a few seconds, also stood up, took Emily's bowl and said, "Mom, I'll go get you a bowl of rice." Emily nodded, and Sophia hurriedly followed to the kitchen. Derek glanced at the empty seat beside him, and his brows tightened. This woman is really brain-dead, knowing that her position is in danger, she might as well take the opportunity to do a favor, leaving herself a reasonable reputation. So stupid, really do not know how she married him in the first place. When Sophia arrives in the kitchen, Claire has just served the fish head and is carrying a large ceramic pot out, when she bumps into Sophia. Claire is surprised that Sophia is so blatant, even in the presence of her elders. "Claire, are you sick? How dare you use the old pregnancy trick, fortunately Derek poked you, this kind of thing hit the face of pain?" Claire didn't bother to argue with her, the bowl in her hand was hot and slippery, she needed to put it on the table urgently, she wanted to go around, but she didn't realize Sophia was in front of her again. "Claire, you're so cheeky. Your husband hasn't touched you in six months, and you still won't divorce him? How disgusting he is to treat you like this. If I were you, I'd be dead already!" Sophia's words made Claire panic. Seeing that she wouldn't give up, Claire could only frown and say impatiently, "Sophia, what are you doing? Why don't you just treat me like I'm invisible like before? I've never been in the middle of anything between you two, and I've never made a scene, isn't that enough?" Sophia's face changed and her eyes glared, "Of course it's not enough! Tell me why this bracelet was on the carpet in your bedroom!" Sophia pointed to her wrist, revealing Claire's star bracelet. "It's my bedroom, isn't it normal for it to fall in there? Is it funny to say you're snooping around in someone else's privacy? Or is it the fact that Derek has another woman that makes you so sketchy." Claire shot back, but despite her aggressive behavior, she was too upset about what had happened with Derek last night to let anyone know. "Don't give me that, do you really think I'm three years old? Those curly hairs on the carpet, you should know what they are!" Sky ...... Claire never expected Sophia to find something so humiliating. Women in love are really Sherlock Holmes. Claire's face instantly turned red, "Think what you want, can I have my bracelet back? This is not something Derek paid for." "Tell me if you want the bracelet, or I'll break it!" The bracelet was just a trinket, and it was a bit naive to threaten Claire with it, but Claire cared deeply about it, because it meant a lot to her. "Sophia, give it back!" Claire leans towards Sophia, who, with a glare in her eyes, smacks her hand towards the bottom of the wobbly disk in Claire's hand. Claire was unprepared, and the next thing she knew, the plate in her hand flipped over, and the whole plate of boiling hot fish head soup splashed onto her chest!
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