Luckily, He Isn't Mr. Sterling

Thinking of how close old Mrs. Sterling had been to her, Claire Bennett felt much better.

As long as Julian Sterling's feelings remained firm, she could keep going with him.

She had only been happy for a moment before she thought of what had happened at Kinley Estate, and her heart instantly turned cold by half.

She and Julian Sterling had ended up together by accident, and after finally making it this far, something like that had happened. She had lost the most precious thing a girl had—her chastity—and from now on, she would always feel lesser in front of Julian Sterling.

And deep inside, there was still fear, a sense of inferiority.

In fact, after learning that Julian Sterling might be Mr. Sterling, what she felt even more was fear.

Fear that she wasn't good enough for Julian Sterling.

Luckily, he wasn't Mr. Sterling.

Julian Sterling held Claire Bennett quietly for a while before casually asking, "Are you very close with Zane Cole?"

Although he already knew about Zane Cole and Claire Bennett, Julian Sterling still wanted to hear Claire Bennett say it herself. He wanted to hear what kind of place Zane Cole really held in Claire Bennett's heart.

"You mean Zane? We grew up together. It's just that after I broke with the Bennett family, I cut off ties with everyone in New York too. Because my mother's condition has improved a little recently, I asked Zane to continue treating her."

Claire Bennett briefly explained her situation with Zane Cole.

Hearing Claire Bennett's words, Julian Sterling's eyes flickered.

It seemed Claire Bennett didn't have any particular feelings for Zane Cole. Although he couldn't guarantee that Zane Cole felt the same way, at least Claire Bennett had no such thoughts, and that was enough to put him at ease.

After Claire Bennett finished speaking, she suddenly remembered something and asked, "I'm just an ordinary person now. Without the Bennett family as backing, I can only rely on my own hard work. You don't mind that, do you?"

Because Naomi Pierce had impersonated her and used the Bennett family's identity, Ethan Sterling had thrown himself into Naomi Pierce's arms. Only now did Claire Bennett think to ask Julian Sterling about this—would he be like Ethan Sterling?

Julian Sterling naturally knew what Claire Bennett was thinking.

He narrowed his eyes and said, "Don't compare me to Ethan Sterling. I'll earn money to support my own woman."

Hearing that, Claire Bennett curled her lips into a faint smile.

Julian Sterling's words were truly overbearing yet responsible, giving her a strong sense of security. He really was different from Ethan Sterling. How could Ethan Sterling possibly compare to him?

"Just now you said Mr. Sterling was preparing for something big. What exactly is it?"

Julian Sterling smiled mysteriously. "Come on, let's go back to the banquet hall. You'll know in a bit."

"But just now Zane..."

"He's a grown man. Once he changes clothes, he'll come over on his own. You don't need to worry about him."

Claire Bennett was still curious about the big matter Julian Sterling had mentioned concerning Mr. Sterling, and in the end, she followed Julian Sterling back to the banquet hall.

In a corner of the banquet hall, Daniel Lewis and Hazel Lewis both had grim expressions.

Just now, because of Zane Cole's appearance, Claire Bennett had stolen the spotlight, and the two of them had completely lost face.

Thinking of the humiliation she had just suffered, Hazel Lewis's eyes reddened.

She had originally thought she would make a glamorous appearance here, but the result had been that. They had looked just that impressive when they first appeared, and just that humiliating afterward.

If it weren't for what was coming later, the two of them would almost have been too ashamed to stay any longer.

Daniel Lewis's eyes darkened as he said, "Earlier, Old Mr. Sterling said he'd announce the marriage alliance between our two families at the birthday banquet. Even though that woman just now stole the spotlight by riding on someone else, we're the legitimate choice after all. Once this news is announced, she'll have neither name nor standing. Then as the lawful wife, no matter how you deal with her, no one will say a thing!"

Only after hearing Daniel Lewis's words did Hazel Lewis's tightly furrowed brows relax.

That's right—she was the lawful wife.

This time, she was definitely going to crush Claire Bennett hard!!

Daniel Lewis said, "All right, get yourself ready now. When the matter between our two families is announced later, you must appear before everyone in your most perfect state. I'll go talk to Old Mr. Sterling about it now."

After hearing that, Hazel Lewis nodded and said, "Okay, I'm going to touch up my makeup now."

...

In the lounge, Old Mr. Sterling was still very dissatisfied with Claire Bennett.

It was true that he hadn't stopped old Mrs. Sterling from inviting Claire Bennett over, but what Claire Bennett had done just now made him dislike the woman even more. She hadn't given him even the slightest bit of face.

Knock knock. The lounge door sounded, and Uncle Ming's voice came from outside. "Sir, Mr. Lewis would like to see you."

Old Mr. Sterling put away all his thoughts. "Let him in."

Daniel Lewis walked in. "Old Mr. Sterling."