Chapter 517
No Match for Claire Bennett
Daniel Lewis and his daughter Hazel Lewis had become the laughingstock of the whole room. They had originally wanted to use the opportunity to ruin Claire Bennett, but instead they had stumbled into a huge disaster.
Now the two of them stood there at the banquet feeling like a complete joke.
In the end, Hazel Lewis had no choice but to step forward and apologize sincerely. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do it either. I just... I didn't expect Claire Bennett to actually be the Bennett family's daughter. What happened just now... I was blinded by jealousy for a moment. I'm truly very sorry to Claire Bennett, and I hope she can forgive me."
Ruby Sterling watched Hazel Lewis apologize with a cold expression, completely unmoved. She sneered, "If apologies worked, what would we need the police for?"
Claire Bennett didn't want to blow things up too much. She said softly, "Ruby, forget it. Today's Grandma's birthday. Let's not make things unpleasant."
Now everyone knew Hazel Lewis was the one at fault. In everyone's eyes, Claire's response only made her seem tactful and broad-minded, so there was no problem with her forgiving Hazel Lewis. On the contrary, it only helped build a perfect image for herself.
Since Claire Bennett had already forgiven Hazel Lewis, Ruby Sterling couldn't very well keep pressing the matter.
She gave a light huff and said, "You're getting off easy."
Mrs. Sterling was very satisfied with how Claire Bennett had handled herself. Smiling, she said, "Since Claire isn't holding it against her, then let's leave this matter at that."
After saying that, she looked at Hazel Lewis again and said, "Miss Lewis, I hope you'll think before you speak in the future. Don't just say whatever comes into your head without using your brain, or you'll only lower yourself."
Hazel Lewis could only nod repeatedly in shame.
At that moment, not far away, Megan Sterling watched Hazel Lewis fail against Claire Bennett twice in a row, and she couldn't help feeling speechless.
That woman was just too useless. She was absolutely no match for Claire Bennett.
She folded instantly.
Next, the tense atmosphere of the banquet eased a little, and everyone began moving around freely.
Ruby Sterling also brought Claire Bennett over to Julian Sterling. The three of them stood together talking. This time, Mr. Sterling didn't object again. It was hard to say whether it was because he had been too disappointed in Hazel Lewis just now and had a fairly good impression of Claire Bennett, or for some other reason.
In any case, when he saw Julian Sterling walking toward Claire Bennett, he chose to turn a blind eye.
By this point, the banquet was nearing its end. Everyone had scattered to chat with people they knew, and Julian Sterling no longer needed to keep entertaining guests.
Because Mr. Sterling had been blocking him, he hadn't spent any time by Claire Bennett's side all evening.
He said to Claire Bennett, "Come with me."
After saying that, he strode outside, and Claire Bennett quietly followed him.
Seeing the two of them going off to have some alone time, Ruby Sterling revealed an ambiguous and delighted smile and covered for them.
In the garden, Julian Sterling and Claire Bennett took a walk by themselves.
When they reached a bench, the two sat down. Claire Bennett looked at Julian Sterling and asked, "How did I do just now?"
Hearing that, Julian Sterling curled his lips slightly. He reached out and pulled Claire Bennett into his arms, praising her without the slightest stinginess. "You were amazing. You made me very proud."
Just now, he had been a little worried about Claire Bennett, but he hadn't expected that she hadn't needed his worry at all.
Thinking about how he couldn't openly announce Claire Bennett's identity, he tightened his arms around her and sighed faintly. "I wonder when I'll be able to stand by your side and tell everyone that you're mine."
Hearing Julian Sterling's words, Claire Bennett instead comforted him. "It's okay. One day we'll earn Grandpa's approval. He'll accept me."
After saying that, she added a little sourly, "As long as you stop attracting other women. Hazel Lewis alone is already enough of a headache. If a few more show up, I probably won't be able to take it."
Though she didn't actually think they were all that hard to deal with, Claire Bennett still took the chance to complain.
A trace of apology flashed through Julian Sterling's eyes. He said, "Claire, no matter how other women covet me, you're the only one in my heart. The only wife Julian Sterling will ever have is you. That will never change."
He couldn't control what other women felt about him, but he could control himself. He knew that the only person he liked was Claire Bennett.
Claire Bennett smiled. "Okay, I know."
Actually, she wasn't too worried. She still trusted Julian Sterling a lot. But the problem troubling her most right now was what to do about her belly.
That day, she had gone to the hospital for an examination, and the doctor had said there was nothing wrong with her body. Then the problem should be with Julian Sterling, right? But that topic seemed a bit heavy for a man.
Some men had very strong pride and couldn't accept that fact.
How was she supposed to bring it up and ask Julian Sterling to go get examined?
Julian Sterling saw Claire Bennett's hesitant expression, the way she seemed to want to speak but stop, as if there were something hard for her to say.
He asked softly, "What's wrong?"
Since Julian Sterling had already spoken up, Claire Bennett stopped worrying. Having a child was something that involved two people. She couldn't do it by herself and still needed Julian Sterling's cooperation.
Claire Bennett said, "Julian Sterling, do you want to go get an examination?"
Seeing Julian Sterling look over in surprise, Claire Bennett explained, "It's like this. I went for an examination that day, and the doctor said there's nothing wrong with my body. Of course, I'm not saying there's something wrong with you. I just want to make sure, to see whether both of us are fine. If there is a problem, we can treat it sooner."
After Claire Bennett finished saying that, Julian Sterling saw the way she looked at him nervously, waiting for his reaction, and he couldn't help laughing.
How was Claire Bennett so adorable?
She was worried he would get angry, wasn't she? But how could he possibly get angry at Claire Bennett?
Julian Sterling leaned in and kissed Claire Bennett on the lips, smiling as he said, "You don't need to be so nervous. Since you want me to get checked, then I'll make time to go. Sterling Group has its own medical team, and their skills are top-notch too. I'll make time to get it done."
Because of Quentin Sterling's situation, Mr. Sterling had long ago established his own medical team.
Julian Sterling wasn't worried about this issue.
Only then did Claire Bennett let out a sigh of relief when she heard Julian Sterling's words.
She hadn't expected Julian Sterling not to get angry. On the contrary, he was very cooperative and willing to go get examined.
The expression on Julian Sterling's face softened a little. He said gently, "Claire, you were so impressive just now. Grandpa has actually started seeing you in a new light. He thinks Hazel Lewis is completely inferior to you."
He understood Mr. Sterling best and knew what he was thinking. Even though he hadn't said it, deep down that was exactly what he thought.
Maybe from now on, Mr. Sterling would no longer be able to say that he should marry Hazel Lewis.
Claire Bennett smiled when she heard that.
Hazel Lewis had completely brought this on herself. Mr. Sterling had probably liked her quite a bit before, but who would have thought that she would embarrass herself in front of Claire Bennett again and again.
Claire Bennett burst out laughing.
Julian Sterling held her and kissed the corner of her lips, and the two of them enjoyed the brief moment of peace that belonged to them.