Chapter 168: Chapter 168: Worse Than Death (2)
Claire North’s witty remarks continuously amused Mrs. Hawthorne, and after a while, Mrs. Hawthorne asked, "Where’s Raina? I heard she returned to her maiden home first; why haven’t I seen her? Speaking of which, even though she is already married into The Hawthorne Family, as her mother-in-law, I have yet to meet her."
Claire North’s expression remained unchanged; she also wondered where Raina North was.
Today, Raina North was undoubtedly the main character; without her, this whole play couldn’t go on.
Brenda Adler gently squeezed her daughter’s palm and laughed, "I heard Raina came as well; just unsure what she’s busy with? When I see that girl later, I’ll surely give her a talking to. How can the daughter-in-law not be by her mother-in-law’s side when she’s here?"
Claire North said, "My sister must have been delayed by something. If you have anything, ma’am, please instruct me; I will serve on my sister’s behalf."
"Then I won’t stand on ceremony." Mrs. Hawthorne said, looking at Brenda Adler, "Mrs. North, you’re truly blessed to have such a good daughter. If Claire could always accompany me in the future, that would be wonderful."
Brenda Adler’s eyes lit up, just about to speak when someone softly exclaimed, "President Hawthorne and Mrs. Hawthorne have arrived."
Quickly, the crowd stirred and surged this way, but the red carpet acting as a passage was cleared out, and everyone eagerly watched the entrance.
Soon, two figures, surrounded by numerous guards, walked over.
This was Elias Hawthorne’s first time attending such a high-class banquet.
He wore a custom-tailored suit, and the stiff fabric accentuated his tall and slender figure, with strikingly handsome features,
and a dominant, powerful aura that was awe-inspiring, like that of a king, making people daren’t look directly.
In fact, Elias Hawthorne was indeed the king of Southgate.
However, even as captivating as Elias Hawthorne appeared, Raina North standing beside him was no less impressive.
"Is that the Eldest Miss North? She’s truly beautiful."
"To become President Hawthorne’s wife, is just being beautiful enough? A man of President Hawthorne’s status has seen plenty of beautiful women."
"Hey, I never said that Eldest Miss North only has looks going for her. Eldest Miss North looks like she fits perfectly with President Hawthorne at just a glance."
"Are those two President Hawthorne’s young sons? They seem to have such good relations with Eldest Miss North."
"It’s not just a good relationship; clearly, they regard Eldest Miss North as their real mother."
Listening to the constant stream of compliments and praises from those around, Brenda Adler’s expression stiffened a bit, and Claire North’s face turned unbearably sour.
A dark flash quickly passed through Mrs. Hawthorne’s eyes, but her smile grew ever more kindly, turning to Brenda Adler to say, "Mrs. North is truly a remarkable mother to have raised such an outstanding daughter."
Brenda Adler smiled, "Mrs. Hawthorne, you flatter me too much."
"This isn’t flattery but heartfelt words. The daughters Mrs. North raised are indeed outstanding. Not only does Baby Hawthorne see her as his real mother, but even the child she brought into The Hawthorne Family has a close bond with Baby Hawthorne, just like real brothers."
Mrs. Hawthorne was all smiles, full of praise for Brenda Adler.
But Brenda Adler’s expression was rigid, with a hint of distortion on her smiling face.
Cold sweat continually broke out on Claire North’s back.
Isn’t Casper North and Baby Hawthorne actually half-brothers?
Now Mrs. Hawthorne might have said it without intention, but what if someone took it to heart?
Casper North’s eyebrows and eyes resemble Elias Hawthorne too closely; if these words kept spreading and reached Elias Hawthorne’s ears, causing him to become suspicious, everything would be doomed!
Claire North took a deep breath, suppressed her emotions, and then stepped towards Raina North.