Chapter 583
Just like that, several days passed–everything proceeded as usual, without surprises or excitement.
The peak of summer had passed, giving way to late summer. The scorching heat from before had faded, replaced by a refreshing coolness in the air, making the weather much more pleasant.
Familiar faces came to visit Claire one after another, including the Muller family, Phoebe, Lucas and Mary, Marlon and Xenia, Trent, Truman…
Cherise and Morris had no intention of keeping Claire hidden. Their loved ones deserved to live openly under the sun–and not just that, but to live happily and freely.
After all, they had more than enough power to protect her.
Betrico University was also on summer break, which was perfect–Cherise now had plenty of time to spend with her mother. After so many years, she could finally enjoy the simple joy of being surrounded by her mother’s love.
On this particular day, Cherise and Claire went to the Summer International Shopping Mall. Claire, whose hair had now fully grown back, strolled leisurely through the mall with Cherise and Xenia.
With the three of them out together, it was as if four different styles of beauty had converged, drawing countless envious glances. The number of heads turning as they passed was undeniable.
*Claire, this store looks great. I know the owner–they have some connections with Taylor Vogue. Since you rarely go shopping, let me take you in for a shopping spree!” Xenia said, still exuding her usual ‘big spender‘ energy.
“Really? Alright then. Xenia, I’m so grateful you two brought me out today. It’s been years since I last went shopping.
Just look at this mall, the design, the clothes–everything is completely different from my era,” Claire said excitedly.
Walking behind them, Cherise watched as Claire linked arms with Xenia, her heart brimming with affection. No matter the era, no matter the age, women would always love shopping and beautiful things.
By now, Xenia had already led Claire into the boutique. “Claire, what do you think of this dress?”
“Hmm… isn’t it a little too revealing around the shoulders?” Claire asked hesitantly, a faint blush rising to her cheeks–an expression more common in young girls.
“Not at all! Come on, it’s the modern era. Showing a little skin is no big deal. Besides, with a figure like yours, you have to show it off, right, Cherise?”
Cherise knew that Claire was still adjusting to the current times, so she smiled and said, “Try it on. It looks great on you.”
Claire actually liked the dress. She, Cherise’s grandmother, and Cherise herself all shared a love for dressing beautifully— not to please others, but simply for their own enjoyment.
Since her daughter had given her the nod of approval, Claire decided it was time to embrace change. She agreed and turned to the sales associate. “Excuse me, could you show me to the fitting room?”
The sales associate had a keen eye and immediately recognized their elegant presence–not to mention, Cherise’s face was quite familiar. Realizing they were VIPS, she quickly responded, “Of course! Right this way.”
As Claire disappeared into the fitting room, Cherise and Xenia exchanged a knowing smile.
“So? How does it feel to have a mom?” Xenia asked, wrapping an arm around Cherise’s shoulder.
She curled her lips into a smile and let out a soft laugh. “It’s great. I used to envy others, but now I finally don’t have that
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Chapter 583
chance anymore. I have someone to rely on and a newfound sense of comfort.”
“Congratulations! Love, family, and even friendship with me–you’ve got it all.” Xenia was actually even happier than Cherise seeing her like this.
Cherise looked at her. “You know, you could easily turn our friendship into family. Just marry my brother.”
“No. I only enjoy the process of dating. As for starting a family, I’m not ready for that yet.” Xenia’s tone was firm–she had her own ideas,
Cherise knew that everyone had different perspectives, and as long as they were comfortable, that was what mattered. She didn’t say anything more.
As if on cue, a familiar female voice rang out. “Oh, Ms. Leach! What a coincidence, we meet again.
And the young lady of the Taylor family is here too! Hello, both of you.”
Upon hearing that voice, Cherise and Xenia exchanged glances before slowly turning around.
“Oh, Ms. Walton…or should I say, both Ms. Waltons.” Cherise greeted them first with a polite nod.
Xenia followed suit but then leaned in to whisper in Cherise’s ear, “Why do we keep running into them? This damn ‘fate.”
Stella, dressed in a pale pink haute couture dress, approached them with Lydia by her side.
Compared to Stella, Lydia was much more low–key–wearing simple denim jeans and a white T–shirt. She had lost the arrogant edge she once carried and looked more like a calm, ordinary student her age.
Cherise’s gaze lingered on her for just a second before shifting to Stella beside her.
As always, Stella was brimming with enthusiasm. “Ms. Leach, I was just talking to Lydia about you, and now here you are!
It really does seem like fate.
Out shopping, are you? Just the two of you? If you have time, I might need a favor. How about we grab a drink and talk?”
Cherise smiled faintly. “Oh? A favor from me?”
Stella nodded. “Yes. One of the directors in Translation Bureau, Mrs. Chivers, has been married for nearly 20 years but hasn’t been able to conceive. She was diagnosed with infertility and wants to consult an expert.
You were the first person I thought of. Could you do me a favor, considering that your late mother–in–law, Hilda, and I were childhood friends?”
Upon hearing Stella’s words, Cherise raised an eyebrow slightly. That was a well–crafted request–bringing up her deceased mother–in–law made it difficult for any regular daughter–in–law to refuse.
But Cherise was different. She was straightforward. “I’m really sorry, but I’m not available–not just recently, but at all.”
The moment she said this, Stella was stunned. “Oh-”
Before she could finish, another pleasant female voice rang out. “Cherise, Xenia, I’m done changing.”
The woman standing in front of the fitting room mirror was wearing a black off–shoulder, ankle–length dress. Many people drew in sharp breaths.
Claire had stepped out of the dressing room, and with her natural beauty, she looked like a picture of timeless elegance radiant and sophisticated.
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After all, a woman who could give birth to someone as dazzling as Cherise was bound to be remarkable herself. Cherise looked toward her mother and curled her lips in satisfaction.
Xenia, however, had already dashed to Claire’s side. “Oh my God, Claire, I think I’m falling for you. You’re absolutely stunning your figure, your looks.
I feel unworthy standing next to you! I should step back. Goodbye.”
Of course, Xenia was just being dramatic. Despite her words, she remained firmly beside Claire.
Meanwhile, Stella, who was standing in front of Cherise, was visibly unsettled. The moment she laid eyes on Cherise’s mother, her expression froze, as if she had seen something utterly shocking.
It took her a moment before she finally found her voice. “Claire…is that really you?”
