Chapter 585
56%
+5
The sudden appearance of Stella seemed like nothing more than an insignificant interruption. The three of them–Cherise, Claire, and Xenia–continued their shopping, picking out the things they liked.
Once they were back in the car, Claire finally spoke up about the encounter with Stella in the boutique. “That Stella… she’s managed to keep herself looking pretty good over the years, smooth skin and all.”
Xenia, who was driving, turned her head in surprise. “Wait, Claire, you actually know her? So, were you just trying to brush her off for Cherise back there?”
Claire nodded. “Yeah. I heard her voice while I was in the fitting room and realized Cherise was turning her down.
Cherise usually doesn’t refuse people, so if she turned her down, it’s because she didn’t like her. That’s why things went the way they did.”
Cherise, sitting beside Claire, smiled softly after hearing this. It wasn’t for any particular reason–she just felt a warm, reassuring sense of protectiveness from her mother, which made her secretly happy.
Xenia, who was in the front seat, gave Claire a thumbs–up. “Claire, you’re amazing. I didn’t realize you had such strong fighting skills!
And about Stella, you said she’s looking good, smooth skin and all. Please, Claire, you’re in a whole different league. Just look at all that collagen in your face–I’m jealous.
And you’ve had two kids, while she’s never even been married. Seriously, there’s no comparison.”
Everyone loves a compliment, and Claire couldn’t help but smile at Xenia’s words. “I just love how young people like you can see right through everything.”
*****
At the same time, Stella and Lydia were sitting in the car. After the incident in the boutique, Stella no longer looked as relaxed as when they first arrived.
“Aunt Stella, did you not find anything you liked? Or is it because of what happened in the store that’s putting you in a bad mood?” Lydia glanced at Stella before speaking.
Stella pursed her lips when she heard Lydia’s question. “You were standing right there, you know what happened.”
It’s strange how people often don’t show their best side to their own family. Stella seemed to be subtly blaming Lydia for not helping her earlier.
Lydia noticed the displeasure on her face and replied, “I heard Cherise call her ‘Mom.‘ So that’s her mom. They really do look alike. I always thought Cherise was like me, without a mom. Looks like she’s way luckier than I am.”
Stella found that interesting too. “Come to think of it, it’s strange. Everyone knew Claire died from a gunshot wound during the Astamia battle. How is she still alive? Could it have just been a misunderstanding back then? I don’t get it.”
Stella furrowed her brows, clearly puzzled.
But after a few seconds, it seemed like something clicked in her mind. She turned to Lydia, her voice slightly excited. “Your dad should know something about this. You should ask him next time.”
Lydia was confused. She propped her chin up and asked, “Why would my dad know?”
Realizing she had said something she probably shouldn’t, Stella hesitated for a moment. After thinking for a bit, she cleare her throat twice before answering, “Lydia, you’re old enough now, and since your mom passed away when you were born, tell you.
14:24 Fri, 21 Feb
Chapter 585
356%
Every year, there’s a ranking contest for the top beauties at all the universities in Betrico. It was the same in our time. I remember it clearly–Claire and I were in the same year.
She was from Broania University, and I was from Betrico University. Typically, students from Betrico look down on Broania because of the rankings.
But that year, during the university alliance beauty contest, Betrico University actually lost to Broania University. I represented Betrico, and Claire was the representative from Broania.
To be honest, it didn’t mean much to me—it was just a title.
However, Claire was very popular with the boys back then. Many people went to Broania University just to see her.
She was a beautiful young woman, and anyone would be lying if they said they didn’t envy her.
“You father’s quite a bit older than us, right? And he liked Claire–he even pursued her. When he sent me to Gavoria for the competition, he fell for her at first sight.
During those days in Gavoria, he even had me give her quite a few small gifts, but she wasn’t interested at all.
However, after returning to Clusia, he had some good job opportunities lined up, so he just let it go.
But after his career started to take off, he tried to reach out to her again. By then, she was already with another man, ready to settle down. Your father’s a competitive guy, and he just couldn’t bring himself to chase after a married woman.
Besides, Claire didn’t come from a great family—she was from a remote village. If your father had won her over, your grandparents definitely wouldn’t have approved.
So in the end, it all just fizzled out.”
After saying this, Stella shrugged.
Lydia stared at her with wide eyes. “I didn’t know Dad had such a one–sided love story.
“But I have a question. Aunt Stella, do you think family background is really important? You mentioned that Claire came from a small village and didn’t have a great background.
“I heard Cherise has a similar background, but doesn’t she have her own abilities?”
At this, Stella quickly covered Lydia’s mouth. “Shh, I’m telling you this in confidence. Never say this in front of your grandparents. They care a lot about family status. If they hear you, they’ll criticize you.”
“What if my mom had a background even lower than Claire’s?” The moment Stella finished speaking, Lydia asked eagerly, looking directly at her.
Stella reached out and tapped Lydia’s forehead. “You child, what are you saying? Why are you acting so strange lately? There’s no ‘what if. Your mom is a brilliant person, which is why you turned out so beautiful and well–behaved.
Let’s stop talking about this, alright? Driver, take us home.”
It was clear that Stella’s answer didn’t satisfy Lydia. The tension in her neck was visible, with veins starting to show. But deep down, none of the people around her seemed interested in seriously listening to her thoughts.
Lydia took out the crumpled, slightly yellowed piece of paper from her bag, and looked out the window, her head tilted.
No matter how colorful and bustling the world outside was, or how passersby laughed and joked with each other, it all felt
