Rebirth to take revenge
Chapter 164: The Exhibition

Chapter 164: The Exhibition

Seeing Emma put down her chopsticks, Leander quickly asked,

"Grandma, you don’t like eating these things? But you were really happy just now and said you liked me very much."

An embarrassed smile appeared on Emma’s face as she replied,

"Grandma was just teasing you. Why wouldn’t I like chicken drumsticks? It’s just that I’m full after eating half."

As she spoke, Emma pretended to be aggrieved and wiped away her tears, making Claire feel uncomfortable.

Seeing Emma’s expression, Claire couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

Emma truly adored Leander—it was clear she loved him to the core.

If Claire wasn’t mistaken, Emma was the typical type who had a sharp tongue but a soft heart.

However, her obsession was a bit extreme.

After all, Leander was still too young to understand such things.

Thinking of this, Claire couldn’t help but worry about Emma.

Even though Leander was exceptionally intelligent, he was still only five years old.

Claire sighed and looked at Alex, saying,

"Honey, look at Mom. She’s about to cry. Please comfort her."

Upon hearing Claire’s words, Emma stopped crying instantly.

She looked up at Alex with hopeful eyes.

Alex smiled, patted Emma’s shoulder, and said,

"Alright, don’t cry. We’re all family."

"Okay!" Emma nodded repeatedly, her eyes gleaming with excitement, though tears still lingered.

Just then, Claire noticed someone entering through the door.

She turned her head and met Lucy’s gaze.

"Claire?" Lucy seemed surprised as she walked over.

As Lucy approached, Claire realized she was dressed in formal business attire, looking every bit like a professional.

This was quite different from the spoiled young lady Claire had known before.

Claire eyed Lucy with suspicion, feeling a sense of wariness rise within her.

Lucy hesitated for a moment before speaking, a trace of bitterness in her tone.

"Claire, at the very least, we’ve met before. I’m actually happy to see you today. I’m currently working at the former Phillips Corporation—though it’s no longer called that."

"But I really want to find my own place and live a fulfilling life every day."

Lucy smiled, but her expression carried an undercurrent of unease.

Claire narrowed her eyes slightly.

"Oh, really? Congratulations, then."

Her tone was calm, giving away nothing about how she truly felt.

Lucy’s heart sank at Claire’s indifference.

"I’m sorry, Claire, for the trouble I caused you before."

Lucy lowered her head slightly, her voice carrying a hint of sincerity.

"It doesn’t matter. I’ve forgotten about it," Claire replied casually.

Hearing this, Lucy frowned, puzzled by Claire’s reaction.

"Claire, I hope we can get along peacefully from now on and not be at odds like before."

Lucy spoke carefully, choosing her words with caution.

Her initial goal had been Josh, but since she had cut ties with him, she no longer wanted to make enemies.

Claire gave a small, innocent smile, as if she didn’t understand Lucy’s meaning at all.

"Miss Lucy, you misunderstand. I don’t have any resentment toward you. Besides, we haven’t interacted for a long time."

Lucy’s expression changed slightly, a flicker of irritation crossing her face.

"Do you look down on you?"

"Miss Lucy, please don’t think that way," Claire replied with a gentle smile.

"How could I look down on you? I was simply stating the truth. You don’t have to be so defensive."

Claire’s tone was light, but there was an undeniable sharpness behind it.

"Between Josh and me, there was never anything inappropriate. If I truly wanted to harm you, I wouldn’t have let go in the first place. Do you think I’m a fool?"

Claire’s words made Lucy’s face darken.

She had once done terrible things to Claire because she desperately wanted Josh.

But now, all of that was in the past, and she no longer held any grudge against Claire.

"Claire, thank you for forgiving me. You saved me, after all. If you ever need anything, just ask."

"Don’t mention it," Claire said lightly. She had never been a woman who cared about wealth or status.

Lucy nodded and left the restaurant without saying anything else.

Emma, who had been watching the exchange, glanced at Lucy’s retreating figure, her expression shifting unpredictably.

"Claire, who was that? Why did she suddenly show up?"

Claire raised an eyebrow slightly and said,

"Just an old acquaintance. Nothing important."

"Oh."

Claire said no more, picking up her chopsticks and continuing her meal.

After dinner, Alex chatted with Emma for a while before taking her home to rest.

Later That Night

At nine in the evening, Alex entered the bedroom and saw Claire wrapped in a bath towel.

His eyes lit up instantly.

"Baby, are you inviting me?"

Claire blushed and shot him a glare.

"Dream on! Go take a shower!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Alex grinned and walked into the bathroom.

Watching his retreating figure, Claire couldn’t help but smile.

This guy was getting more and more annoying!

No, when he came out, she would definitely give him a good scolding!

The sound of rushing water filled the room as Claire sat on the edge of the bed, flipping through a magazine.

But her mind was elsewhere.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that Lucy was acting strange today.

She wasn’t the idle, carefree person she used to be—she felt like an entirely different person.

Regardless, this was the last time Claire would see Lucy, and she wouldn’t actively provoke this woman again.

Claire closed the magazine and lay down on the bed.

When Alex came out of the shower, he saw her looking thoughtful.

"What’s wrong? Are you thinking about that woman today?"

Alex walked to the side of the bed and kissed Claire.

Claire was kissed until she couldn’t breathe and struggled a few times, but she didn’t push Alex away.

His kiss became even more frenzied, as if he wanted to blend her into his bones and blood.

Claire was kissed until she was limp and could only let Alex do as he pleased.

"Alex, you... um..."

Claire was about to say something, but Alex blocked her lips, swallowing her words.

After a long time, Alex let go of her and looked at Claire with burning eyes.

"Claire, how about I acquire the Phillips Corporation for you?"

Claire’s face changed slightly upon hearing this.

Lucy used to be the heiress of the Phillips Corporation. If Alex acquired it, wouldn’t the hatred be transferred to her?

Thinking of this, Claire quickly refused.

"No! I can’t afford this favor."

She was so anxious that she started sweating, explaining that she had no connection with Lucy and didn’t want to see her again after this incident.

"I was just suggesting it, I didn’t mean anything else."

Alex looked at Claire’s nervous expression and smiled playfully.

He knew exactly what she was worried about.

"Well then, I’ll let you go for now. If you ever change your mind, just let me know anytime."

With that, Alex planted a light kiss on Claire’s forehead.

Claire’s head was buzzing.

Why did this man have to be so explicit with his words?

"Okay, okay!"

Blushing, Claire nodded and quickly hid under the covers.

She really didn’t know what to say.

Seeing her reaction, Alex couldn’t help but laugh.

He knew Claire was shy and didn’t want to talk about such things, so he stopped teasing her.

Alex lifted the covers and lay down next to Claire, wrapping an arm around her. He closed his eyes and quickly fell into a deep sleep.

The Next Morning

While Claire was still asleep, there was a knock on the door.

She frowned and groggily opened her eyes.

"Mom, wake up! We’re going to the exhibition today."

Leander’s eager voice came from outside the door.

Claire quickly got dressed and opened the door.

In the living room, Emma was busy preparing breakfast in the kitchen.

When Claire saw Emma, she immediately perked up.

"Mom? What are you doing here?"

"You’re here, why didn’t you tell me? You can’t trust the servants to prepare breakfast," Emma said, pushing Claire into a chair.

"Leander, from now on, let your mom cook for you. I’ll leave the food to her," Emma added, causing Claire’s eyes to turn red.

Despite everything Emma had done to her, Claire never expected her to care so much about Leander’s daily life.

Emma handed Leander a sandwich and a glass of milk.

"Hurry up and eat. You need energy for the exhibition."

Leander smiled sweetly at Claire, who looked at him with a gentle expression.

At that moment, Alex walked out of the bedroom. When he saw Emma, impatience flashed across his eyes.

"Mom? Why are you here again?" Alex asked.

Emma glared at him.

"You brat, how dare you ask me why I’m here? If I didn’t come to make sure you took Leander to the exhibition, would I be here?"

Alex remained silent. Claire, secretly amused, decided to stay out of it.

"Mom, I’m full," Claire said, getting up. "I’m going to change and take Leander to the exhibition."

Emma nodded, then glanced at Alex.

"You should eat quickly too!"

"Okay," Alex replied, watching Emma leave before shrugging helplessly.