Chapter 293
Sylvia’s POV
I couldn’t help but smile as I watched Claire with her mother. In that moment, I saw exactly where Claire had inherited her fiercely generous spirit.
Once Mr. Bennett had excused himself to join his business associates, only Mrs. Bennett, Claire, and I were left in our cozy-if rather opulent-corner of the hall.
I’d been quietly worried that we were keeping the Bennetts from mingling with the other guests, but the second her husband’s back was turned, Mrs. Bennett let out a genuine, relieved sigh. “Finally, he’s gone! A man hovering about ruins all our girl talk, doesn’t it p>
Claire huffed in unmistakable agreement, nodding vigorously. “Exactly! Dad’s always so stiff with all that business chatter. Poor Aria could barely keep up p>
Mrs. Bennett reached for my hand, her touch warm and unexpectedly maternal. “Claire calls you Aria, so I hope you won’t mind if I do the same, dear? And please don’t pay Mr. Bennett any mind-he’s spent far too long in the corporate world; he can’t help putting on airs, bless his heart p>
“I don’t mind at all, Auntie,” I replied, feeling a flush of slight embarrassment bloom on my cheeks, yet utterly touched by her warmth. “It’s a pleasure p>
Mrs. Bennett, incredibly enthusiastic, kept my hand in hers as she launched into questions about my hobbies and interests.
Before I could even open my mouth, Claire jumped in, bubbling with excitement: “Aria is amazing, Mom! She’s a professional pianist and she’s won tons of jet ski competitions p>
“How truly wonderful!” Mrs. Bennett’s eyes lit up, sparkling with delight. “I’ll have my assistant keep an eye out for any new grand piano models or top-of-the-line jet skis on the market—as a little welcome gift from me to you p>
“Oh no, Auntie, you’re far too kind!” I protested quickly, a fresh wave of heat rising to my cheeks. “That’s really, truly unnecessary. Claire has already given me so many lovely things p>
“That’s from her, not from me!” Mrs. Bennett waved her free hand dismissively, as if swatting away a fly. “Don’t you dare feel pressured-money is absolutely no object for us, dear. You’re such a beautiful young woman, and seeing you here, making Claire so happy, makes me happy! If I didn’t think you’d find it dreadfully strange, my husband and I would have offered to make you our adopted daughter p>
I was completely taken aback, rendered speechless by her sheer generosity and effusive nature. “Auntie, you and Mr. Bennett are far too generous. What I did was nothing special. I’m friends with Claire simply because she’s a joy to be around, that’s all p>
“All the more reason to give you a gift!” she insisted, her grip on my hand tightening with conviction. “Claire is so particular, you see-she doesn’t bring many true friends home. In all these years, she’s only introduced us to a handful. If you’re Claire’s friend, I absolutely must give you something p>
Seeing my flushed, overwhelmed face, Mrs. Bennett seemed to reconsider her approach, a twinkle in her eye. “Perhaps a piano or a jet ski is a bit much for our very first meeting. How about this-what style of clothes do you like? Or which designer brand do you prefer for clothes or handbags? I’ll pick something truly lovely as a modest welcome gift p>
I was about to refuse again, a polite protest already forming on my lips, when Claire leaned close to my ear her voice a conspiratorial whisper. “Aria, ust accept something. Once Morn decides to give a gift, she absolutely won’t take no for an
answer. Trust me p>
Hearing that, I reluctantly, almost timidly, mentioned a brand name that came to mind.
“Perfect! I’ll have it delivered to your home in a few days,” Mrs. Bennett declared triumphantly, her smile radiant.
“Thank you so much, Auntie,” I replied, feeling an odd mix of awkwardness and genuine affection.
Suddenly, it all made perfect sense why Claire was always trying to lavish me with presents. The apple clearly hadn’t fallen far from the tree!
Despite this slightly embarrassing gift situation, Mrs. Bennett wasn’t at all like the cold, distant, or arrogant woman the rumors had suggested She actively engaged in conversation, asking thoughtful questions and sharing charming anecdotes. Overall, Claire’s parents
were far warmer and more amicable than I’d ever imagined.
When Aiden finally located us, navigating the elegant crowd with effortless grace,
the event host had already started warming up the crowd on stage, his voice
booming through the grand hall.
“Mrs. Bennett,” he greeted respectfully, his smile warm.
Mrs. Bennett acknowledged him with a slight, knowing nod. “Aiden Carter, if you hadn’t married Aria, my husband and I wouldn’t have let you off so easily p>
Aiden smiled softly, a genuine
warmth in his eyes, as he moved to my side, taking my hand in his. His response to her playful teasing was poised and confidently charming: “Claire is wonderful, but marriage should naturally be with someone you truly care for, Mrs. Bennett p>
“Clage is ciderful but
Mrs. Bennett let out a delighted laugh. “Well said, indeed p>
She heaved an over-the-top sigh and gave her daughter a theatrical side-eye. “If only my stubborn one here would find someone she really cares for p>
Claire looked utterly indignant at her mother’s comment, her cheeks flushing. “How am I stubborn? I do have someone I care for—I care for Aria!” she declared, turning to me with an earnest, open expression.
“Oh my goodness, you have the nerve to call that caring?” Mrs. Bennett rolled her eyes playfully, her affection for her daughter shining through.
As mother and daughter continued their friendly, teasing debate, I felt my ears burning red at Claire’s open, unfiltered declaration.