Fated Marriage Spoiled by My Ice Billionaire novel Chapter 848

Chapter 848 Harold’s Surprise

Claudia shot him a look.

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The woman chuckled, “You and your brother really are two peas in a pod. You even sound exactly alike!”

Harvey stayed quiet.

Later on, quite a few people asked Claudia for her number.

After the panel discussion, there was a dinner reception scheduled, with a two–hour break in between.

Harvey got pulled aside by some other executives. Claudia hung back nearby, listening to him talk business with the big players.

Eventually, he politely wrapped it up.

“Sorry, folks–we’ve got a little one who needs dinner. Gotta run and check on him. Let’s catch up later,” Harvey said with a friendly nod.

“Oh my, Mr. Cross, you already have a kid?” the woman asked, looking genuinely surprised.

He glanced toward Claudia, and she caught his drift.

They headed out together.

Darren and Dolores watched them go and trailed along behind.

As they walked, Harvey lowered his voice. “Don’t linger too long with that crowd, especially the older guys. Watch what they offer you to eat or drink.”

Claudia nodded beside him.

“You’re not short on connections. Your standards for who you deal with should be high, never low. The pickier you are, the more respect you’ll get. Otherwise, they’ll just see you as another pretty face.”

Harvey was giving her the rundown.

“Most folks who grabbed your number today won’t follow up later. You’ve got to wrap things up neatly with Stella. Once news spreads around town, your reputation’ll hold real clout here in Southhall.”

Claudia said softly, “People treat you exactly how they perceive you.”

Harvey slipped one hand into his pocket and slowed his pace. “Exactly. If you stuck around chatting all evening, they’d think you were too eager. They’d try to take advantage because you’re new–that would only cheapen your standing.”

“You’re really good at this, Harvey.”

Harvey didn’t reply to that. He glanced at Dolores beside him. “When’s Henrietta getting in?”

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18:30 Mon, Jul 6

Chapter 848 Harold’s Surprise

“She just texted–she landed,” Dolores replied.

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Harvey came to a stop. “You two go relax. I reserved a private dining room. I’ll go pick her up, and we’ll all have dinner together later.”

With that, Harvey walked off. Darren sidled up to Claudia with a grin. “So how does it feel? Being on top?”

Claudia let out a long breath. “Almost lost my cool back there.”

Darren smiled. “I heard Mr. Cross wasn’t even supposed to show today. He hardly ever comes to these kinds of events.”

“Yeah, I could tell,” Claudia said. The thought actually made her smile.

Harvey kept saying everyone was just blowing hot air.

The event was actually split into two parts–the dinner was during the second half–but Harvey said there was no point in going back.

Claudia didn’t want to go either. It was all just schmoozing and small talk.

She asked Darren to make an appearance later and represent them.

“Sorry to drag you into all this tonight,” Claudia said.

“Don’t sweat it. I’m used to the scene.”

Back upstairs at the hotel, Nora had just finished giving Zander a bath.

He was sitting on the sofa wrapped up in a towel while Nora helped him get dressed.

“Mommy!” Zander called out excitedly.

“What happened to your forehead?” Claudia noticed the bandage right away.

Nora looked apologetic. “He was running around playing, tripped, and scraped it.”

“It’s okay. Tough guys don’t cry,” Zander declared, lifting his chin proudly.

Claudia sat beside him and gently checked the scrape. “Tough guys still gotta be careful, buddy.”

Luckily, it was just a surface scrape–nothing serious.

A little later, Claudia headed into the bathroom to shower. Nora stayed in the living room with Zander, watching cartoons.

When Claudia stepped out, Nora was gone. Zander was by himself on the couch.

Claudia walked out drying her hair with a towel. She glanced around the suite but didn’t see Nora anywhere.

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Chapter 848 Harold’s Surprise

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Nora wouldn’t just take off without saying anything. Claudia was about to ask Zander when she noticed a tall, lean figure standing near the entryway.

He was wearing casual sweats and pulling a suitcase behind him. A familiar smile played on his lips as he watched her.

“Harold!”

Claudia froze for half a second, then a smile broke across her face.

“Hey,” Harold said, walking toward her.

She rushed over and jumped into his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck.

Harold was caught off guard but quickly steadied her, turning slightly so his back blocked Zander’s view from the couch.

“Miss me?” he murmured near her ear.

“Yeah.”

Her cheeks were still flushed from the shower, and a shy warmth lingered in her expression.

Harold leaned down and brushed a kiss near the corner of her lips. Their breaths mingled softly.

“What are you doing here?” Claudia asked, her forehead resting against his.

“I missed you,” Harold said, his hands firm around her waist, pulling her closer with a quiet possessiveness.

He was on a break now, and the study back home was all set up for her.

It had only been a day, and he couldn’t get her off his mind.

He’d heard Henrietta was coming to meet Harvey, so he’d found an excuse to tag along.

“You forgot to bring something,” Harold mentioned.

“Forgot what?” Claudia wasn’t usually one to leave things behind.

“I brought it for you,” Harold said, a faint shyness coloring his tone.

“Mommy, Daddy–are you two dating and kissing?” Zander’s voice suddenly piped up right beside them, breaking the moment.

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