Fated Marriage Spoiled by My Ice Billionaire novel Chapter 868

Chapter 868 Fireflies and Unspoken Words

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Louis frowned without thinking. “Claudy can’t drink? That-goose was braised with a whole bottle of wine

Claudia shot Harold a look.

A whole bottle, no wonder she’d felt flushed and dizzy. She’d thought it was just the summer heat.

Damian set down his fork and signaled for someone to fetch some juice.

“You all right?” Harold asked quietly, his hand finding hers under the table.

“I’m fine,” Claudia said, not wanting to dampen the mood. Besides, the effect seemed mild. “It’s just a little wine cooked into the food. It’s nothing.”

Harold studied her face and relaxed slightly. The last time, at Southhall Compound, a single glass of red wine had made her cheeks flush much more than this.

Back then, it was only after stepping into the evening breeze that the dizziness had truly hit, and she’d ended up falling asleep in his arms.

Tonight, since the alcohol was cooked into the dish, most of it had likely evaporated. It probably wouldn’t be a problem.

After dinner, the men stayed at the table to continue drinking.

“Don’t overdo it,” Claudia reminded Harold softly.

Harold gently brushed her warm cheek. “Don’t worry.”

She looked at him. He’d already had several glasses of strong whiskey, yet he still appeared completely clear-headed.

Nearby, Harvey finished his wine in one slow sip, his eyes briefly drifting toward them.

Damian, who had just lifted his own glass, caught Harvey’s glance and felt a complicated mix of emotions.

“Come on, Claudia, let’s head out. They’ll probably be here drinking until midnight-they always do. Just leave them to it.”

Henrietta tugged Claudia away. As they left, Claudia thought she overheard the men mentioning Zander, discussing whether to keep him out in the countryside a while longer. She glanced back at Harold, feeling the urge to plead Zander’s case again.

Henrietta led Claudia out past the yard. Outside, the nanny was with Zander in the open field beside the house, catching fireflies under the bright moonlight.

Claudia hadn’t seen fireflies in years.

Zander’s little jar was already glowing softly.

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Chapter 868 Fireflies and Unspoken Words

“Zander, let Auntie see,” Henrietta said, crouching down beside him.

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While the nanny continued catching fireflies, Henrietta and Zander admired the ones already in the jar

Claudia stood a few steps away, watching them. She took a deep breath; her head felt fuzzy.

“You okay?”

Harvey had appeared beside her. He leaned in, steadying her arm briefly before letting go once she seemed balanced.

Claudia shook her head lightly. “Maybe a little lightheaded from the wine.”

He nodded and walked over to join Henrietta and Zander.

From the yard, through the wooden fence, the others watched them. Half-hidden in the moonlight, no one noticed Harvey’s brief support of Claudia.

Her dizziness had returned for a moment, along with a slight nausea.

The scene felt familiar-like ones she’d shared with her parents and her brother years ago.

On summer nights like this, fireflies used to be everywhere. She’d always pester Hector to come out and catch them with her. Burdened with homework, he’d usually resist until her pleading wore him down.

As if he liked her.

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Harvey slowed his pace, letting Claudia and Henrietta catch up.

Claudia avoided looking directly at him.

“Feeling better?” he asked.

“Much. The wine’s wearing off,” she replied, adjusting Zander in her arms.

Harvey walked beside her.

Henrietta trailed a few steps behind, not daring to get too close in case Harvey scolded her again.

It wasn’t until they neared the yard that Harvey finally slowed to walk beside Henrietta.

Claudia let out a quiet breath.

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Back in the yard, Harold had just finished talking with Louis and Damian. All three men turned their attention to Claudia as she entered.

Zander was already asleep in her arms.

Harold stood and gently took the boy from her.

“You could’ve let the nanny carry him,” he said softly. Zander’s nanny had come along, but whenever Claudia was around, Zander clung to her.

“It’s all right. He falls asleep faster when I hold him.”

Claudia looked up at Harold. Even in the dim light, she could see a faint flush across his chest above his collar.

Harold hummed in acknowledgment, bid goodnight to Louis and Damian, and guided Claudia upstairs.

“Zander’s going to be living with us from now on,” he told her as they climbed the steps.

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