Chapter 27
The girl sitting quietly in the wheelchair was none other than Claire Summer—the true daughter of the Summer family. Her presence immediately drew attention, especially with the cast encasing her leg, evoking a wave of sympathy from those around.
“Claire has returned to the Summer family and instantly uncovered a massive problem, saving everyone in her family. She’s truly remarkable,” someone whispered admiringly.
Another voice speculated, “Do you think Claire was pushed down the stairs because she discovered Nina tampering with the vaccine data? Maybe Nina wanted to silence her before she could expose the truth.”
Claire’s sharp eyes caught sight of Nina across the room, a flicker of surprise passing through them. Yet, she responded with a soft, forgiving smile. “Nina, it seems you’ve finally come to terms with everything. I saw online that you were unwell but still streaming—it must have been really tough for you.”
“We genuinely welcome you back,” Claire continued, her tone warm despite the tension. “After all, you shared twenty-two years with Mom and Dad.”
Yvonne Shaw, who was pushing Claire’s wheelchair, sneered as she lifted her chin toward Nina. “Of course, she had to endure some hardship after being cast out to realize her mistake. Like a starving dog, she finally came back to her owner.”
Yvonne’s bitterness was clear, but then her voice softened as she turned to Claire. “Claire, don’t forgive her so easily when she tries to apologize later. Nina hurt your leg—one apology won’t make that right.”
Yvonne had once been Nina’s closest ally, her so-called best friend. But since Claire’s return to the Summer family, Yvonne had clearly switched her allegiance.
Nina hadn’t even taken more than a few bites of her cake before this group disrupted her moment of peace. She bit into a strawberry topping her dessert and rolled her eyes at Yvonne. “Yvonne, I never knew you fancied being a maid. You used to help me carry my backpack, and now you’re pushing Claire’s wheelchair.”
Touching her chin thoughtfully, Nina added with a sharp edge, “You really are like a hungry dog circling its owner. That description fits you perfectly.”
The people nearby began to snicker quietly.
Flushed with embarrassment, Yvonne snapped, “Nina, you—”
But Claire frowned and interrupted just in time. “Nina, I understand you’re upset about me coming back and reclaiming my place, but please don’t take it out on others.”
“It’s okay if you don’t want to apologize. I’ll still speak well of you to Mom and Dad. At the end of the day, family harmony is what matters most.”
Claire’s voice was calm but firm. “Yes, your vaccine had problems, but I still believe in your talent as a top veterinarian.”
She extended her hand toward Nina, invitingly. “Come back, Nina. Let’s work together to grow our family’s veterinary hospital.”
The crowd, witnessing Nina’s arrogance contrasted with Claire’s forgiveness, couldn’t help but praise Claire even more.
“Now I see why Claire was the star at Summit University. A petty fraud like Nina could never compare to her,” someone murmured admiringly.
“Claire grew up poor but still carries herself with such grace. True gold always shines,” another added.
Nina stared at Claire’s outstretched hand, then smiled softly before walking over to her. Without a word, she placed her empty dessert plate and fork into Claire’s hand, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and casually tossed it on top. “Thanks. Could you please take this to the tray return?”
Claire’s gentle expression wavered for a moment, the frustration threatening to break through. She swallowed it down and maintained her composure. “Nina, why make things harder for me? You know my leg is injured.”
Shrugging, Nina replied coolly, “Because you and your maid look pretty free right now. Besides, it’s not like I broke your leg. Stop slandering me—you know exactly how it happened.”
“I’m not here to apologize,” she continued, her tone icy. “Nor am I begging the Summer family to accept me back.”
Her gaze swept over the assembled guests. “Honestly, you all seem way too full of yourselves. I was invited here as a vet to take care of a dog—that’s all.”
Whispers immediately spread through the crowd.

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