The Officer's Runaway Wife & Secret Son novel Chapter 500

Nellie and Mateo stood there in matching holiday outfits, looking as cute and sturdy as a pair of adorable little dolls.

“Aunt Mia, Uncle, Happy New Year!” Clara said, her eyes curving into crescents.

“Happy New Year, Clara.”

Mia was delighted to see Clara looking so bright and happy, just like when they first met.

Ever since the patriarch’s passing, the Huntington family had been mired in chaos over the inheritance. They had received dozens of legal letters, and distant relatives were constantly stirring up trouble. She and Mason had been dealing with it for so long and were utterly exhausted.

She hadn’t expected to feel such a sense of relief just by walking through this door.

Mia teased, “I hope our big family isn’t too much of a crowd.”

“Not at all. We’re thrilled to have you. Please, come in,” Clara said, stepping aside to let them in while taking a couple of gift boxes from Liam.

Clara's dad and mom also came from the living room to greet them.

The atmosphere was a bit delicate.

They hadn’t interacted much with Mia before. The most frequent contact had been during the divorce, when Mia had personally come to their home to talk. Clara’s dad had politely poured her a cup of tea and then politely shown her out.

Given the Huntington family’s status in Brighton City, for her to drive her luxury car to their old walk-up apartment was a significant show of respect.

But respect was one thing. Back then, Clara’s dad had only one thought: My daughter owes the Huntingtons nothing.

And now?

She still didn’t. In fact, it was Rhys who had been sitting next to him all morning, peeling garlic.

Mason, a man who knew how to smooth things over, smiled as he entered. “Happy New Year! I hope we’re not intruding so early.”

Clara’s dad’s expression, which had been tense for a second, relaxed. He extended a hand. “Happy New Year to you, too. It’s no intrusion at all. We’ve been looking forward to it. Please, have a seat.”

Behind her husband, Clara’s mom gave Mia a slight nod, and Mia smiled back.

There was a silent understanding between the women.

What was past was past. Today was for celebrating the New Year.

“The tea is ready. Have a hot cup to warm up,” Clara’s mom said, bringing over the tea she had prepared.

Mia accepted the cup and glanced around the room, remarking, “Clara has kept this place so wonderfully.”

Clara’s mom smiled. “Well, she has a good helper.”

She didn’t look at Rhys when she said it, but everyone knew who she meant.

Rhys, who was helping Liam hang up his coat, paused for a moment, the tips of his ears turning red.

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