The Officer's Runaway Wife & Secret Son novel Chapter 78

The Huntington family was a large clan; uncles, aunts, and several cousins of similar age had all arrived today.

Mia was the first to spot her.

"Clara, why did you come in alone? Where's Rhys?"

Clara let Mia pull her along. "He's behind me. He's busy."

"Busy with what? The car is parked right at the door, what could he be busy with?" Mia frowned, craning her neck to look outside. "Does it take that long just to grab something?"

Just as she finished speaking, the main door was pushed open again.

Rhys entered, with the figure wrapped in the red scarf following closely at his side. They were very close; Margot was bowing her head, removing the scarf to hand it to him.

The atmosphere in the living room turned slightly subtle.

Old Mr. Huntington looked up from his conversation to give them a brief, dismissive glance before turning away.

A few of the uncles and aunts who were in the know exchanged looks and averted their gaze.

Margot, however, acted graciously, politely greeting everyone one by one.

Mia's face went cold instantly. She didn't even offer a smile. She gave a curt nod to Margot, then grabbed Clara's hand and said loudly, "Come on, Clara, it's cold here. Let's go sit on the sofa."

Wendy's eyes darted between the three of them. She leaned into her husband Liam's ear and whispered, "See? I told you."

Liam rubbed his forehead. "Say less. Keep Clara company later."

Rhys ignored the stares of others. Handing the scarf and coat to a servant, he led Margot to Old Mr. Huntington.

"Grandpa, my mom and Eric went out today, so I brought Margot back here to spend Christmas."

Old Mr. Huntington swept a faint glance over Margot. "Hm. Since she's here, have a seat. Tyler, add a chair."

Margot thanked him obediently and was placed by Rhys in a spot not far from the old man, right next to where Rhys was seated.

Clara was pressed onto the sofa by Mia, who shoved a hand warmer into her hands and whispered, "What's going on? Why did he bring her too?"

"He said she was pitiful all alone at home."

Mia was unhappy. "Just because no one's home means he can bring her here? Plenty of people on the street have no one for Christmas; is he going to pick them all up?"

Clara found herself comforting Mia instead. "It's fine."

Mia was angry, but seeing Clara's demeanor and considering the number of guests present, she couldn't make a scene right there. She swallowed her words.

Wendy watched the scene for a moment, then turned back to sit next to Clara. "You okay? Don't listen to the kid's nonsense."

Clara shook her head. "It's fine. Children have the sharpest eyes; they say what they see."

"Don't take it too hard." Wendy sighed. "Rhys is just stubborn; he can't weigh what's important. They grew up together, so it's inevitable he looks out for her a bit more. Don't be too hard on him either; soften up a little."

"I can't soften up for this."

"Why not? Men eat that up," Wendy advised her. "Later at dinner, say a few soft words. Give him a way out."

"Give him a way out?" Clara sneered. "I'm more inclined to show him the door and give him a shove on his way out."

Wendy blinked, not knowing how to respond.

"It's not like I haven't tried being soft."

Clara watched Rhys turning his head to listen to Margot speak, her eyes turning cold. "It's not worth it. I'd rather be good to myself."

"Clara..."

Wendy sensed her mood was off and wanted to advise her further, but Rhys had already looked up in their direction.