The CEO Gets What He Wants novel Chapter 645

Chapter 645 Claire Listens As Avery Speaks

After a while, Claire gave a light cough, finally regaining control over her emotions.

Avery handed her a tissue while her other hand gently wiped the tears from the corner of Claire's eyes. “Don't be sad, Claire. I'm sure everything will get better.”

Claire was staring at Avery's face almost longingly. Suddenly, she tightened her grip on the latter's hand as if afraid she would vanish into thin air. “Although I've never seen my own biological daughter, she would be the same age as you. I'd like to believe she must be as beautiful, sensible, and talented as you...”

The tears in her eyes left a bitter taste in Avery's mouth.

At the same time, she felt a bit embarrassed when she heard Claire's compliment. She lowered her head and tucked her hair behind her ears before looking up and saying, “Claire, I'm not as good as you say I am. I have many flaws too.”

Claire rubbed her temples, her tone oozing with affection as she remarked, “Even if you're full of flaws, I still like you.”

Avery stared blankly at the older woman, momentarily bewildered.

She could not figure out why Claire's attitude toward her had suddenly changed so drastically.

Avery was flattered beyond words, but more than that, she had no idea how to react.

Claire, who naturally also saw Avery's embarrassment, quietly reprimanded herself for being too hasty.

There's still plenty of time ahead. Since I already know that Avery is my biological daughter, there will come a day when we can openly and proudly acknowledge each other as mother and daughter.

Worried that her excessive enthusiasm might startle Avery, Claire hurriedly found an excuse and explained, “I'm sincerely grateful to you for saving my life that day. I doubt I would have had the chance to speak with you today if it weren't for you. As the saying goes, saving a life is a benevolent act. If you ever encounter any difficulties in the future, you must tell me. I will help you.”

Avery chuckled lightly. “Don't mention it, Claire. Anyone in that situation would've done the same. It's not good to overtire yourself since you've just recovered not long ago. It's best that you rest at home for a few more days.”

Avery's radiant smile left Claire somewhat mesmerized.

She truly resembles my younger self.

Nicole returned home with Navya trailing behind her.

As usual, she led the way like a proud princess while the other woman followed behind, carrying her bag for her like an attendant.

Polly was watering the flowers in the garden downstairs when she heard the voices of two young ladies. She set her watering can aside and greeted them as usual. “Ms. Lambert, you're back! And Ms. Sandsby, you're visiting too?”

“Polly, is my mom at home?” Nicole asked as she headed toward her room.

The housekeeper pointed to the third floor and said, “Mrs. Lambert is home. We have a visitor, a pregnant woman with a big belly. She's gorgeous.”

Upon hearing the word “pregnant woman,” Nicole's heart lurched.

Her intuition and instinct told her that the woman was most likely Avery.

She could not help but look up toward the third floor.

Claire had arranged everything on the third floor with great care. It was usually locked and rarely open to guests. Occasionally, when Claire was in a bad mood, she would go up there to sit for a while.

She could not help but feel a twinge of jealousy. Which woman has managed to accompany Mother to her secret garden?

However, it was impossible to see clearly whether there was anyone on the floor as it was somewhat high and concealed by greenery.

Nicole stopped in her tracks. She turned to face the housekeeper and asked anxiously, “Polly, what does that woman look like?”

Polly pondered momentarily before replying, “She has big eyes, an oval face, and exceptionally fair skin. Oh right! I heard Mrs. Lambert calling her 'Ery'...”

Nicole's sharp nails were close to digging into the center of her palm as her venomous stare was set on the third floor.

“Nickie, did your mom actually bring that temptress home?” Navya noticed something was off with Nicole's mood, and knowing well about her friend's feud with Avery, she immediately guessed the reason.

“Hmph!” With a cold snort, Nicole entered her room without looking back.

Navya hurriedly rushed to catch up.

As soon as she returned to her room, Nicole slammed the door shut.

“Nickie, you don't seem to be worried at all.” Navya was somewhat perplexed.

How can she be so composed when her love rival has already entered her house?

Nicole's expression was solemn. “What's the use of panicking? Should I go and whine to my mom? Or should I drive that woman away? Heh! Doing so would only make my mom resent me.”

“Does your mom know that woman is her biological daughter? That woman seems quite cunning. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to persuade your mom to take her home. Besides, Nickie, is that woman truly your mom's biological daughter? Could she be a fraud, just like Evangeline?” Navya asked cautiously.

Nicole's brows furrowed slightly, and her expression was gloomy. “That woman is indeed my mom's biological daughter,” she replied.

Previously, she had secretly conducted a DNA test on Avery and Claire, and the results confirmed that they were indeed mother and daughter.

Navya comforted her, “So what if she is the biological child? Mrs. Lambert has raised you for so many years. An outsider cannot sabotage the strong bond that you two share. No matter what, as long as you are in the Lambert family, you are the young lady of the family. Even if that temptress returns to the family, it won't change your status.”

Nicole narrowed her eyes. “Let's go and meet that b*tch!”

Meanwhile, on the third floor, Avery and Claire had a long conversation, but for the most part, it was the former doing the talking and the latter doing the listening.

Claire kept asking Avery about the life she once led. As she had never been a part of her daughter's past, she was particularly interested in learning about it.

All Avery told Claire were some amusing childhood stories, which made the latter occasionally purse her lips in a slight smile.

As for those miserable experiences, Avery simply glossed over them.

However, a woman of such intelligence and sensitivity as Claire could infer from those brief remarks that Avery's childhood was not a happy one.

Allie took her away but then acted irresponsibly toward her by abandoning her at the Rumpley residence. After that, Leonardo remarried. Given that his wife is currently in prison, one could infer that Avery's stepmother isn't a good person. Who knew how horrible she was to Avery?

Claire could not even begin to picture the kind of hellish life her daughter had led in the Rumpley residence.

Because of that, Claire felt an increasing sense of guilt and heartache for Avery.

She held Avery's hand, her gaze filled with affection and guilt. “You've truly suffered, my dear. I will make it up to you in the future...”

“Claire, I...”

Avery felt somewhat embarrassed under the motherly gaze of Claire.

She wanted to pull her hand away, but then she heard the clicking sound of high heels.

She followed the sound and looked up, only to see Nicole approaching. Despite the smile on the latter's face, Avery always felt a chilling sensation creeping up her spine whenever Nicole looked at her.

A girl trailed behind Nicole, and she was also mockingly staring at Avery with blatant hostility on her face.