Early in the morning, Hunter walked downstairs.
He was wearing a luxury silk nightgown, with the neckline open at will, revealing his white chest.
His hair was messy from sleep, slightly curled.
He narrowed his drowsy eyes and looked unapproachable, but there was an imperceptible sex appeal in his languor.
The servants had prepared breakfast.
On the dining table, black truffle toast was decorated with fresh petals, and coffee had been poured in a gilded porcelain cup.
Hunter took a seat, and picked up the coffee with his beautifully-shaped hands. He took a sip.
Every move of his was elegant.
Mr. Hopkins put the envelope aside and said, "This is an invitation letter from Principal Wu of Lance Middle School. He will hold a birthday banquet next week."
Hunter refused flatly. "I'm not going."
Mr. Hopkins was not surprised but relieved.
That was good. If he went to the birthday party, he might cause trouble again.
He still remembered how he got into a fight with the bridegroom last time he attended a wedding.
After thinking about it, Mr. Hopkins added. "Miss Smith seems to be going to the birthday party."
Hunter raised his eyebrows. "Why?"
"I'm not sure."
"Um… The little thing must have decided to go because she thought I would be going." The man propped his chin with his hand, pondering with a frown, and then said, "She would be sad if she can't find me there!"
Mr. Hopkins was speechless.
Mr. Johnson, you think too much!
"Then I'll be going too." Hunter picked up the envelope on the side and gave a tolerant smile. "Lest the little thing cries."
Claire had no interest in the principal's birthday banquet.
She picked a random set of clothes and put them on.
Outside the gate of the Smiths' mansion, she got into a Lincoln car.
Ada happened to pass by the living room and was surprised when she saw this scene.
Able to afford a Lincoln car, the one in the car couldn't be a nobody.
Did he specially come to pick up Claire?
How could Claire know someone like this?
In the car, Adam looked at Claire, dumbfounded.
Hoodie and jeans.
"You are wearing this?"
Claire shrugged. "Can't I?"
"Yes, you can, Sweetheart, but it's too casual." Adam said in his heart.
Ten minutes later, they arrived at the banquet.
In the hall, there was a hubbub of voices, and people were toasting each other.
Those who came to the banquet were all students of the school and children of wealthy families. They were all exquisitely dressed as if they were in a beauty contest.
Only Claire was a maverick.
Many people pointed fingers at her.
"Why did she come dressed like this?"
"What a rube…"
"That's the way it is with country folks."
On the other side, Phoebe was still perfecting her sketches when her phone rang.
It was from her friend Ann.
After the call was connected, Ann asked. "Phoebe, are you coming to attend Principal Wu's birthday party?"
Phoebe held the paintbrush. "No."
"Huh? Why?"
"Because…" Phoebe stopped painting and her tone suddenly sounded depressed. "Because Claire is going to the party, you know, if we appear together… it'll be very embarrassing."
Ann jumped with anger. "Then why should she be here instead of you?"
Phoebe smiled bitterly. "After all, she… is the real daughter of the Smiths."
"What are you talking about? Have we ever recognised her? I don't care. Anyway, I'll teach her a good lesson!"
——
Adam was led aside by the principal to talk. Claire was so bored that she tasted a few glasses of red wine, which were far worse than what she had drunk in the First Wine Cellar.
She went to the restroom.
After Ann finished the call, she had been paying close attention to Claire, waiting for the opportunity.
At this moment, she was hiding behind the restroom door sneakily.
Seeing Claire come out, she slammed into her and the necklace on her neck snapped to the ground.
Claire immediately backed up two steps, keeping a distance from her. She bent over to pick up the necklace and handed it to Ann. After that, she turned to leave.
"Wait!" Ann hurriedly reached out and grabbed Claire.