Bai Ruxuan understood. She was doing this on purpose, of course. She had liked Julian for so long, and these plastic sisters would surely help her out. It would let Clara know the gap between herself and Julian while keeping Bai Ruxuan herself removed from the situation—what was not to like?

Hearing the answer, Bai Ruxuan pouted, not showing a hint of blame: “You guys, always like this.”

“Since he’s talking with Grandpa and the others, I won’t go in to disturb them, lest they tease me again.”

The two girls didn't regret their words at all, giggling: “Naturally, we have to tease you properly before you and Julian get married.”

Clara caught the word “married” accurately. What marriage? She was going to interrogate Julian properly later.

As for now, Clara didn't know where she found the courage. Looking at the three people who were ignoring her and chatting playfully, she said: “I’m with Julian every single day, how have I never seen you?”

Julian had taken that step toward her, so naturally, she had to trust him.

Bai Ruxuan’s mouth stiffened, and she couldn't be bothered to hide the disgust in her eyes. She turned to face Clara directly, her demeanor no longer as gentle as before: “A bit smug?”

Clara was fearless: “I’m just telling the truth.”

Bai Ruxuan snorted, her mouth curling into a mocking arc: “To be honest, if I were you, I’d keep my tail tucked here, otherwise, anyone could crush you.”

“A little pitiful thing like you, with no power or influence, it’s simply delusional for you to marry into the Xie family!”

Clara frowned. She had never thought of climbing the social ladder: “I’m not looking to marry into the Xie family; I’m marrying Julian. As for the rest, it’s all just extra. It’s fine if it’s there; it doesn't matter if it’s not.”

Bai Ruxuan mocked her for being over-ambitious: “You think it’s that simple? Do you really think a family marriage like this is up to you?”

She wanted to say more but was suddenly interrupted.

“Not up to me, then up to whom? Up to you?”

Julian looked nonchalant as he slowly walked over, holding a glass he’d taken from the champagne tower nearby.

Clara had never seen him like this; he was clearly smiling, yet he seemed dangerous.

Bai Ruxuan was flustered when she saw him, but she blushed subconsciously and waved her hand to explain: “That’s not what I meant…”

Julian’s eyes were cold, and his tone was flat: “I can’t marry her, so you assume you’d have a chance?”

“I’ve rejected you so many times, is it that hard to understand?”

The commotion had attracted many eyes. Bai Ruxuan pinched her palm until it nearly bled, yet she forced a smile: “I didn't mean that, but this is a necessary question, isn't it? Uncle won’t let her marry into the Xie family.”

Julian turned a deaf ear. He walked over, took Clara’s hand, put down his glass, and picked up the cake she had wanted. The crowd automatically cleared a path.

Only when passing Bai Ruxuan did he glance at her and say: “That is something for us to consider. You’re overstepping your bounds.”

Without waiting for Bai Ruxuan’s reply, he took Clara directly out of the center of the banquet, blocking out the inquisitive stares of the outsiders.

The girl in the black dress next to Bai Ruxuan saw that she was in a bad mood and grabbed her arm to comfort her, but she was shaken off. She watched as Bai Ruxuan strode away.

Julian held Clara’s hand with large strides. Clara had to jog to keep up. Only when they finally left the banquet hall did she tap Julian’s forearm and say, panting: “Julian, walk slower, I can’t keep up.”

Feeling the touch on his arm, Julian finally returned to his senses and looked at Clara with regret: “Sorry, you aren't hurt, are you?”

Clara shook her head. Seeing that his mood was off, she asked: “What’s wrong?”

Chapter 16

Thinking about the so-called father who told him he must marry into the Bai family just a moment ago, Julian felt a surge of irritation.

Bai Ruxuan was right; the Xies would never allow Clara to marry into the family. After all, he was a guest under their roof, restricted at every turn, not to mention Xie Muchuan, who was watching him like a tiger waiting for its prey. If he wanted to be with Clara without any worries, it probably wouldn't be possible for a while.

He really didn't want to fight for anything, but they were forcing his hand.

The area around them resembled the Xie family’s back garden, featuring a massive swimming pool in the center. Through the brightly lit banquet hall, one could see a fence in the distance; outside it were dense trees, while inside, the greenery was meticulously trimmed.

Presumably, everyone was busy socializing in the front hall, leaving the back garden peaceful and quiet.

Julian’s eyes were deep and unfathomable, like a dark river ready to swallow anyone whole.

Clara thought she could guess part of the reason. Julian had been like this ever since he left the room; the Xie family must have said something to him, perhaps even something concerning her.

Clara patted his back, not knowing where to begin.

“Qiaoqiao, I’m truly happy to hear you believe in me so firmly.”

Julian placed the cake on a small table by the pool and cupped her face with his slender fingers. Clara realized he really loved this gesture.

A few clouds covered the edge of the incredibly bright moon, casting mottled shadows on the ground; they appeared and disappeared, making the moonlight seem even thicker.

Julian lowered his head and rested his forehead against hers. His previously agitated mood evaporated; it seemed that as long as he saw Clara, he could find peace regardless of what happened.

Clara felt that Julian was very different today. Before she could speak, he silenced her completely.

At first, Clara was worried about being so conspicuous here, weakly hitting Julian’s chest with her hands to make him stop.

However, Julian gripped her hands with one of his, while the other hand applied slight pressure, deepening the kiss. Their lips and teeth intertwined, producing an erotic smacking sound that was particularly audible in the dark night.

Clara was dizzy and flushed from the kiss, her legs gradually growing weak.

As if he knew, Julian released her, grabbed a nearby chair, and sat down, letting Clara sit sideways on his lap.

Clara had just breathed a sigh of relief when the next moment, her lips were blocked again.

If anyone in the banquet hall looked toward the garden at this moment, they would see a couple sitting in chairs, kissing passionately.

They might even quip: “Kids these days.”

Inside a third-floor room, Xie Muchuan stood by the window, watching them with a playful expression, like a snake flicking its tongue—secretive and dangerous.

His good brother, even after ten years, still treated those cheap feelings as his life. How could he compete with him like this?

…

The next day, while Clara was sitting in her office, quietly organizing materials for her class, her phone suddenly vibrated. Clara picked it up to see a text message.

[Hello, I am Julian’s mother. Can we meet at Blue Sea for lunch today?]

Blue Sea was a cafe near the school with a bit of character.

[I hope you won’t tell Julian. This is me reaching out to you privately.]

Clara didn't know why she wanted to see her, but after all, she was Julian’s mother, so she replied with a simple "Okay."

At noon, Clara told the teachers she usually ate with that she wouldn't be going to the cafeteria, then hurried out of the school gate to Blue Sea.

When she arrived, there was only one person in the shop. She had met Julian’s mother once before and recognized her immediately, so she stood across from her with her bag.

“Hello, Auntie. I am Clara.”

The woman had already ordered a coffee. She looked knowledgeable and elegant, not having changed much in ten years. She said: “Sorry to keep you waiting. Sit down first; let’s talk slowly.”

As Clara sat down and waited for her to continue, Julian’s mother went straight to the point: “I want you to break up with Julian.”

Chapter 17

Clara had imagined many people who might try to stop her from being with Julian, but she never expected it to be his mother—especially since, according to what she had been told, his mother did not participate in the Xie family’s power struggles.

Ignoring Clara’s clearly uncomfortable expression, the woman took out a card, placed it on the table, and pushed it to the edge of Clara’s hand.

“You know that Julian has returned to the Ming family now; he is surrounded by enemies on all sides.”

She smiled, appearing somewhat helpless: “I don’t have much power, I can’t provide Julian with any assistance, which is why I have to put more effort into his prospective marriage.”