Chapter 348 Marrying into the Astor Family
"Matthew, wake up. Someone's coming out."
Kimberly stared at the villa's gate and finally noticed movement. She patted the dozing Matthew, who woke with a start and looked closely.
A black minivan drove out of the villa's gate. Once it had gone a certain distance, Matthew started the car and followed. After a while, Kimberly felt something was off.
"This road looks familiar," she recalled. "This is the way to the Kennedy family's villa."
Matthew asked, "Should we inform Mrs. Howard?"
Kimberly replied, "Let's see what happens first. Mrs. Howard mainly wants us to keep an eye on the people from Wind Sleep Villa."
At this moment, the Kennedy family had no trace of Christmas spirit.
The atmosphere was heavy and oppressive, with everyone lost in their own thoughts.
The Kennedy Group's profits had started to decline two months before the end of the year. Their previous partners had not renewed their contracts, even though it was agreed that deliveries would be made before the end of the year.
This had caused all their products to pile up in the warehouse, almost forming a mountain.
Just now, Oliver suggested that Clara should marry to form an alliance and save the Kennedy family. It seems to be the best solution for now.
"Lucas is ignoring me," Clara said, frustrated. Ever since that incident was exposed, Lucas had been avoiding her. She thought Oliver wanted her to marry into the Tudor family.
Oliver gave her a cold look. "It's not just the Tudor family in Rihegde."
Clara's heart tightened, and a look of shock flashed in her eyes. "What do you mean?"
"The Astor family's son is a few years older than you. You've met him, and he likes you. His parents like you too," Oliver said.
Clara was stunned. The Astor family had made their fortune in the tobacco and alcohol industry. They weren't exactly high society, but they were well-known among the wealthy.
And the Astor family had only one son, but he was mentally challenged.
Clara immediately retorted, "Derek Astor has mental issues. How could I possibly marry him?"
Elodie, who was listening, interjected, "Yeah, Dad, how could Clara marry that idiot Derek?"
Oliver's face darkened instantly. He scolded, "What right do you, a clueless woman, have to shout here? Your precious daughter Clara is in this mess entirely because of her own doing! And she messed up her relationship with the Tudor family all by herself. She has only herself to blame. I'm telling you, she has no choice but to marry; I've already made arrangements with the Astor family."
"Grandpa, I..." Clara couldn't believe Oliver would treat her this way.
Oliver glared at Clara sharply. "Do you think you're still so noble? Do you know any other prestigious families willing to marry you?"
Clara's face instantly turned pale, her hands clenched tightly at her sides. Meanwhile, Elodie, always afraid of Oliver, naturally stayed silent.
Clara slightly lowered her head, thinking, 'I won't let Grandpa control my life; I won't marry Derek. Why does Victoria get to marry someone as great as Alexander while I'm stuck with that fool Derek Astor? I won't compromise. But for now, I can't confront Grandpa directly. The perfume contest is about to start, and I've to achieve something in this competition to regain my honor.'
Meanwhile, Simon, who had been silent, seemed deeply troubled.
Elodie had noticed that he had been restless for some time.
"Mr. Kennedy, something terrible has happened!" The butler suddenly ran in from the gate in a panic.
Seeing the butler's ashen face, Oliver, already in a bad mood, became even angrier. "It's Christmas! Why are you shouting? So rude!"
The butler paused, his expression strange, and he stammered, "Ms. Penrose's back."
Oliver hadn't reacted yet, but Simon stood up and asked loudly, "Who did you say is back?"
The butler replied, "Ms. Esme Penrose."
Everyone was shocked, especially Simon, who also looked a bit scared.
At this moment, a cold, low female voice sounded in the living room. "Long time no see."
Everyone looked towards the entrance, only to see a young man pushing a woman in a wheelchair into the living room.
When Oliver saw that familiar face, his eyes widened. He leaned on his cane with one hand and raised the other, trembling, pointing at the person in the living room. "Are you Esme?"
She looked incredibly familiar. Even though Esme appeared more frail now, her original features were well-preserved, with just a few more fine lines. Elodie was utterly shocked, thinking, 'But wasn't Esme supposed to be dead?'
"Sorry, I have a strong will to live," Esme said with a cold smile, her eyes glinting with icy disdain as she glanced around the room.
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