Chapter 46 The Miss Watson I mentioned.

Colin’s POV
I heard Kevin's excited voice and let out a derisive chuckle.

Unaware of my mood, Kevin continued to press: "Alpha Colin... why is Claire here to see me? Is it about work?"

I paused for a moment, reminded of the irritating feeling that had surfaced from researching Kevin's information on the computer all night.

"Because you're handsome!" I hung up, no longer wanting to deal with Kevin—time to prepare for tonight's banquet and wonder what mischief Wesley might get up to there.

Claire’s POV

In the evening, I stood alone at the Eternal Star Hotel entrance.

The building, grand as a castle, was ablaze with lights tonight, bustling with excitement. Luxury cars filled the private roads from all directions, and some guests even arrived by private jets, landing on the hotel's helipad in the backyard.

Everyone entering was of high status, the rich and eminent.

Out of place in this setting, I, dressed simply, tried to hide behind a pillar to avoid the crowd. Still, I found myself peering around it now and again, worried about missing Kevin in the throng.

But amidst the hubbub of perfumed ladies and shining stars, with each luxury car looking much the same, finding one person proved quite a challenge.

I sighed and continued to wait, clutching my documents.

It wasn't long before I saw several familiar figures approaching.

I was caught off guard and it was too late to hide. Hailey coughed loudly and called out with a strained voice, "Claire?"

Mike and my stepmother Susie abruptly stopped.

I slowly peeked out from behind the pillar, my expression awkward, and nodded a quiet greeting.

"Claire?" Mike’s surprise mirrored my own. "What... what are you doing here?"

I bit my lip and stayed silent.
Hailey, with her arms crossed, examined me with a turn of her heel and a scornful laugh, "Heh, you think this is the place for you? Don't tell me, little sister, you're here for the Morris family ball?"

"What? With your nerve?" Susie chimed in. "Claire, don’t you look in the mirror before you leave the house? Showing up like this, aren't you ashamed? You think the Alpha would take a fancy to you dressed that way? Even if you threw yourself at him, Colin might find you repulsive!"

"That's right! You're already married; instead of staying home with your useless husband, you're here making a fool of yourself! Are you like your mother, unable to stand being without a man?"

Both Hailey and Susie spared no opportunity to insult me, in perfect accord with their disdain.

I felt as if there was a heavy stone pressing on my heart.

I knew about the dishonorable things my mother did years ago, and I was fully aware of my status as an illegitimate daughter. Therefore, I've always steered clear of trouble and even went as far to marry Hailey off in my stead.

But what will it take for them to leave me alone?

I took a deep breath, clenching my small fists tightly, my hands trembling slightly.

Mike glanced at me, his brow furrowing. "Claire, did you really come for the dance?"

"No," I replied softly. "I'm here for work, waiting for someone."

"Work?" Hailey let out a mocking laugh. "Oh right, I forgot. You're thriving at Rainbow Trade Company, aren't you? I heard you're up for a promotion to sales manager?"

"You sure climbed the corporate ladder quickly! All the effort to support your good-for-nothing husband. I wonder how many men's beds you had to climb into to get that promotion?"

"Hailey, stop slandering me!" My face turned pale, "Spreading lies like that infringes on my right to a good name, I could sue you for this!"

"Oh, you know the law, do you? Then go ahead, sue me!"

With arrogant pride, Hailey gestured rudely at me, poking me on the forehead with her finger.

Her long, sharp nail scratched me, and I winced in pain before I could react, only to be grabbed by the collar and shoved backwards violently by Hailey!
I stumbled and fell backward, scattering documents all over the floor.

In a panic, I reached out to gather them, and Hailey looked down at me with scorn, about to step on my hand when a middle-aged man in a suit appeared from the hotel's inner hall.

Susie tugged at Hailey, signaling with her eyes, "Stop wasting time with this wretch, we have a banquet to attend!"

The man walked down the corridor, greeted respectfully by those on either side.

He came directly to where we were, bowed slightly with a pleasant smile, and addressed the crowd.

"Are you Miss Watson from New Jersey?"

"Yes, we are!" Hailey and Susie rushed forward fawningly, "From the Watson family, Miss Watson!"

"Sir, are you out to welcome us? Well then, please lead us in!"

I felt a shadow cross my expression, my hair a mess and clutching a pile of documents in disarray.

Knowing that the Miss Watson he referred to wasn't me, I started to back away silently, when the man cleared his throat, raising his voice, "I apologize, but the Miss Watson I am here for is Claire!"

"What?" Everyone stood there, stunned.

Even I froze on the spot, struggling to grasp the situation.