Chapter 13 Scheming Clarice

• The socialites then exchanged glances and pretended to chat with the other guests while keeping their eye on Clarice in hopes of seeing a good show.
• Naturally, Clarice noticed what they were doing but decided to ignore it. She had always kept a low profile due to Christie's identity, so not many in Norham knew she was her half-sister.
• “Sorry, please excuse me for a moment.”
• “Of course, take your time! I'm sure you have more pressing matters to attend to at the party, so don't worry about us!”
• Clarice flashed them another graceful smile before making her way toward Xavier.
• “Xavier, thanks for bringing Christie over. She has always been living in the countryside and never had the chance to attend such events, so she might get a little nervous,” she said gently with a polite smile, completely ignoring Christie who was still in his arms.
• Upon hearing that, the women that were gathered around Christie in hopes of befriending her lost interest and walked away.
• Christie shot her a vicious glare in response but was quick to act all sad and pitiful like she had been bullied.
• “Clarice...” she mumbled while letting go of Xavier's arm.
• Heh... Trying to play the victim card, I see...
• Clarice sneered at the thought of that before shifting her gaze toward Xavier. “Come on, Grandpa's waiting for us. I know you don't feel like parting with your lover, but you should at least go greet him first.”
• Xavier had brought Christie over in order to spite Clarice, but she didn't seem to be bothered in the slightest.
• In fact, the delicate smile on her face was so perfect that it almost looked fake, much to his chagrin.
• “Threatening me with Grandpa, are you? You sure are a scheming one, Clarice.”
• Clarice broke into a wider grin when she heard that. “It's effective, so I don't see why I shouldn't.”
• If Xavier wants to spite me, there's no reason for me not to do the same!
• “Don't think you'll be able to do it forever!”
• “You can say that when the time comes.”
• Clarice paid no heed to his threat, and her graceful smile only annoyed him even further.
• As he was about to leave, Clarice called out to him once again and said, “Grandpa wants us to go greet him together. He said you should maintain a decent appearance in public.”
• Having no other choice, Xavier could only do as told and walked over to Henry with his arm around Clarice's waist and a forced smile on his face.
• “Hey, Grandpa...”
• Henry turned around, but could only shoot him a warning glare as there were guests around.
• Noticing the awkward tension in the air, the guests around them quickly excused themselves.
• “Look at you! Not only did you not greet the guests upon their arrival, but you even brought another woman to the party with you? Xavier, do you even have any respect for me at all?”
• “Of course I do!” Xavier frowned in annoyance and tried to change the subject, “Anyway, where's Uncle Elijah? Why isn't he here yet?”
• It was at that moment that Elijah came in through the door, attracting the attention of those around him with his icy-cold aura and tall figure.
• He was dressed in a black suit and had on a casual yet irresistibly charming smile.
• Having gotten used to being the center of attention, Elijah showed no signs of awkwardness whatsoever as he made his way toward Henry. He was so graceful in his movement that even his walk exuded confidence.