Chapter 860

“Oh, right, she also did that crazy risky surgery on that actor Ophelia brought in. She’s so confident, of course she drives like a maniac.”

“How else do you think she has the nerve to pull stunts like that?”

“Honestly, Norris, you need to lecture her so she doesn’t try this again.”

Claire stared at him in disbelief.

She never expected Owen to sell her out like this!

They were practically brothers-in-arms just hours ago, and now he was stabbing her in the back?

“Owen, are you sure you want to play it like this?” Claire smiled sweetly at him.

For some inexplicable reason, a cold shiver ran straight down Owen’s spine. “Ahem… I just couldn’t handle the pressure from Norris and let it slip!”

Claire let out a soft huff and turned back to Norris. “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”

Norris gently patted her head. “I know you do. Just make sure your safety is always your top priority, and for the love of God, don’t pick up any of Owen’s habits.”

Owen literally hadn’t done anything wrong this time, but Norris’s double standards were absolute.

In his eyes, Claire could do no wrong. She was just young, innocent, and deeply kind-hearted.

Both times she had intervened, it was strictly to save someone else.

When had anyone ever seen her step out of line on a normal day?

“I know. I’ll be more careful next time,” Claire promised obediently, though she absolutely didn’t mean a word of it.

“Ophelia wants to take you shopping for a dress tomorrow.”

Norris finally shifted to business.

Ophelia was meticulous about her health and had gone to bed hours ago.

Norris had purposely stayed up waiting for Claire just to pass on the message. “Don’t I already have a closet full of clothes?”

She literally had a wardrobe packed for every season. What more could she possibly need?

The women of The Churchill Family were obsessed with shopping for her. Her closet was practically bursting at the seams.

“It’s for an evening gown. Don’t forget, Padgett’s birthday is in two days, and they’re throwing a massive gala to formally introduce you.”

Padgett’s birthday itself wasn’t meant to be an extravagant affair. They were only inviting close family, friends, and trusted business partners.

After all, seventy-five wasn’t typically a milestone that demanded a massive blowout.

Knowing Padgett, he usually preferred a quiet family dinner over a grand celebration anyway.

The only reason they were throwing a gala this year was to officially introduce Claire to their circle.

He absolutely refused to let Melissa’s daughter be treated as an afterthought.

Melissa, who had once been the brightest star in Cabinda, had been gone for so long that high society had practically forgotten she ever existed.

By publicly unveiling Claire’s identity, The Churchill Family was sending a loud, clear message: they still deeply cherished Melissa’s memory, and by extension, they fiercely protected her daughter.

If there was anyone still secretly harboring motives against Melissa, this would undoubtedly force their hand.

If not, it was simply the perfect opportunity to let the world know the Churchills had found their missing heiress.

The Churchill Family was notoriously protective, and they intended to give Claire the absolute best the world had to offer.

Padgett, in particular, was desperate to pour all the love and missed opportunities he couldn’t give his daughter straight into his granddaughter.

“Honestly, does it really need to be that formal?” Going custom gown shopping sounded utterly exhausting.

She would have vastly preferred a casual introduction where she could just wear something she already owned.

She had plenty of gorgeous dresses in her closet right now. There was zero need to go hunt for a new one.

“Those won’t do.” Norris shook his

head. “Those are fine for everyday

wear, but forg

event like this, you

need something specifically tailored

for the occasion.”

“If your gown looks too casual, people will assume The Churchill Family doesn’t value you, and they’ll

never

eat you with the respect you

deserve

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That was the absolute worst part about elite high society.

Everyone judged you entirely based on how much power they thought you held.

“Fine.” Claire knew better than to argue with him.