Chapter 286 Clarissa’s New Prey
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When Zev saw the people he was waiting for had arrived, he straightened up, slipping back into his usual cool, aloof demeanor. He allowed Kelly to loop her arm through his, and together they made their way toward the entrance of the venue.
“Feeling nervous?” Zev asked, his voice laced with concern. He worried Kelly might be overwhelmed by the setting.
To his surprise, Kelly exuded calm. Confidence and elegance radiated from her, making it clear she belonged in such a setting.
As expected from his wife.
“Don’t say anything,” Kelly whispered, pinching Zev gently. She feared her disguise would falter if she spoke
too much.
Zev gave her a reassuring smile, holding her hand tightly as they walked through the entrance.
Meanwhile, Clarissa spotted them from a distance, a sly smile curling at her lips. “The fun is about to start,” she muttered under her breath.
Her friends, sensing the brewing drama, turned their attention toward the couple, eager for whatever spectacle might unfold.
“Excuse me, sir, ma’am, may I see your invitations?”
The security officer addressed them politely.
Clarissa lifted her chin, her eyes gleaming as she waited for Zev to falter.
“Mr. Lockhart! I’m so sorry.” Von, the newly appointed chamber of commerce president, rushed over, breathless. He quickly identified himself to the staff. “There was an error with your invitations. They were mistakenly given to Wade.”
Zev’s voice was icy, almost distant. “Next time, I expect such simple mistakes to be avoided.”
Kelly glanced at Zev, her eyes narrowing slightly. His presence felt heavy every time he was angry, and the air around him thickened with tension.
Or maybe he was just putting on an act.
Von seemed shaken, realizing the gravity of his mistake. “I apologize, Mr. Lockhart. It won’t happen again. I’ll personally investigate and ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
He raised his hand, signaling for Zev and Kelly to proceed.
The staff moved quickly, ushering them in without further question.
Von’s deferential treatment of Zev didn’t go unnoticed by the other guests. They watched, fully aware of the unspoken power dynamic in play.
“You should investigate this thoroughly,” Zev said. He turned his gaze toward Clarissa. “And perhaps we should also look into whether anyone’s using the Lockhart name to gain access to this event.”
Clarissa’s face turned a shade darker. Zev’s words were a clear slap in the face.
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Her fists clenched, and the people around her instinctively distanced themselves, sensing her growing frustration.
Without the Lockharts‘ support, Clarissa was nothing in this world. And standing alone, with only the Lynches backing her, she wasn’t much in the eyes of these wealthy clites.
“Clarissa…” One of her friends hesitated, then spoke in a soft voice. “Zigns here with his wife. You should… “She trailed off, glancing toward Zev and Kelly. “Let’s go. We should avoid them.”
The last thing they needed was more humiliation.
“Why should I leave?” Clarissa snorted. “I’ve had children for the Lockharts. They owe me this favor, no matter what.”
She wasn’t entirely wrong. Wade did owe her something.
“I heard Shawn came with his mom.” Melody leaned closer to Kelly and whispered, “My mother–in–law’s here too.”
Kelly glanced toward the entrance. Melody’s mother–in–law, Hannah, was a walking display of wealth and luxury.
Honestly, Hannah had great taste. Her jewelry was top–tier, screaming affluence. But there was a twist–her husband had shown up with two women. Hannah was on his right, while Shawn’s mother, Serena, stood on the left.
Serena radiated a more subtle power. Hannah, in her attempt to dominate, piled on every luxurious piece she could find. But Serena? She wore a simple crescent–white dress, paired with an emerald–green gemstone set that was elegant and understated. She looked fresh, refined, and undeniably captivating.
It wasn’t just the clothes. Serena had that quiet charm, the kind that drew attention without effort. She clung to Patrick’s arm the entire time, her presence overshadowing Hannah’s in a way that was hard to ignore.
Legally, Hannah was Patrick’s wife.
But Serena? She had clearly earned her place, proven her worth, and now, she stood beside Patrick at high- profile events like this one.
“Dad, you go ahead,” Shawn said to Patrick with a smile, his gaze flickering toward Oscar and Zev. “I’ll catch up with Oscar and Zion.”
Zev raised an eyebrow at Oscar. By all accounts, Shawn shouldn’t have recognized him. They had never met, yet Shawn knew exactly who he was. Clearly, he had done his homework.
Patrick nodded at Oscar. “It’s Shawn’s first time at a chamber event. Take him around.”
Oscar, ever unfiltered, replied, “Take me where? To the crime scene?”
Kelly nearly choked on her breath, biting back a laugh.
Patrick shot Oscar a glare, his warning clear. This was not the time for embarrassing jokes. He turned to Hannah, lowering his voice. “Look at what kind of son you’ve raised. If Oscar had even a fraction of the sense that Shawn does, I wouldn’t have to worry so much.”
Hannah, already irritated by Patrick bringing Serena along, snapped. “Patrick, what’s your point? No matter how much Shawn achieves, he’s still a bastard. He’ll never amount to anything.”
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The
group gathered around, eyes fixed on the escalating tension.
Patrick’s face turned red with anger. “I should’ve never brought you.”
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“What? I said nothing wrong,” Hannah scoffed. “He’s just a bastard. His mother’s a shameless homewrecker.”
Shawn stood frozen, shifting awkwardly on his feet.
The air grew thick with discomfort, and no one came to his defense.
Then, Clarissa stepped forward, her smile cool and composed. “People can’t choose where they come from, but their abilities and talents speak for themselves. At least Shawn has proven himself to everyone. He’s earned his place.”
Kelly and Zev exchanged glances, both rolling their eyes in perfect synchronization.
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