Chapter 66
After hanging up the phone, Mr. Bennett Sr. was still smiling. The servants, seeing this, laughed and praised Lauren.
Suddenly, a female voice called, "Father, I heard Lauren is back! Why didn't you tell me?" The announcement surprised everyone in the room. The housekeeper then led the maids to greet the newcomer.
Clara Bennett, Mr. Bennett Sr.'s eldest daughter, had returned.
His smile widening, Mr. Bennett Sr. said, "You never answer my calls! How could I inform you?"
His joy momentarily faded, replaced by dissatisfaction. He complained, "How many years has it been since you came home?" He was getting older, and family was paramount. Seeing Clara, he nearly wept.
Mr. Bennett Sr.'s feelings were complex. He was overjoyed to see his daughter, but also resented her long absence. He had missed her terribly.
Lauren's disappearance had devastated both the Bennett and Betty families. Mrs. Bennett's mother even used her crutch to beat Mr. Bennett Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett nearly divorced.
Jeffery, only ten years old at the time, locked himself in his room and refused food for three days after learning of his sister's disappearance.
The Bennett family was in chaos. Mr. Bennett Sr. was bedridden, and Mr. Bennett had to kneel and apologize to everyone. The Betty family blamed him, and Tiffany nearly went mad. The family was in disarray, held together only by Clara, who was barely thirty.
While reassuring her family, Clara tirelessly searched for Lauren, managed her company, and rarely complained. She handled everything efficiently, earning the family's praise. Only Mr. Bennett Sr. knew the immense pressure she bore.
Tiffany loved Lauren as her own mother, but for Clara, Lauren was a spiritual anchor. Lauren's disappearance was catastrophic for Clara. Her life had been difficult; shortly after her marriage, her husband died in a car accident, causing her to miscarry.
Clara even contemplated suicide. Tiffany brought the newborn Lauren to her hospital bed, promising Clara she would be her daughter.
Clara looked at the baby, held her tiny hand, and decided not to give up. After recovering, she raised Lauren as her own daughter.