Chapter 67

It could be said that, when Lauren was young, Clara spent more time with her than her mother did. After the Bennett family settled down, Clara went abroad alone and didn't return for over ten years. She returned with a young woman in her twenties.

When Mrs. Bennett saw this woman, a smile appeared on her face. "You must be Erica," she said.

Clara, who was speaking with Mr. Bennett Sr., heard this and immediately replied with a smile, "I forgot to introduce her! This is Erica Finn." The Bennett family knew of Erica, but had never met her in person.

Erica was the daughter of Clara's longtime assistant. Clara, childless herself, was very fond of Erica.

Erica's close relationship with Clara wasn't always expected. When Erica was twelve, her mother (Clara's assistant) died of liver cancer, leaving Erica motherless. Her biological father had been divorced from her mother for years, and her stepmother was unwilling to accept her. Faced with the loss of her mother and her father's coldness, Clara decided to adopt her.

Clara didn't pressure Erica to call her "Mother." She simply wanted to provide a home. Erica was very filial and kind to Clara, and gradually, Clara came to treat Erica as her own daughter.

While Clara was abroad, the entire Bennett family worried about her, and were relieved to learn she was accompanied by Erica.

Mrs. Bennett lovingly took Erica's hand and praised her repeatedly. "She's so lovely," she said.

Sally sat beside Mrs. Bennett, hugged her arm, and said, "Mom, don't forget me! I'm your daughter!"

"You little rascal," Mrs. Bennett replied, nuzzling Sally's nose.

Clara's return kept the maids busy; some prepared lunch while others cleaned the rooms. A happy Mrs. Bennett asked Clara, "What would you like to eat?"

Clara replied excitedly, "I'm not hungry now. Where's Lauren? I miss her so much!" Tears welled in her eyes. Seeing this, Erica, sitting beside Clara, lowered her head sadly.

Erica had been apprehensive about this reunion since learning of Clara's return, not out of mere curiosity about Lauren, but because she was constantly reminded of Lauren by others around her. Although adopted by Clara, Erica still lacked the legal right to inherit Clara's property.

Clara, having no children, would undoubtedly leave Erica a substantial inheritance. But now the situation was different—Lauren, the person Clara cared for most, was back.