Chapter 298

"Why's she crying?" Aaron asked.

Kevin shrugged, equally puzzled. "Maybe she's upset?"

Nearby, a cluster of children whispered amongst themselves. Stacey heard every word. Hayden, overhearing them too, gently ushered the kids upstairs, "Let's go play quietly," he instructed, "Claire needs rest." Downstairs, Stacey prepared food and drinks. Claire, however, pushed the tray aside. She was exhausted, miserable.

"Rest a while? We have a guest room," Stacey offered softly. Turning to Charlie, she added, "Take her up. Sleep if you need to. Call if you want anything."

Charlie nodded, "Okay." He scooped Claire into his arms. Stacey led the way, opening the guest room door and stepping aside. After settling Claire, Stacey quietly slipped out, returning downstairs to prepare fruit and milk. She tiptoed back upstairs, leaving the tray on the bedside table.

Five pairs of curious eyes met hers – Jeremy, Lillian, Kevin, Abigail, and Aaron.

"Mommy, who's that lady?" Kevin piped up.

Stacey smiled, "She's the girl your Uncle Charlie likes best."

Abigail's eyes widened. "Someone finally wants Uncle Charlie?"

Stacey laughed, "I guess so."

"Will she be our aunt?" Lillian squealed.

"But why was she crying? Did someone hurt Aunt Claire?" Jeremy frowned.

Stacey sighed. "No one hurt her. Something sad happened at home. Her mom… she passed away."

Jeremy's eyes widened in understanding. He glanced worriedly upstairs. The younger children were too young to truly grasp the loss.

Claire wanted to return to Yowhayton, but Charlie held her close, comforting her. For days, she barely ate. Then Hayden announced Lydia's body had been recovered and would be returned.

Claire was stunned. "But…this is the Hoggard family."

She thought, With their connections, it's not impossible. Those in Yowhayton want to close this case quickly. Then those relatives can fight over Jones Group.

Claire didn't care. She just wanted to see Lydia one last time.

Two days later, Lydia’s body arrived. Claire wept uncontrollably, Charlie by her side. They arranged a quiet funeral. Slowly, Claire began to heal.

For a year, Charlie was her rock. A year later, on Valentine’s Day, he proposed. Claire said yes. He swept her into a joyous hug, spinning her around. Later, they visited Lydia's grave.

Three months later, a small, beautiful wedding in Alagua City. All the Carter children insisted on being flower girls and boys. Claire, smiling, agreed.

The wedding was intimate, filled with laughter and love. Fireworks illuminated the night sky. Charlie finally had his partner.

A honeymoon was impossible due to their circumstances, but being together was enough. Months later, morning sickness revealed a joyful surprise – Claire was pregnant. Charlie left the entertainment industry, focusing on becoming a devoted husband and father – and a surprisingly successful baby product entrepreneur. He thought, I need to provide for my family!