After Divorce I Married a Tycoon-Chapter 58: Mrs. Rowan Accepts Her as Her Goddaughter

Chapter 58: Chapter 58: Mrs. Rowan Accepts Her as Her Goddaughter

Claire Mercer didn’t seem the least bit flustered by Mrs. Rowan’s praise.

Instead, she remained perfectly calm and composed, which made her appear all the more poised and graceful.

The Mercer Family’s "fake" young miss carried herself more like a true socialite than the Sinclair Family’s "real" little princess.

Compared to Cynthia Sinclair’s earlier behavior, Claire’s dignified and confident demeanor earned her admiring glances from many in the room.

"Thank you for the compliment. I’m just glad you like it."

She had always been confident in her designs.

While the qipao certainly wasn’t as valuable as the other, more expensive gifts, she knew that some things couldn’t be measured solely in terms of money.

The qipao she had designed was every bit as good as those from major brands.

It simply lacked the prestige of a famous label, so it didn’t seem as high-end or luxurious.

But she believed that one day, she would have her own brand.

And when that day came, the clothing and jewelry from her brand would surely shine with their own inherent value.

Seeing Mrs. Rowan so delighted with what she considered a worthless rag from Claire Mercer, Cynthia Sinclair was so furious she could have bitten her lip raw.

Mrs. Rowan hadn’t even spared a single glance for the imperial green jadeite her family had gifted, a piece worth over ten million.

Yet she was heaping such high praise on this worthless trinket from Claire Mercer.

With Mrs. Rowan’s praise and approval, Claire Mercer’s future standing in Rhonia would be on a completely different level.

In fact, Cynthia Sinclair wasn’t the only one; other young ladies in attendance also felt a pang of jealousy.

They just weren’t foolish enough to show it as openly as she did, keeping their envy hidden away.

However, what truly ignited their jealousy were Mrs. Rowan’s next words.

"I absolutely love the qipao you designed for me."

"I also love your talent and your incredible skill."

"And what I love most is your composure. I would like to make you my goddaughter. Would you be willing?"

At these words, the jaw of every person in the room dropped in utter shock—with the sole exception of Adrian Sutton and Silas Rowan.

’All because of a qipao, Mrs. Rowan wanted to make Claire Mercer her goddaughter?’

’What on earth did Claire Mercer do in a past life to get this lucky?’

’To actually win Mrs. Rowan’s appreciation and affection like this...’

The Rowan Family was the very symbol of power and prestige in Rhonia.

Heaven only knew how many people in Rhonia were desperate to curry favor with the Rowan Family and Mrs. Rowan herself...

But the Rowans never gave anyone the chance, and Mrs. Rowan herself was famously private.

People had no way in, unable to even orchestrate a so-called "chance encounter."

And now, Mrs. Rowan was about to publicly adopt the Mercer Family’s "fake" young miss as her goddaughter...

If this went through, the Mercer Family’s status in Rhonia would skyrocket, a true leap in social standing.

From then on, there would be few people present who would dare to cross her.

In fact... they might even have to start trying to get on her good side.

No one had yet recovered from the shock, and that included Claire Mercer herself.

She had thought Silas Rowan might help her expedite the divorce proceedings.

But she had never imagined Mrs. Rowan would want to make her a goddaughter.

’Even if they wanted to help me with the divorce, there’s no need to go this far.’

Still reeling with shock and confusion, she heard Mrs. Rowan ask again.

"So, are you willing to have me as your godmother?"

Adrian Sutton nudged her with his shoulder and asked with a low chuckle, "What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue?"

Silas Rowan also came to her side, urging, "Come on, answer her."

Even Julian Mercer, excited beyond words, rushed over to press her.

"What are you spacing out for? This is an incredible honor! Hurry up and say yes!"

Although Claire Mercer wasn’t their biological daughter, she was still the Mercer Family’s adopted daughter.

If she could ascend to such heights and become Mrs. Rowan’s goddaughter...

...wouldn’t the Mercer Family also bask in her reflected glory?

Would those who looked down on the Mercers ever dare to disrespect him again?

With a connection like this, wouldn’t the Mercer Family’s standing in Rhonia climb several rungs up the ladder?

At this thought, Julian Mercer’s face lit up, his wrinkles creasing with his broad smile.

"I am, Mrs. Rowan..."

"Still ’Mrs. Rowan’...?" 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

Mrs. Rowan feigned a look of displeasure.

But her eyes, as she looked at Claire, were filled with warmth and affection.

"Godmother," Claire said softly.

"Yes..." Mrs. Rowan replied, smiling from the heart.

She then beckoned to Claire.

"My dear girl, come here to your godmother."

’I’ve always wanted a daughter, and now my wish has come true!’

’And this girl... you just can’t help but feel for her.’

’I don’t understand why the Mercer and Sinclair families are so harsh with her.’

’Plus, she’s the girl Adrian cares for so deeply. Of course I have to back her up publicly.’

Some of the guests began to snap out of their stupor and offer their congratulations.

"Congratulations, Mrs. Rowan! This is truly a double blessing today."

"Indeed, congratulations on gaining such a lovely daughter."

"..."

Amid the chorus of congratulations, Mrs. Rowan was beaming, unable to contain her smile.

It was clear that she genuinely liked Claire Mercer and that her happiness was sincere.

"Henry, we have a daughter now," she said to her husband.

Then, Mrs. Rowan quickly turned to make an introduction for Claire.

"This is your godfather."

Claire said softly, "Godfather."

Henry Rowan nodded with a smile. "My dear girl."

"So, your birthday wish for all these years has finally come true, has it?"

Mrs. Churchill stepped forward, a playfully jealous smile on her face.

"You’ve got a daughter now. Where are Mrs. Miner and I supposed to find one so sweet and well-behaved?"

Mrs. Rowan laughed. "That’s a problem for the two of you. Don’t you get jealous of me now."

"Why would I be jealous?" Mrs. Churchill chuckled.

"Now that you have a daughter, who knows? Perhaps our families could be joined one day."

Mrs. Miner, who was a step behind her, pouted. "Why do you always have to beat me to the punch?"

Mrs. Churchill smiled. "Well, you should have been quicker. Can’t blame me."

"Neither of you two better get any ideas about my daughter," Mrs. Rowan said.

’This goddaughter of mine is my future nephew’s wife-to-be, after all.’

’If Adrian hadn’t been in love with the girl for ten years, I’d have been tempted to see if something might spark between her and Silas.’

"Thank you all once again for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend my wife’s birthday party."

"I’d also like to take this opportunity to make an announcement."

"From this day forward, Claire Mercer is my wife, Jean Sutton’s, goddaughter."

"And, of course, she is my goddaughter as well."

"She is now a part of the Rowan Family, and I trust you will all look out for her."

As he finished speaking, the room erupted in thunderous applause.

Some were genuinely happy for her, while others were left with a bitter taste in their mouths.

When the applause died down, Silas Rowan asked, "Mom, since she’s your goddaughter now, don’t you think you should give her a new name?"

Mrs. Rowan thought for a moment. "Selene," she said. "Selene Sutton."

"Do you like that name?" she asked Claire.

Claire nodded. "I love it. Thank you, Godmother."

"Good girl..." Mrs. Rowan affectionately ruffled her hair. "That’s all that matters."