Hello, Ex! I Finally Found My Worth!-Chapter 147: Muderer

Claire took one final look at herself in the mirror, adjusting the diamond earrings Chris had given her. The elegant navy-blue dress hugged her figure perfectly, the soft silk cascading down to her ankles. It was classy yet modest—something she felt comfortable in.

She exhaled, smoothing her hands down her sides. Would she had chosen something this beautiful if Chris hadn't gotten her a dress?

A small smile played on her lips. He can be so sweet when he wants to be.

As she stepped out of the bedroom and into the hallway, the sound of voices from the living room reached her ears. Alex and Emma were chatting quietly, their tones relaxed—something she was grateful for after the tension-filled lunch earlier.

Thinking about the lunch, a thought crossed her mind but she quickly pushed it aside. She needed to focus on her dinner tonight.

When she finally entered the room, both Alex and Emma turned toward her.

Alex let out a low whistle, grinning. "Wow, Claire. You look really amazing."

Emma nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning Claire's outfit with appreciation. "That dress suits you so well. And the jewelry... Chris really has good taste."

Claire chuckled, shaking her head. "It's a bit much, isn't it?"

"No," Alex said firmly. "You deserve to be spoiled everyday and I like that he's doing just that."

Claire opened her mouth to argue but was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. Her heart skipped a beat knowing it was Chris since he had said he'd be coming by 6 PM and it was 6 PM sharp.

Emma, noticing the way Claire's fingers tensed slightly, smiled knowingly. "Are you nervous?" she teased and Claire scoffed.

"Of course not," she said, her voice not as confident as she wanted it to be.

Alex smirked. "Right."

Ignoring them, Claire turned toward the door, exhaling before going to open it after dismissing the maid that had wanted to go get the door.

She opened the door and there he stood just as she had thought. Her man, and the one that was slowly taking over her heart—Christopher Jacobs.

He was dressed in a tailored black suit, his presence was effortlessly commanding. But it wasn't just the suit—it was the way his eyes softened the moment they landed on her. The way his lips curved into a slow, appreciative smile.

For a brief moment, Claire forgot how to breathe as she locked gazes with him.

Chris let his gaze travel over her, taking in every detail. Then he stepped forward, lifting a hand to gently tuck a stray curl behind her ear. His touch lingering and making her feel tingly.

"You look breathtaking," he murmured, his voice deep and full of emotion. "Absolutely perfect."

Claire felt warmth spread through her chest, her heart betraying her with its quickened pace. "It's just a dress," she mumbled, suddenly feeling self-conscious under his intense gaze.

Chris shook his head, his thumb grazing her cheek lightly. "No, it's not just the dress. It's you." His eyes darkened slightly with desire he hadn't seen in them before. "You have no idea how much I love you and wish I could make love to you right now, do you?" he whispered.

Claire swallowed, emotions welling up in her throat as her cheeks burned in embarrassment. He had told her he loved her before and that he couldn't get enough of her, but every time he said it, it felt new, real and it made her feel wanted and desired.

She smiled, her fingers gently wrapping around his wrist. "I think I'm starting to get the idea of just how much you love me," she said choosing not to talk about the other part of what he had said.

Chris chuckled, placing a soft kiss on her forehead before pulling back to say hello to both Emma and Alex.

When he was done, he turned to Claire. "Shall we?"

She nodded, glancing back at Alex and Emma, who were both watching them with knowing smiles.

"Have fun," Emma said.

"And don't cause trouble," Alex added playfully.

Claire rolled her eyes but smiled before taking Chris's hand and stepping outside.

The drive to his mother's estate was smooth, the city lights flickering past as Claire stole glances at Chris. He looked calm, but there was a slight tension in his jaw.

"Are you nervous?" she asked, mirroring the question Emma had asked her earlier.

Chris exhaled, his fingers tapping against the steering wheel. "Not nervous. Just... I want tonight to go well."

Claire raised a brow. "You talk about your mother a lot. From everything you've said, she sounds like an angel. What's there to worry about? I mean, I should be the nervous one."

Chris smirked. "You haven't met my aunt yet."

Something about his tone made Claire straighten. "What's she like?"

Chris hesitated before saying, "You'll see."

Though she wasn't that bad, she could be a bit cranky but since everyone was looking forward to seeing Claire, he hoped his aunt would be on her best behavior.

Claire wanting to understand what he meant opened her mouth but before she could say anything, the car slowed in front of a massive iron gate.

The security guard recognized Chris immediately, pressing a button that made the gates slowly swing open.

And then Claire saw it. The mansion that stood above them.

If she had thought her father's house was grand, this was something else entirely. Towering white columns, enormous glass windows reflecting the golden glow of the chandeliers inside, and a long stone pathway leading to an entrance big enough to fit three cars side by side.

Claire exhaled sharply. "This is where you grew up?"

Chris chuckled. "Surprised?" he asked since he doesn't dress the part and his father's name hadn't been so loud as the Sterling's.

"More like... overwhelmed," she said since she hadn't expected them to be this wealthy too.

People of their class we're usually picky and since she was older than Chris, she feared it might be a factor that could make Chris's mom and aunt to dislike her.

He reached over, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "You'll be fine. My mother already loves you, and she hasn't even met you yet."

Claire bit her lip, a nervous energy filling her chest.

As they entered the mansion, a well-dressed butler greeted them and led them to the dining area, where a poised woman with striking silver hair sat at the head of the table.

From her posture, Claire had no doubt it was Elizabeth Jacobs.

Elizabeth stood the moment she saw them, her face lighting up with genuine smile. "Oh, Claire, dear! Finally, we meet."

Claire barely had time to react before Elizabeth pulled her into a gentle hug, surprising her even more.

Chris grinned. "Told you she loves you already," he whispered in her ear.

Elizabeth pulled back, studying Claire with kind eyes. "You're even more beautiful in person. My son has told me so much about you."

Claire flushed, suddenly feeling like a teenager meeting her boyfriend's mother for the first time. "It's wonderful to meet you too, Mrs. Jacobs."

"Oh, please. Call me Elizabeth," Elizabeth said with a dismissive wave of her hand.

Claire nodded, already feeling more at ease.

Just as they were about to sit, Chris glanced around. "Where's Aunt Nicole?"

Elizabeth sighed. "Upstairs. She'll be down soon. She wants to look beautiful for her soon to be niece-in-law," Elizabeth said abd Claire glanced up at Chris, her cheeks burning in embarrassment.

"Mom," Chris called and Elizabeth chuckled.

"Fine. I won't run so fast. C'mon let's go to the dining," she said and both Claire and Chris followed her.

As the food was served, the atmosphere was warm. Elizabeth asked Claire about her life, her interests, and even her thoughts on business. From their interactions, it was clear to Claire that Elizabeth was genuinely interested in knowing her.

In the midst of their conversation s, a set of footsteps echoed down the grand staircase, interrupting them.

Claire turned, and so did Chris since they all knew who it was.

A woman in her late forties entered the dining room, her elegant black dress flowing as she walked. She had a warm smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Ah, finally," Elizabeth said. "Nicole, meet...." Elizabeth's voice trailed off when she saw how Nicole suddenly froze the moment her eyes Landed on Claire.

Chris and Elizabeth watched as whatever warmth had been on Nicole's eyes vanished instantly.

They both turned to Claire and they could see the way she stiffened also, the recognition in her eyes undeniable.

Nicole's lips parted in shock before they twisted into something darker.

"What is she doing here?" Nicole's voice was laced with venom, making everyone at the table go still.

Chris frowned. "Aunt?" he called in confusion. He could understand that they might know each other but why would Nicole use that tune on Claire?

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Nicole didn't even acknowledge him. Instead, she pointed a shaking finger at Claire, her voice cold and accusing.

"This woman... no, murderer. What is this murderer doing here?" she asked again, this time causing everyone's eyes to widened in shock.

Chris and his mom wondering why Nicole would refer to Claire as a murderer. Something was definitely wrong.