No Divorce? The Billionaire's Love Chase! novel Chapter 359

Claudia's words were met with another wave of awkward silence.

Her parents looked at their daughter with heartache, unsure of what to do.

Eddy gritted his teeth, looking like he wanted to go and fight York right then and there.

As a Ferguson herself, Darleen sat stiffly in her seat, not daring to speak.

Hugh calmly continued to help his son with his food, his peripheral vision taking in everyone at the table.

Cyrus admired the pattern on his water glass, subtly observing Hugh.

"That Six," Peter finally said, breaking the tension as he stood up to end the video call. "He really knows how to touch a sore spot."

Claudia nudged Eddy to pour more wine for their distinguished guests.

Her divorce was no secret; she saw no reason to hide it.

After dinner, the group stayed for a round of cards.

They didn't break up until the butler from Grant Manor arrived to take Cyrus home.

Claudia walked her guests to the door, where Hawley clung to her, unwilling to leave.

Hugh picked him up. "Dr. Watkins, I have a business trip next week. Would you mind looking after Hawley for a couple of days?"

"Of course," Claudia readily agreed. "Don't worry, he'll be safe with me."

Cyrus shot Claudia a look that clearly said, *you idiot*.

Jessica sat Claudia down. "Claudia, you grew up with Peter and Darleen, so I'm not worried about your friendship with them. But the gifts from those other two guests today… weren't they too extravagant? How are you going to return such favors?"

Eddy spoke up casually, "Dad, Mom, don't worry. The people my sister invited are good people. They're very generous."

Felix's expression was serious. "It doesn't matter how generous others are. You need to know what's appropriate to accept and what isn't. There have to be limits."

Claudia reassured her parents. "Mom, Dad, no matter how powerful or influential Mr. Grant and Mr. Ferguson are, they have their own vulnerabilities."

"They choose to be my friends because I have something they need," she explained. "They are certainly exceptional, but your daughter is no slouch either."

The world of adult socializing was, at its core, a marketplace of value exchange.

Even if she and York did divorce one day and she no longer moved in the same circles, she would not be left behind.