Henry Mills reluctantly let go of her and walked to the door to open it.

The moment he opened the door and saw the person standing outside, Henry Mills froze.

Claire Xu, seeing that he hadn't reacted for a long time, came over and asked, "Who is it?"

Seeing the elegant woman at the door, Claire Xu also froze on the spot. She could guess with near certainty—this must be Henry Mills's mother, her future mother-in-law.

Madam He first gave Henry Mills a once-over, then looked at Claire Xu and said solemnly, "Hello, I'm Henry Mills's mother."

Claire Xu hesitated for a moment before answering, "Hello, Auntie. Please come in and have a seat."

Henry Mills wasn't at all pleased by his mother's unexpected visit. He stuck out his foot to block the door, eyeing his mother warily.

"Mom, it's so late. What are you doing here?"

This unfilial son! Madam He's face darkened instantly, even her breathing grew heavier.

Claire Xu forcibly pulled Henry Mills aside, scolding, "What are you doing? Where are your manners?"

Henry Mills stumbled, banging the back of his head on the door with a dull thud. Madam He, worried, asked, "Are you alright? Did it hurt?"

"I'm fine." Henry Mills grinned foolishly. Claire Xu had just grabbed his hand—getting a bump on the head was worth it.

Madam He shook her head. This silly child, still smiling after hitting his head. There's no saving him.

Claire Xu welcomed Madam He inside and tidied up the messy sofa. Madam He sat down and sized up the apartment. The environment wasn’t bad at all—clean, warm, and well organized.

"Auntie, what kind of tea would you like? I have herbal tea, Longjing green tea..."

"My mom doesn't like tea..." Henry Mills didn't want his mother interfering and ruining the moment, especially now that things were finally progressing between him and Claire Xu. What if she scared her off?

"I'll have Longjing," Madam He replied, glancing sidelong at Henry Mills. Brat! Trying to kick your mother out, are you? Well, I’m staying. What can you do about it?

Henry Mills raked a hand through his hair in defeat—he was hopeless when it came to dealing with women.

Claire Xu played the gracious hostess, not displaying the slightest impatience despite the late hour.

Madam He's impression of her improved a little. She didn't seem at all like the person Mrs. Xu had described.

While Claire Xu was making tea, Henry Mills sidled up to Madam He and muttered under his breath, "What on earth are you doing here at this hour?"

"I came to check on you! You've been away from home for days. I was worried someone might've stolen your kidneys."

Henry Mills: "..."

Claire Xu brought the freshly steeped tea over. The mother and son cut off their whispering as soon as they noticed her, and Madam He gave Claire Xu a smile.

"Claire Xu, right?"

Claire Xu nodded.

"I've heard my son mention you at home. Oh, and he has a ton of your photos in his room..."

"Mom, drinking tea at night isn't good for you. You should go home and get some sleep," Henry Mills interjected, grabbing his mother's hand and trying to urge her to leave.

If she stayed any longer, she’d probably bring up that story about him as a kid running around in split pants, getting chicken poop on his hands.

Madam He shook off his hand and lightly scolded, "What's the rush? I like drinking tea at night."

Watching the not-so-subtle mother-son dynamic, Claire Xu pressed her lips together, holding back a smile.

Madam He continued, "Claire Xu, do you have feelings for our Henry Mills?"

Such a direct question! But Claire Xu wasn't one to beat around the bush. She glanced at Henry Mills and saw how tense he looked, clearly worried his mother's words would scare her off.

Claire Xu smiled. She could guess why Madam He had come tonight. Since everyone here was straightforward, there was no need to mince words.

Taking a deep breath, she replied earnestly, "Auntie, I've known Henry Mills for quite a while. He's a genuinely good person, worthy of being taken seriously. I like his honesty and sincerity. I apologize that disagreements with the elders have caused trouble between us."

The girl's answer was measured and polite, putting people at ease. Madam He nodded approvingly.

"No need to apologize. I know my son's temperament best." Madam He rose from the sofa. "I can't meddle in you young people's affairs. It's late; I'll head home now."

Tonight, she'd simply wanted to see what magic Claire Xu possessed to make her son so lovesick.

If she really was as bad as Mrs. Xu had claimed, she would never have approved. But now—it seemed her son had chosen well.

Claire Xu walked her to the door. Madam He turned back and said, "The tea you made was wonderful. No need to see me out—my driver is waiting downstairs."

After meeting Claire Xu, Madam He looked thoroughly relieved.

On her way here, she’d wondered how to talk sense into her son. Now, it was clear she’d worried for nothing.

Clearly, you can't judge a person just from someone else’s mouth.

......

Monday, the day of the annual company party.

The venue was a banquet hall at Peninsula Hotel.

From ten in the morning, guests began arriving in a steady stream.

Lauren Shaw appeared in a sapphire blue gown, a delicate sapphire necklace resting on her long neck, voluminous waves cascading down her back, her refined features set off by light makeup and a unique charm that drew lingering glances.

She took Yancy Shaw's arm, her smile gentle.

"President Shen," greeted Qin Jia as she approached.

As a business partner, she wouldn't miss an event like this.

Yancy Shaw, dressed in a tailored black suit, looked aloof and reserved. Only with Lauren Shaw beside him did his expression seem to soften.

He nodded, "President Qin."

Qin Jia deliberately glanced at the graceful, striking woman on his arm. "This must be Mrs. Shen, right?"

Lauren Shaw had already recognized her; she was the same Qin Jia who’d once trended online with Yancy Shaw.

Lauren Shaw smiled softly. "Hello, President Qin." She extended her right hand warmly.

Qin Jia was momentarily surprised, then quickly recovered, shaking Lauren Shaw’s hand briefly before letting go.

"Mrs. Shen, about last time—I’m sorry. I was with President Shen..."

"Yancy Shawg already explained everything to me. It’s no big deal, no need to worry about it," Lauren Shaw replied graciously, putting Qin Jia at ease.

There were many unfamiliar faces in the banquet hall—business figures and government officials alike. On the big screen, highlights of the recent years at Shen Corporation were playing.

Yancy Shaw held Lauren Shaw’s hand, their matching rings glittering in the light.

Claire Xu, wearing a sleek black gown, arrived at the banquet hall. She looked around, searching for Lauren Shaw. Spotting her from afar, Claire Xu waved and walked over.