Chapter 574

"Play, play, play! That's all you ever do!"

Finnegan shoved the tablet away. "Go to your room!"

Jett froze, then burst into tears.

Mabel quickly scooped Jett into her arms and shot Finnegan a look. "You figure out how to contact Claire. I'll calm Jett down."

Finnegan walked out to the balcony and lit a cigarette. The serene ocean and clear sky before him did nothing to ease his agitation.

He stared at his phone screen for a long time before finally pressing the call button. The phone rang for what felt like an eternity. Just as he thought it would go to voicemail, someone picked up.

"Hello?" Claire's voice was soft, revealing no emotion.

"Claire, it's Dad." Finnegan's posture slumped, and his voice softened. "I was wrong earlier. We haven't seen each other in so long, and I missed you so much that I lost my temper. Can you forgive me? How about we have dinner tonight? I haven't even had a meal with Joseph, your new husband. Give your dad a chance, okay?"

There was a pause on the other end before Claire finally agreed.

Finnegan's lips curled into a smile as he looked at the call log. He knew Claire would eventually relent. The little girl who had always yearned for her father's love couldn't truly turn him down.

"How did it go?" Mabel peeked out from the bedroom, her face covered in a mask, her voice muffled.

"Done." Finnegan tossed his phone onto the couch and sank into the cushions. "Seven o'clock, Coral Restaurant."

Mabel ripped off her mask, her eyes lighting up. "Really? I told you, blood is thicker than water. Claire could never truly disown you."

She hurried over, her strong perfume making Finnegan wrinkle his nose. "We need to make a reservation at the hotel."

"No need," Finnegan grunted. "It's at the resort's Coral Restaurant. I've already told Claire."

Mabel pouted. "That place has nothing good to eat." Then, as if remembering something, her eyes gleamed. "We need to make sure Jett behaves tonight."

As if on cue, Jett looked up from his game console, annoyed. "What now? I'm in the middle of a ranked match. Don't bother me!"

"Jett, we're having dinner with Claire tonight. Remember to be polite." Finnegan tried to sound stern, but seeing Jett's pout, his tone softened. "Behave, and I'll get you the latest game console."

Jett's eyes sparkled. "Really? I want a PS5! And the new God of War limited edition!"

"Sure, sure, I'll get them for you." Finnegan waved dismissively and turned to his wife. "Teach Jett how to behave. He should call Claire 'sister' and be respectful to Joseph. He's a doctor, after all."

Mabel nodded and began whispering to Jett.

Watching them, Finnegan's thoughts drifted to Claire's childhood.

Back when Evangeline was still around, Claire would quietly sit in a corner reading, never causing trouble.

Unlike Jett, who would throw tantrums at the slightest inconvenience.

Finnegan shook his head, pushing away the useless memories. The important thing now was to leverage Claire and Joseph's connection to get in with the Windsor Group. His company couldn't hold out much longer.

Meanwhile, in a beachfront villa on the other side of the resort, Claire had just hung up the phone, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of her phone.

"What's up?" Joseph wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Who was that?"

"My dad." Claire turned to bury her face in Joseph's chest, her voice muffled. "He wants to have dinner with us tonight."

Joseph gently pulled back to see her face. "You agreed?"

Claire nodded, looking up. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, highlighting the complex emotions in her eyes. "He said he was tired from the trip to Marigoldia and was in a bad mood earlier. He asked me not to be mad."

She let out a small laugh. "He also said it's his first time being a father-in-law and wants to have dinner with his son-in-law."

Joseph smoothed the furrow in her brow. "Did you forgive him?"

"No." Claire shook her head, her gaze clear. "I just want to see why he's suddenly changed his attitude."

She picked up the tablet from the coffee table, showing Joseph's profile page. "I guess he's already looked up your information."

Joseph took the tablet, seeing his career achievements and awards. He understood Claire's implication.

He cupped her face, speaking earnestly. "Whatever you want to do, I support you. If you don't want to go, I'll call and cancel right now."

A warmth flickered in Claire's eyes. "Thank you, but I want to see what he's up to."

She paused. "Besides, there are some things I need to say to him in person."

Joseph kissed her forehead. "I'll go with you tonight."

As they embraced, the doorbell rang.

Zoey stood outside with Gabriel and Travis, Henry behind them.

"Are we interrupting?" Zoey raised an eyebrow at their intimate moment, showing no intention of looking away. "We wanted to see what your plans are for tonight."

Gabriel and Travis broke free from Zoey's grasp and ran inside.

Gabriel looked up at Claire. "Claire, are you still sad? If that bad man bullied you, I'll fight him!" He waved his little fists.

Claire knelt, unable to suppress a smile. "Thank you, Gabriel, but I'm okay."

Zoey walked in, sensing the tension. "What's going on?"

Claire briefly explained Finnegan's dinner invitation.

Zoey frowned. "Claire, after how he acted at lunch, don't you find his sudden change suspicious?"

She pulled out her phone. "I did some digging. Finnegan's construction company is in serious financial trouble. The bank has issued a final warning."

Claire sighed. "I figured as much."

Joseph squeezed Claire's hand. "What do you need me to do?"

"Just be yourself." Claire took a deep breath. "I want to see if he's here for family or..."

"For profit," Zoey finished coldly.

Travis tugged on Claire's sleeve. "Claire, are you having dinner with a bad guy? Gabriel and I can protect you! We're really strong!"

Claire laughed at the child's innocence, feeling lighter. "Thank you, Travis, but this is an adult matter. You and Gabriel have fun with your parents tonight, okay?"

"Alright, kids." Henry clapped his hands. "We need to go see off your grandparents. Their flight is about to leave."