Chapter 579

Claire forced a smile and nodded.

The midday sun blazed down on the white sand, but inside the resort's main restaurant, "The Coral Reef," the air conditioning was perfect.

As soon as Claire stepped into the restaurant, she heard a familiar voice.

"Well, isn't this a surprise!"

Claire stiffened and turned to see Mabel dragging Jett towards them, with a sullen-faced Finnegan trailing behind.

"Ms. Spencer, Mr. Windsor," Mabel's face was plastered with a sugary smile, "What a coincidence! Why don't we have lunch together?"

Before Zoey could respond, Mabel pulled Jett in front of her. "Jett, apologize to Ms. Spencer! You were so rude yesterday!"

Jett pouted, clearly reluctant, but under Mabel's stern gaze, he muttered, "Sorry."

Mabel quickly added, "Jett's been spoiled since he was little. We gave him a good talking-to last night."

Her smile grew even more ingratiating. "Order whatever you like for lunch today. It's on us."

Finnegan stepped forward, wearing the kind of smile he used in business negotiations. "Yes, let's take this opportunity to get to know each other better."

Claire felt her stomach churn at Finnegan's insincere expression.

She noticed Jett glaring at Gabriel and Travis, who were hiding fearfully behind Henry.

Zoey's expression was icy. "No need. We prefer to dine alone."

She paused, then added pointedly, "I don't want the kids' lunch to be taken again."

Mabel's smile froze, and Finnegan's face darkened instantly.

Jett shouted, "Who wants to eat with you anyway? Mom, let's go!"

Mabel held Jett's hand tightly, preventing him from running off, her expression awkward. "Ms. Spencer, Jett has already apologized."

"An apology doesn't mean we have to accept it," Henry suddenly spoke, his voice low and firm. "We have other plans. Excuse us."

He picked up one child in each arm and walked straight to the other side of the restaurant.

Zoey followed closely, not sparing them another glance.

As Claire was about to follow, Finnegan grabbed her wrist. "Claire! What's with the attitude? You didn't answer your phone all morning, and now you won't even greet your father?"

Claire shook off Finnegan's hand, her eyes blazing with anger. "Father? Do you even deserve that title?"

Finnegan raised his hand, but Joseph intercepted him.

"Mr. Johnson, please control yourself." Joseph's voice was calm, but his grip was unyielding.

Finnegan broke free from Joseph's hold and turned to the departing Henry. "Mr. Windsor! Please wait!"

He quickly caught up. "Can we talk about the business deal?"

Claire couldn't hold back any longer. "Dad! That's enough!"

Her voice drew the attention of nearby diners.

Henry stopped and turned slowly.

His expression was eerily calm, his gaze like ice. "Mr. Johnson, I have no interest in collaborating with your company. Please stop disturbing my family during our meal."

With that, Henry walked away without looking back.

Finnegan stood there, his face alternating between shades of red and white.

Mabel pulled Jett over, whispering, "Let's go. Everyone's watching."

Finnegan shot Claire a venomous look, hissing through clenched teeth, "You'll regret this."

Then he stormed out of the restaurant.

Mabel hurried after him, and Jett made a face at Claire before leaving.

Once they were out of sight, Claire exhaled deeply, feeling drained. Joseph steadied her. "You okay?"

Claire shook her head, managing a weak smile. "I should have seen this coming."

"Let's go," Joseph gently rubbed her back. "Zoey and the others are waiting for us."

When they reached the table, Zoey had already ordered drinks.

She handed Claire a glass of water. "Here, drink this. It'll help you calm down."

Claire took the glass, her fingers still trembling. "I'm sorry you had to see that..."

"Don't be silly," Zoey interrupted. "It's not your fault."

She sipped her juice. "But Finnegan sure has some nerve, doesn't he? One rejection wasn't enough."

Claire sighed deeply. "I didn't think he'd come back, but after this, he should stay away. If he dares to come again, I'll cut ties with him for good."

Seeing Claire's face turn red with anger, Zoey placed a piece of Claire's favorite cake on her plate. "Don't be mad. You said this morning you wouldn't let it bother you."

Claire took a bite of the cake.

With everyone changing the subject to happier topics, Claire's mood gradually improved.

After lunch, Gabriel and Travis were sleepy from their full bellies, so Zoey and Henry each carried a child back to the villa.

They laid Gabriel and Travis on a big bed, tucked them in, and quietly left the room, closing the door behind them.

They sat on the living room sofa, and Zoey brought up Finnegan.

"I wonder when Finnegan will leave Marigoldia. This is Claire's honeymoon, and he's really ruining it. I'd be furious if I were her."

Zoey didn't hold back her thoughts in front of Henry.

To Zoey, Claire was like family, and she wanted Claire to enjoy her honeymoon. After all, Joseph was a doctor with very few days off.

Finnegan's presence shouldn't ruin it.

Henry sighed. "No one knows, but I don't think Claire will be too affected. You said yourself, Claire's been disappointed in Finnegan for a long time."

Zoey nodded. "That's true, but Finnegan is still her biological father. Who knows what he'll do next? What if he comes to you again?"

Henry smiled slightly. "Then I'll refuse the business deal again. I have no intention of working with Finnegan, and he doesn't deserve it."

Zoey said, "I hope Finnegan realizes that and doesn't come back. Otherwise, he'll just embarrass himself."

Henry reassured Zoey, "Don't worry. He won't ruin our vacation. If he does, we'll just have him removed."

Zoey smiled, feeling a bit more at ease.