Chapter 185 Just Let Her Off Like This?

Chapter 185 Just Let Her Off Like This?

After hanging up, Claire told her parents the news. They were thrilled and immediately shared it with Brenda.

The Turner and Martinez families were already riding high from their investment in 'Ruby,' and now Claire and Evan's engagement just made everything even better.

After some discussion, the Martinez family decided to throw a party where they'd subtly let the news slip. This would boost the Martinez family's standing in their social circle and open up more business opportunities.

Eager to show off, Claire invited Harper to the party.

On the day of the event, thanks to some strategic advance hints from the Martinez family, the turnout was impressive—many guests came specifically out of respect for Evan.

Harper wore a sky-blue cocktail dress with an off-the-shoulder neckline that showed off her graceful neck and delicate collarbones. Around her neck was a necklace of her own design. The full skirt wasn't over the top, striking a perfect balance between sexy and youthful that turned heads.

But since Claire was today's star, most eyes were on her.

Claire had chosen a champagne-colored evening gown that flattered her perfectly. Combined with tasteful jewelry and the gentle smile playing on her lips, she looked both elegant and radiant.

Sophie stayed by her side, deliberately wearing a pale pink dress with understated makeup and accessories to avoid outshining Claire.

Nicholas was the first to spot Harper. He walked over to her. "What are you doing here?"

"Claire invited me. Why wouldn't I come?" Harper picked up a glass from a passing server's tray and looked at him pointedly.

Nicholas found himself at a loss for words. He wasn't sure why, but he just didn't want to see Harper and Claire clash again.

Harper took a sip and met his gaze. "Still planning to protect Claire? Already forgotten how she tried to get you killed last time?"

Nicholas had taken Claire's words to heart that day, but afterward he'd started to have doubts. Claire had clearly been dodging the issue on purpose. Still, after protecting her for so many years, he couldn't bring himself to think the worst of her.

Not wanting to continue this conversation with Harper, he turned to leave. "Just watch yourself."

Harper raised an eyebrow at his parting words. Nicholas was certainly devoted to protecting Claire. What a waste.

Just then, Claire finally spotted Harper and made her way over, with Sophie and Jessica in tow. "Miss Wilson, I have some wonderful news—Evan and I are getting engaged in three months. I'll make sure you get an invitation."

Claire was genuinely happy, though she was also being deliberate about it.

Harper swirled the wine in her glass, her tone teasing. "I believe I mentioned before that whatever happens between you and Evan doesn't concern me. I'm not interested in your relationship."

Claire gave a dismissive laugh. "Miss Wilson, you're the one who said after the divorce you'd have nothing to do with Evan, but you're still hanging around him. I hope you'll stop chasing after him from now on."

"Right back at you both. I hope you'll stop coming after me." Only then did Harper lift her gaze from her glass to look at Claire.

Last time it had been Evan who'd chased after her, with Claire following right behind—otherwise none of that mess would've happened.

Claire thought of this too, and her smile nearly cracked.

Jessica glared at Harper with pure hatred. That day at school was supposed to be when Peter confessed to her, but everything had been ruined. Since then, Peter hadn't given her the time of day or acknowledged her as his girlfriend—instead, he'd been chasing after Wendy constantly.

She'd been so close to success, so close to marrying Peter. It was all Harper's fault. "My brother and my sister-in-law are perfectly happy together. If you hadn't seduced him, why would she have any reason to confront you?"

Sophie chimed in, "I think Miss Wilson should leave the city and only come back after Mr. Morgan and Claire's wedding. Otherwise, it's hard not to wonder if you have ulterior motives."

Harper completely ignored Jessica's glare and focused on Claire. "Miss Martinez, if I'm not mistaken, you're the one who sent me the invitation to this party. If I'm not welcome, why bother inviting me?"

Claire definitely didn't welcome Harper, but how could she pass up the chance to let Harper know about the engagement in three months?

Forcing her fake smile to stay in place, Claire said, "Why wouldn't you be welcome? I'm delighted to have Miss Wilson at tonight's party. Without you, it would be far less entertaining."

Harper smiled too, raising her glass slightly. "I'm also very pleased to attend."

Claire took a sip of her wine. Sophie and Jessica looked like they wanted to say more, but Claire stopped them with a look.

They hadn't gained any ground with Harper, and continuing would only make things worse. If they made too big a scene and drew attention, she'd be the one who looked bad.

Claire gave Harper one long look before leading Sophie and the others away.

Jessica muttered under her breath, "That's it? We're just letting this go? Every time I see her, I want to scratch that smug face. Her smile always feels like she's mocking me."

Claire glanced at Jessica, realizing this supposed ally was actually useless. She'd failed to get Harper kicked out of school, then botched the opportunity with Peter. After all these failures, she should've learned that going up against Harper only meant losing. Still so clueless—even if they were going to make a move, they needed to pick their moment, not here in the ballroom with everyone watching.

Sophie's dislike of Harper wasn't as intense as Jessica's. Before, it had been about Mason; now it was purely because of Claire.

After plenty of persuasion from her family and persistent pursuit from 'Ruby,' Sophie had finally accepted him. She was now 'Ruby's' girlfriend. After all, when one guy's head was full of Harper and the other only had eyes for her, the choice was obvious.

Claire lowered her voice to placate Jessica. "Of course we're not letting it go, but we need to be discreet about it. There's no way I'm letting her off—I won't swallow this insult."

Jessica's eyes lit up. She desperately wanted to ask about Claire's plan but knew this wasn't the place, so she suppressed her curiosity. "Claire, whatever you need me to do, just say the word. I'll make sure it gets done."

Claire had been about to say she didn't need help, then realized there actually was something Jessica and Sophie could help with. "I do need you both for something. Let's go to the lounge—it's quieter there..."