A Night of Desire

Deep down, Clara was very grateful. After everything that had happened, Theodore was still so kind to her, and Sienna had also chosen to accept her.

’From now on, this family is going to be so harmonious and get along perfectly, isn’t it?’

Just as she was lost in thought, she felt Seth squeeze her palm again. It brought her back to her senses, and she turned to Theodore Quinn and Sienna Hale, calling out, "Dad, Mom."

The smile on Theodore Quinn’s face widened. "Mm-hmm," he affirmed.

Sienna Hale nodded as well and gave a slight hum, which served as her acceptance of being called "Mom."

Miles Quinn, who had been standing to the side, now spoke up with a slow smile. "Sister-in-law, you’re the one with all the influence. You see Dad? Normally, he walks around with a grim face all day, like we all owe him money. But you’ve barely stepped through the door and he’s all smiles and sunshine. If I’d known it would be like this, I would’ve introduced you to my brother ages ago. If you’d married him sooner, we all could’ve had an early spring."

The moment Miles finished speaking, Theodore Quinn’s gaze shot over to him, his expression turning stern once more. "What’s that? You’re complaining I’m not pleasant enough for you? In that case, when are you going to bring a respectable wife home? I’ll let you enjoy a ’warm spring’ every single day, how does that sound?"

Theodore’s comeback was surprisingly humorous. Clara and Seth couldn’t help but exchange a smile, but Miles wasn’t laughing. He just shrugged, looking indolent as he said:

"Dad, how did this turn back on me? You wanted a daughter-in-law, and didn’t my brother just bring one home for you? As for me... I’m still young. It won’t be too late to talk about it in a few years."

"What do you mean, you’re still young? You’re only four years younger than your brother! You’re even a year older than Clara, and you haven’t even thought about finding a proper girlfriend..."

Seeing his father starting in on his usual lecture, Miles shot desperate looks at Sienna and Seth, pleading for help. Although Sienna also wished for her younger son to marry soon, she still had a soft spot for him. When she saw his plea for rescue, she quickly interrupted Theodore.

"That’s enough, that’s enough. It’s our daughter-in-law’s first dinner at home, and here you are, nagging endlessly. How is anyone supposed to eat?"

Seth chimed in, "It’s been a long day, and I’m actually starving. Let’s eat."

Theodore shot Miles a cold look and huffed, but he didn’t say anything more. He strode into the dining room and sat down at the head of the table, and everyone else took their seats.

Before picking up his chopsticks, Theodore turned to Clara. "Clara, today is your first day as an official member of the Quinn family. This meal is our way of welcoming you. From now on, this is your home, so there’s no need to be so reserved."

As he spoke, he gestured to the spread of dishes on the table. "Your mother personally instructed the staff to prepare all of these. Go on, give them a try. See if they’re to your liking."

Clara looked up at Sienna Hale, offering a small smile. "Thank you, Mom."

Sienna nodded, her expression a little stiff. She hadn’t been so attentive as to personally instruct the staff. She had simply added a few more impressive dishes when Mrs. Cheney brought her the menu the kitchen had prepared.

Clara ate quietly and cautiously, as she had heard that prominent, wealthy families valued the principle of not speaking during meals.

But she didn’t expect that after only a couple of bites, Theodore would speak up again. "Seth, Clara, have you two thought about when you’ll have your wedding?"