Rebirth Into My Second Chance novel Chapter 69

There I was, nestled in Claude's arms, casting a sly grin at Carl's fuming demeanor.

In my past life, Claude had watched on as Carl and his crew bullied me, indifferent to my plight.

All because I'd climbed into his bed and pushed away his beloved Kate. He labeled me as a cunning and terrifying woman.

This time around, none of those things had happened yet, so he still harbored a faint affection for me.

Perhaps this affection stemmed from my parents saving his life.

It was an advantage I intended to fully exploit in this life.

"Claire, you must be terrified, I'm so sorry. It's my fault for running off to meet friends. That's why Carl and his friends targeted you," she said, pulling me into her embrace, away from Claude's arms, trying to comfort me. But I clung to Claude's sleeve, terrified. He sighed:

"Kate, she's not used to these grand events. Let her stay with me; the auction is about to start. Let's head over together." Claude glanced at me, his eyes conveying something I couldn't decipher.

But I'd achieved my goal, making him witness Carl's bullying, not my seduction.

"Claudy, will Carl be at the auction too?" I asked, locking eyes with Claude.

He sighed deeply and comforted me, "Stay by my side, and he won't dare to mess with you."

I nodded obediently.

Yet, as I looked up, I spotted Max in the distance, lifting his champagne in a toast to me with a sly smile.

When did he start standing there?

So, he must have seen me intentionally fall into Carl's arms earlier?

When I looked again in his direction, he had already left.

Given his personality, he probably wouldn't bring it up with Claude, so I decided to stop worrying about it.

Just as we entered the auction venue, I noticed several staff members ushering Carl and his group out.