Rebirth: My CEO Husband's Thoughts Are Too Shameless

Julianna looked at the two women and maintained the same gentle smile.

”I hope you don’t take her actions to heart,” she said softly, her tone carrying just the right amount of concern.

Silvia and Lily exchanged a strange look.

For a moment, neither of them knew how to respond.

They had heard countless stories about Julianna Hayes—the beloved daughter of Vincent Hayes. According to everyone, she was elegant, well-mannered, compassionate, and the very definition of a perfect young lady.

This was their first time meeting her in person.

And yet...

Something about her smile felt unnatural.

”By the way,” Julianna continued casually, ”where’s Clara? I heard she’s in charge of the dessert stall for today’s event.”

After Dorothy’s warning, Julianna had been especially careful with every word she spoke.

These two women were known to be Clara’s most loyal supporters.

If she made even the slightest mistake, they might become suspicious before her plan could even begin.

Silvia studied her for another few seconds before answering calmly.

”Madam will be here shortly.”

Although her expression remained polite, she refused to lower her guard.

Clara had never shared every detail about her life with the Hayes family, but Silvia had seen enough to know things weren’t as simple as they appeared.

There’s no way she’s here just to check on Madam, Silvia thought.

She’s definitely up to something.

Julianna simply nodded.

”I see.”

A gentle smile curved her lips.

”Then I hope I get the chance to see her later.”

Without waiting for another reply, she turned gracefully and walked back into the crowd.

Lily watched her leave before letting out a long breath.

”...What was that about?” She frowned deeply. ”I’ve got a bad feeling.”

Silvia nodded in agreement.

”So do I.”

She glanced toward Julianna’s retreating figure.

”Considering she’s Dorothy Hayes’s daughter, I don’t believe she came here with good intentions.”

After everything Dorothy had done to ruin Clara’s reputation, Silvia found it impossible to trust anyone from the Hayes family.

Lily folded her arms. ”Think she’s planning something?”

Silvia didn’t hesitate. ”I’m almost certain of it.” She lowered her voice. ”Keep an eye on her.”

Lily nodded.

”Don’t worry. I wasn’t planning to let her out of my sight anyway.”

Silvia let out a quiet sigh.

”Dorothy is the kind of person who attacks openly.”

She narrowed her eyes.

”But Julianna...she’s like a snake hiding beneath a princess’s smile.”

The two women silently agreed to remain vigilant.

Whatever Julianna had planned... they wouldn’t let her get anywhere near Clara.

***

Meanwhile, inside a luxurious black car, the Sterling family was on their way to the Pristine Group charity gala.

The atmosphere inside the vehicle was peaceful until Dominic calmly broke the silence.

”When we arrive...” He looked at everyone. ”Let’s pretend we don’t know Clara.”

Everyone: ”...”

Hannah’s eyes widened in disbelief. ”What?”

She stared at her brother as though he had just lost his mind. ”Brother, that’s not fair!”

Clara was working hard to organize one of the event’s biggest catering stalls.

”As her family, shouldn’t we be supporting her instead of pretending she’s a stranger?”

Grace nodded immediately.

”Hannah is right.” She looked at Dominic in confusion. ”How can we ignore our own daughter-in-law?”

Jonathan also frowned. ”Son, I don’t understand your reasoning either. If Clara sees us acting like strangers, won’t she think we’re avoiding her?”

Dominic remained calm.

”I’m not asking you to ignore her.” He paused before explaining. ”I’m asking you to treat her exactly like every other vendor at today’s event.”

The others looked at him expectantly.

A faint smile appeared on Dominic’s face. ”If people see the Sterling family openly supporting her, they’ll only assume she succeeded because of our influence.”

He leaned back against his seat. ”But if she earns everyone’s recognition without anyone knowing about her connection to us...”

His eyes softened with pride. ”...then every bit of praise she receives will belong to her alone.”

The car fell silent. But soon Grace smiled first.

”I hadn’t thought of it that way.”

Jonathan nodded approvingly.

”You’re right. She has worked hard to build this business herself.”

Hannah finally sighed before pouting dramatically.

”...Fine. But once the event is over...” She pointed a finger at Dominic.

”I’m hugging my sister-in-law in front of everyone.”

Dominic chuckled.

”I won’t stop you.”

The rest of the family laughed, the mood inside the car becoming noticeably lighter as they continued their journey toward the venue.

***

A few minutes later, the bus came to a stop outside the grand venue. One by one, the children climbed off, their eyes sparkling with excitement as they admired the magnificent building before them.

”So big... It’s prettier than our school! Look at all the lights!”

Their innocent voices filled the air, making both Jenny and Sky smile.

”Everyone, stay together,” Jenny reminded them patiently. ”No wandering off.”

”We know!” the children answered in unison.

Penelope, however, remained standing beside Clara. She looked up at her with a hint of reluctance in her eyes.

”Big Sister...”

Clara looked down at her.

”Will you still be around?”

For some reason, Penelope didn’t want to part ways just yet. She had spent only a short time with Clara, yet she already felt safe around her.

Clara smiled gently before kneeling to meet the little girl’s eyes.

”Of course.” She softly patted Penelope’s head. ”And do you remember those cookies you liked so much?”

Penelope’s eyes immediately lit up.

Clara chuckled. ”You can have as many as you want later.”

The moment the other children overheard that, they rushed toward Clara like a tiny army.

”Big Sister! Can we have cookies too?”

”I want two!”

”No, three!”

Clara couldn’t help laughing at the eager little faces surrounding her.

”Of course you can.” She smiled warmly at every one of them. ”We baked those cookies especially for all of you.”

A loud cheer erupted from the children.

”But...” Clara added, raising a finger.

The children instantly fell silent and looked at her attentively.

”You all have to promise me one thing.”

”What is it?” they asked together.

”No getting lost inside the venue.” She glanced meaningfully at Penelope before smiling.

”I don’t want Sky and Jenny worrying themselves sick again.”

The children exchanged embarrassed looks before nodding vigorously.

”We promise!”

”We won’t get lost!”

”We’ll stay together!”

Their synchronized response made everyone burst into laughter. Even Sky couldn’t help shaking her head.

”They’re surprisingly obedient.”

Jenny smiled at Clara gratefully. ”Looks like you’ve won them over already.”

Clara laughed awkwardly. ”I just bribed them with cookies.”

”That’s still impressive,” Sky teased.

As the children began walking toward the entrance, Penelope suddenly turned around and waved both hands enthusiastically.

”See you later, Big Sister Clara!”

Clara smiled and waved back. ”See you later, Penelope.”

Jenny also smiled. ”Thank you again for everything. We’ll see you inside.”

With that, Jenny and Sky led the children through the main entrance while Clara headed toward the staff entrance reserved for vendors.

Watching the little girl disappear inside, Clara unconsciously smiled.

Only after they were out of sight did she continue toward the venue.

...

”Oh, there you are, Miss Clara!” A familiar voice called out before she had taken more than a few steps.

Clara turned around. ”Mr. Logan?”

Logan let out a relieved sigh as he approached.

”I’ve been trying to reach you.”

Clara instinctively pulled out her phone. The screen lit up with several missed calls.

She blinked before noticing the tiny silent-mode icon. ”...Oh.”

She gave Logan an apologetic smile. ”I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize my phone was on silent.”

Logan waved his hand dismissively.

”Please don’t apologize. I was only following my boss’s instructions. My boss wanted me to make sure you arrived safely and that everything was going smoothly.”

Clara’s expression softened.

Adrian had already helped her more than enough.

Yet he still remembered to check on her before such an important event. His thoughtfulness genuinely touched her.

”Please tell Mr. Adrian not to worry.”

She smiled confidently. ”Everything is ready. I just hope everyone enjoys the desserts we’ve prepared.”

This wasn’t merely another business opportunity. It was the first real step toward fulfilling her mother’s lifelong dream.

Diana had never been able to expand her dream of a small bakery the way she’d wanted.

This event...it was Clara’s chance to make that dream a reality.

And if everything went well, it would also earn enough profit to take her business to the next level.

Logan noticed the determination in her eyes and smiled encouragingly. ”I’m sure everyone will love your desserts.”

He laughed lightly. ”And even if, by some impossible miracle, they don’t... I’m certain my boss will. He has already become a fan of your desserts.”

Clara laughed softly. ”I’ll take that as the highest compliment.”

”You should.” Logan grinned before checking his watch. ”I’d better get back. See you around, Miss Clara.”

”See you, Mr. Logan.”

After Logan walked away, Clara let out a deep breath. She looked around the bustling venue.

Guests continued arriving one after another.

Business executives, celebrities, and influential figures filled the grand ballroom.

Her eyes instinctively searched for familiar faces.

Where’s Dominic...? And why isn’t anyone from the Sterling family here yet?

She frowned slightly. Did something happen?

Just as she was about to take out her phone—

”There you are.” A familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

”I’ve been looking for you.”

The warmth vanished from Clara’s eyes. She slowly turned around.

Standing a few feet away were Julianna, Vincent, and Dorothy Hayes.

All three of them wore pleasant smiles. Yet the moment Clara saw them... she knew they hadn’t come to exchange greetings.