Claudia had always been like a hedgehog bristling with spines - every argument ended in a clash , never in peace . This was one of the rare times she had sat down with them , and none of them had thought of apologizing . But she was right . They had judged too quickly . Her grievance was justified . And what was an apology , after all ? It would give her a step down , mend the family's rift , and cost them nothing . " I'm sorry . " Lydia spoke first , cutting everyone else off . " Claudia , I'll apologize on behalf of the family . This all happened because I was hurt and they panicked . If you must hate someone , hate me . " " What does it have to do with you ? It was Julie who was vicious , " Lottie said immediately . And just like that , the chorus began again - everyone soothing Lydia , forgetting Claudia entirely . Claudia wasn't surprised . She only fixed her gaze on Wilson . Wilson cleared his throat . " I misjudged you this time . Tell me what you want . I'll see it done . " " Shares ... " She drew out the word deliberately , watching as their faces stiffened . After a pause , she smiled faintly . " Even if I asked , you wouldn't give them . " When each Lancaster child came of age , they were given five percent of the company's shares . Claudia's portion had long ago been reassigned to Lydia . Because they believed she owed her that much . What was five percent compared to Lydia's mother's life ? Wilson felt a pang at her disdain , though he couldn't say why . " If you want to ease your guilt , " Claudia said coldly , " then transfer Grandma's house to me . " The house wasn't worth much in money . Its value was in memory . It wasn't an excessive request . Yet Wilson and Lottie exchanged uneasy glances . Wilson avoided her eyes . " We'll discuss it after your engagement ." 1/4 . " I told you there won't be an engagement . Jasper and I are over ." Her face hardened as she stared at him . " You said I could ask for anything , but you won't give me a thing . This is your sincerity ? " Challenged so bluntly , Wilson's temper flared . He slammed a hand on the table . " You treat marriage like children's play . I don't agree to breaking it off . Without the wedding , you won't get the house . " " That house was Grandma's gift to me . What right do you have to use it against me ? " " By right of being your father ! By right of the deed being in your mother's name ! " His eyes blazed . " Do you know how many businesses tie the Fentons to the Lancasters ? Do you know the damage breaking this marriage will cause ? " " And what does Lancaster business have to do with me ? " Claudia sneered . She had never received a single cent in dividends . Wilson , out of words , lashed out again . " If you won't marry , then Lydia will . And the house will go to her instead . She's your grandma's granddaughter too ! Who said it had to be you ? " Something in those words set Claudia off . She shot to her feet and , with one swift motion , overturned the entire dining table . Broth and wine cascaded over every person at the table . Shouts filled the room . Eyes red , Claudia glared at the drenched family like a predator ready to kill . " Give it to her ? Does she deserve it ? " When the table went over , Lottie had leapt to shield Lydia . But Claudia's force was too much- the scalding broth still splashed onto Lydia's head . Her face was drawn with sorrow . " Claudia , even if you hate me , Grandma was my grandma too . Why would you say that ? " Zane spat out his food . " Don't bother with her . She's insane . " " Unfilial wretch ! " Wilson roared . " Flipping the table in front of your parents - what else won't you dare do ? " Lottie's face was a mix of fury and panic . Clarence bent over Lydia and his mother , checking if they were hurt . Outside , the maid hovered nervously , trembling at the chaos inside , unsure if she should enter to clean . Wilson wiped food from his face , his expression black . " Listen to me . If you want that house , 2/4 9:35 Tue , Oct 7 then you'll go through with the engagement . It's the only way . Play your part this month , or forget it . " He knew well that the Fenton boy loved Claudia . Twenty years of childhood friendship - this marriage wasn't easily exchanged for another bride . And Claudia , though estranged from the family , had always cared deeply for her grandmother . He was certain she would bend . But instead of rage , his daughter's eyes were strangely calm . She looked at him across the table and felt only distance , only strangeness . He might have forgotten - but she remembered . When she was small , he had lifted her high and laughed , promising that only the best man in the world could ever marry his little princess . That if anyone made her cry , he would break that man's legs . Now , all she said , her voice cold as death , was , " Ignoring Grandma's last words - aren't you afraid her ghost will come for you in the night ? Wilson . Lottie . Do you really sleep soundly ? " Her disheveled hair , reddened eyes , and pale face lent her words a chilling air . For a moment , she truly looked like a vengeful ghost . The Lancasters shivered . But Wilson was stubborn . Claudia knew nothing would be resolved tonight . She turned to leave . On her way out , she grabbed a chair calmly and smashed it against the furniture . Three antique vases , one painting , five ornaments - shattered . The Lancasters ' fortune would never reach her anyway . She felt no guilt breaking it . They all sat frozen , cowed by her frigid , feral glare . Not one dared stop her . As she crossed the threshold , Wilson shouted after her , " Your grandmother's house- " " I don't want it anymore . " She flung the words back without looking . Jasper was tainted by Lydia , filth she would never pick up again . And if her grandmother's gift became a knife turned against her , then surely the woman in heaven would never rest easy . It had already betrayed her grandmother's will . So Claudia would not be bound by a house , even if giving it up felt like tearing out her heart . She walked with steady steps , her back straight like nothing in the world could break her . Only 9:36 Tue , Oct 7 Send Gifts 合 10 B Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!