"I knew the old man valued affection, but I didn't expect him to attach so much importance to the daughter-in-law of the Miller family," Emma thought to herself, observing the joyful expression on the elder's face. "If Claire's strong enough, she might conceive a child before Old Master Miller passes away. Then, the Miller family business will be handed down to their family."
Emma's eyes flickered as she looked at Claire's pretty face and praised her, "My daughter-in-law is very pretty. The children with Alex will definitely be cute in the future."
Claire blushed in embarrassment. She hadn't expected her mother-in-law to say such a thing so suddenly. Aside from Alex's uncle, everyone seemed happy. His face darkened when they mentioned Alex having a child. "The young couple just got married. They're still strangers to each other, so why are you urging them to have a child? You're persecuting them, forcibly binding them. Please give them some time to know each other well. Maybe if they can't get along, they'll get divorced after a while!. Who knows how long they are going to stay together" Jack's words were laced with bitterness as he looked at Claire with a condescending expression.
Hearing this, Emma became angry and immediately retorted, "Brother in-law, it's not like you don't know Alex's behavior, once he is determined to love Claire nothing is going to separate them." Claire smiled with a guilty conscience. She knew that she and Alex were together because of a contract. Once they achieved what they wanted, they'd go their separate ways.
Jack didn't know that, thinking that once they had a child, there would be no way for him to secure a higher position in the family because the old man had always favored Alex, it's just Alex but till now he still can't defeat him what will happen if Alex has an heir. But due to Alex's presence, he swallowed his words, not daring to oppose him directly in front of the old man. He could only glance at Claire and Alex, hoping they wouldn't stay together for long.
The old man saw through Jack's intentions and shouted angrily, "Enough!"
The living room fell silent. Alex lowered his eyes, showing no emotion. After sighing, the old man looked at Claire and said, "Your mother-in-law is right. The Miller family can't live without a queen, this role is meant for only one person. Claire, are you willing to take on this role? there will be no turning back"
For a moment, everyone, including Alex, looked at Claire. She looked up, meeting Alex's eyes, silently begging for help. But Alex also wanted to hear her answer, looking at her with some expectation in his eyes. How he wished Claire would agree to have a child; the thought of it filled him with quiet joy. Having to hold small kid in his arms and watching it grow up is going to be a good thing.
Claire's heart skipped a beat. If she refused now, wouldn't it be like deliberately slapping Alex in the face in public? She didn't want to cause trouble, so she blushed and replied softly, "I am willing."
Hearing this, Alex frowned, and a faint smile played on his lips. The air around him seemed less tense, indicating that Claire's words had put him in a good mood. The old man also smiled, satisfied. For a moment, he had feared Claire might reject the idea or make an excuse to avoid the question. But Claire's words had made the old man happy, fulfilling his wish for a great-grandchild. He was also as excited as Alex to see small kids running around the house.
"As expected of The Smiths' granddaughter, she's completely captivated my dear grandson, hahaha," the old man said, laughing heartily. "Jack, please let the newlyweds get along without interference. I, an old man, won't waste your time." He turned to Alex and added, "Alex, take the time to accompany Claire to the Smith's house. Don't forget your manners when you return home." Alex's eyes darkened at his grandfather's instructions, and he nodded slightly.
After the brief visit, Claire followed Alex out of the Miller family home. In the car, Alex tilted his head, his deep, playful eyes fixed on Claire's blushing face. "Mrs. Miller, don't forget your promise to bear me a child. I will forever remind you even in your grave".
Claire turned her head, her face reddening even more at the mention of a child. She was about to refuse, but Alex continued, "You can't go back on your words. You owe me a child, Claire—or maybe children," he said with an amused grin.
Hearing this, Claire blinked, trying to cover her embarrassment with boldness. She stared at Alex's handsome face and said, "Mr. Miller, it seems you're eager to have a child with me. Should I remind you that we're in an arranged marriage? I don't know why you proposed to marry me, but I know you have your reasons. I'm not ready to commit to this marriage."
Alex's eyes narrowed at her words, and he felt an inexplicable sense of frustration in his heart. "You talk too much," he muttered.
"Mr. Miller is already very good," Claire continued. "In this world, there are still many gentle people. If I leave your life one day, you'll still find someone to be by your side." Her eyes were slightly bent, as clear and flawless as when they first met, when he had saved her from danger.
Claire was like a blank sheet of paper. Seeing her smile, the frustration in Alex's heart dissipated, replaced by a desire to win her over and make her truly his.
Not long after, they reached the Smith family house. As soon as they entered, Anna was the first to notice them. Instantly smitten by Alex's handsomeness, she wanted to flirt with him.
Noticing Anna's different attitude, as if she were an angel sent from heaven, Claire sneered and glanced at Alex, whispering, "I didn't expect you to be quite the charmer."