"The young couple just got married, and they are still strangers to each other, so why are you urging them to have a child?"
"You're persecuting them, forcibly binding them together. Give them some time to know each other well."
"Maybe, if they can't get along, they will get divorced after a while!"
Jack's words were laced with hostility as he looked at Claire with an expression that suggested he was enjoying the show. Hearing this, Emma became angry and immediately retorted without hesitation:
"Where's the big brother? It's not like you don't know Alex's behavior."
Claire smiled guiltily. She knew that she and Alex were together only because of the contract. Once they achieved what they wanted, they would go their separate ways.
Jack didn't know this, thinking that if they had a child, there would be no way for him to gain any higher position in the family, as the old man had always favored Alex.
But due to Alex's presence, he held these words back, not daring to oppose him directly in front of the old man. He could only casually glance at Claire and Alex, hoping their relationship wouldn't last long.
How could the old man fail to see what Jack meant? He shouted loudly and angrily,
"Enough!"
The living room suddenly became quiet. Alex lowered his eyes, showing no emotion. After a sigh, the old man looked at Claire and said, "Your mother-in-law is right. The Miller family cannot be without a queen."
"Claire, are you willing to do this?"
For a moment, everyone, including Alex, looked at Claire. She looked up and met Alex's eyes, silently pleading for help.
But he also wanted to hear her answer. He looked at her with some expectation in his eyes, hoping she would agree. The thought of it brought him a quiet happiness. Claire's heart skipped a beat. If she refused at this moment, wouldn't it be as if she was publicly slapping Alex in the face? She didn't want to cause trouble, so she blushed and replied,
"I am willing."
Hearing this, Alex frowned, but the corners of his mouth turned into an amused smile. The tension in the room seemed to lift, and it was clear that Claire's words had put him in a good mood.
Alex wore a satisfied smile. For a moment, he thought Claire might reject the idea or make an excuse to avoid it. But her words also pleased the old man, who had long been hoping for his dear grandson to give him a great-grandchild.
"As expected of The Smiths' granddaughter," the old man said, laughing heartily. "She has completely fascinated my stubborn grandson!"
"Jack, allow the newlyweds some time to get along. I'm an old man, and I won't waste your time." The old man then turned to Alex. "Alex, take time to accompany Claire to the Smith family's home. Don't forget the etiquette when you return."
Listening to his grandfather's instructions, Alex's eyes darkened, and he nodded slightly. After a few more simple greetings, Claire followed Alex out of the Miller family's old house. In the car, Alex tilted his head and stared at Claire's blushing face with deep, playful eyes.
"Mrs. Miller shouldn't forget her promise to bear me a child."
Claire turned her head, her face flushing even more at the mention of a child again. She was about to refuse, but Alex continued, "However, don't think about going back on your words. You must fulfill your promise. You owe me a child, Claire—or maybe children," he said with an amused expression.
Hearing this, Claire blinked, trying to cover her reddening face 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 are in a marriage of convenience? I don't know why you proposed to marry me, but I know you have your reasons. I also have mine, and I'm not ready to commit to this marriage."
Hearing these words from Claire, Alex narrowed his eyes, feeling an inexplicable sense of irritation in his heart. "You talk too much."
"Mr. Miller, you're already very good. There are still many gentle people in this world. If I were to leave your life one day, you would still find someone else to be by your side."
Claire's eyes were slightly bent, as clear and flawless as when they first met when she was being hunted by Tristan.
Claire was like a blank sheet of paper. Seeing such a smile, the irritation in Alex's heart disappeared, replaced by an urge to conquer the heart of the woman beside him and make her his.
Not long after, they reached the Smith family house. As soon as they entered, Anna was the first to notice them. Immediately, she was smitten by Alex's handsomeness and wanted to flirt with him.
Seeing Anna's different attitude, as if she were a God-sent angel, Claire sneered and glanced at Alex, whispering, "I didn't expect you to be quite attractive to women."
Alex's gloomy eyes suddenly brightened, and he turned to look at Claire, saying, "Are you jealous?" Claire's beautiful eyes were filled with anger, and she immediately refused without thinking. "No way!" This demon of a man always found ways to tease her.
Alex chuckled lightly, revealing a trace of indulgence in his eyes that even he didn't notice. Watching the intimate interaction between the two, Anna stared at Claire with jealousy. This country bumpkin didn't even consider whether she was worthy of Mr. Miller, yet she dared to flirt with him like this!
Anna poured a cup of tea, pushed Claire aside, and stood in front of Alex, saying, "Mr. Miller, please have some tea."
"Get out of here," Alex coldly ordered, annoyed by the interruption to the little good time he was having with Claire. His bodyguard immediately stepped forward, lifted Anna by the collar, and threw her onto the sofa without caring that she was a woman.
Mariah, who had come over upon hearing the commotion, happened to see this scene. Seeing Alex, Mariah's eyes were somewhat wary. She took small steps and hurriedly walked toward Alex, saying, "Mr. Miller, Anna is young and ignorant. I apologize on her behalf"