Surprise 33

Posted by Adminh, ? Views, Released on October 26, 2024

33 Uncanny Father–In–Law

The Smith Law Firm’s Anniversary Gala was an event every employee of the firm was looking forward to. After all, the higher–ups were also planning on giving out special awards as well as having a lot of fun games, food, music, and dancing. As expected, everyone wanted to flaunt their best evening gowns and suits at the cocktail party and look their best for the occasion.

Rain knew that the gala would be no different for her. However this time, she had a different plan in mind. She was really not looking forward to the possibility of running into Paul, who might bring her half–sister Dina to the event. The last thing she needed was to deal with her sister’s usual drama, so she decided she would.

simply make a brief appearance and leave early.

Choosing an off–the–shoulder metallic silver gown made of luxurious stretched satin that clung elegantly to her figure for the evening, Rain was fairly confident with herself. The high thigh slit on the dress also added a daring element to the classic look, while her long wavy hair fell naturally around her shoulders. Her makeup was light as well, just enough to enhance her

33 Uncanny Father–In–Law

features without drawing too much attention.

As she stepped out of her bedroom, ready to leave,

Sanya entered, her eyes widening as she took in Rain’s

appearance.

“Wow, who’s this celebrity?” Sanya teased, her gaze sweeping her from head to toe.

“It’s just the firm’s anniversary gala tonight. Don’t worry, I’ll try to come home early. I don’t want to stay long anyway, especially with Paul around,” Rain replied with a chuckle. “By the way, any progress on the investigation about my sudden marriage?”

Sanya’s smile faltered slightly, replaced with an awkward expression. “Oh, that. I’ll follow up with the investigator Brandon asked me to contact,” she answered. “I’ll inform you as soon as I find something

noteworthy.”

Rain frowned upon noticing the shift in Sanya’s demeanor. Meeting her friend’s eyes, she said, “Sanya, you do know that I trust you, right?”

“Of course, Rain. You can trust me on this,” Sanya quickly nodded. “I’m sure we’ll get to the bottom of this soon enough.”

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There was a brief pause as Rain nodded. With nothing else to add, she then headed to the door. “I’ll be off

now.”

“Enjoy yourself!” Sanya called out, walking her to the

door with a smile.

As Rain walked out of the room, she couldn’t shake the nagging thoughts that had been creeping up on her. Despite her trust in Sanya, something felt off. She was sure it was nothing, but… Well, it shouldn’t be anything too bad. Besides, while she hoped to soon learn the truth about how her marriage to Alexander happened, for now, it wasn’t her top priority. Instead, she was more focused on the case she was working on with Brandon–and on how to keep Alexander married to

her.

Walking through the hallway leading to the elevators that went to the basement parking, Rain raised a brow as her phone rang. Picking it up, a smile unknowingly spread across her face when she saw that it was her father–in–law calling. Quickly, she answered the call, her voice warm as she greeted him.

“Rain speaking.”

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33 Uncanny Father–In–Law

“Dear, it’s me, your father–in–law,” Rock’s deep voice came through the line. “I called to inform you that we can do the site visit tomorrow if you’re available.”

Her smile deepened, amused by how casually he introduced himself as her father–in–law. She couldn’t

help but wonder how Brandon had presented her

records to make Alexander’s father like her so much.

“I’ll be free after lunch,” she promptly replied. “I’ll see you then, Sir.”

“Oh, like I mentioned before, try getting used to calling me ‘father‘ if ‘father–in–law‘ feels too long–just like my sons do,” Rock urged with a lighthearted tone. “Or you can just call me ‘Dad‘ if that feels more natural.”

“It’s… still a bit awkward for me, Sir,” Rain chuckled softly. “I think I need to fix my relationship with Alexander first before I start calling you that.”

She heard him laugh on the other end of the line. “Well, I don’t see any harm in calling me that now,” he eagerly replied. “It’s like the law of attraction–start calling me ‘father‘ now, and who knows? It might just help Alexander hold on to this marriage.”

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33 Uncanny Father–In–Law

Rain couldn’t quite fathom what was going on in Liam Rock Lancaster’s mind. He was an uncanny

father–in–law, to say the least. Yet, she found herself inwardly enjoying the attention and warm acceptance he was offering her.

“Alright, I won’t push you any further,” he said. “I’ll see you tomorrow then, daughter–in–law.”

As the call ended, Rain stood there, her lips parted in surprise as she felt a mix of emotions she couldn’t quite pin down. Shaking her head, she dismissed the thoughts swirling in her mind and entered the elevator. Pressing the elevator button, she was more than ready to head down to the basement parking.

****

Before long, Rain arrived at the gala event held in one of the most opulent halls of the capital city’s premier hotel. The Smith family had spared no expense, and the evening buzzed with excitement and elegance. However, what caught her off guard was the sight of Paul arriving alone without Dina by his side.

“Attorney Clayton,” Paul greeted her with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

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Rain didn’t want this interaction to happen at all. Unfortunately, she was surrounded by colleagues, making it impossible for her to ignore him or walk away without creating a scene.

“Director Paul,” she formally responded with a forced polite smile.

Paul nodded back before raising his glass, signaling for a waiter to bring over a tray of glasses with red wine in them. “Can I have a toast with you?” he asked with a

kind tone that Rain didn’t buy for a second. “I’d like to

personally congratulate you and welcome you to the

firm.”

‘What is he plotting now?‘ Rain thought, her inner skepticism turning sharper by the second. Ever since. Paul revealed his true colors, she had come to see him as nothing more but a deceitful charmer.

Before long, the waiter handed out a few glasses to Rain and her colleagues. Reluctantly, she accepted one, her stomach slightly churning at the idea of drinking something offered by Paul.

“To our newly licensed attorney, Miss Rain Clayton. Oh, wait… you shouldn’t be Clayton now that you’re

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33 Uncanny Father–In–Law

married, right?” Paul remarked, a sly grin playing on

his lips.

Rain maintained a neutral expression, masking the irritation that his words provoked. “That’s true… I haven’t updated my documents yet though since I just recently got married.”

“When exactly did you get married then, Attorney Clayton?” one of her colleagues asked, curiosity piqued.

All eyes turned to Rain. “Just last Friday,” she replied, choosing her words carefully. The marriage had been registered the day after, but Friday was the day she had discovered the truth.

Paul raised his glass higher, his smile widening. “Well then, let’s toast to that as well–whoever the lucky man is!” he exclaimed.

Everyone followed suit, lifting their glasses in unison. Rain joined in, clinking glasses with those around her.

“Cheers!”

The group shouted in chorus before downing their drinks. Rain did the same, but as she lowered her glass, she caught Paul’s gaze and the devious smirk on