Chapter 97: The Daughter of a Hooker
Rain shook her head at the lengths Dina would go to just to humiliate and kick her out. Keeping her composure, she smiled calmly at her sister and said, "Last time I checked, Dina, I’m no longer part of the Clayton family. My invitation was as a separate guest."
Dina arched an eyebrow, clearly ready to argue more, but before she could, a sweet voice interrupted. "Rain Clayton?"
Rain turned to see Vernice herself approaching. Even in her fifties, Vernice exuded elegance and grace, looking younger than her years with an undeniable aura of authority that hushed the murmurs around them.
"Oh, yes, Miss Vernice!" Dina seized the moment, her smirk widening. "I’m glad you’re here to clear this up. This woman used our family name to sneak in. Someone like her shouldn’t be at an event like this." She glared at Rain, her eyes filled with a mix of satisfaction and disdain.
Vernice frowned, looking between them before settling her gaze on Rain. "Are you Rain Clayton?" she asked directly.
Before Rain could respond, Dina jumped in. "Yes, she’s Rain Clayton, my illegitimate half-sister. We don’t allow her to attend family events because she’s a shame to the family. Let me handle this and get her removed—she’s causing quite a scene." She turned to the security guard, snapping, "What are you waiting for? Get rid of that intruder!"
Before the guard could act, Vernice grabbed Rain’s wrist, completely ignoring Dina’s tirade. "Attorney Rain Clayton," Vernice said warmly, "I’ve been waiting to meet you! You have no idea how excited I am to finally put a face to the name."
The guard hesitated, looking uncertain, but Vernice’s grip on Rain’s arm tightened, and her tone grew icy as she addressed Dina. "I don’t care what you or your family think, Dina. I’m hosting this event, and Rain is a *very* special guest tonight."
Dina’s face turned crimson, her smug expression crumbling into shock and embarrassment. Rain met her sister’s gaze evenly, refusing to gloat but feeling a quiet triumph nonetheless.