CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY: JUSTICE AT SEA

Mason squeezed her hand. "Nervous?" Claire shook her head, smiling. "No, just... It's been a while, you know? But I'm excited for you to meet them." Before they could ring the doorbell, the door swung open, revealing a petite woman with Claire's blue eyes and a warm smile. "Claire-bear!" she exclaimed, pulling her daughter into a tight hug. "Mom!" Claire laughed, returning the embrace. "It's so good to see you." Evelyn pulled back, her gaze shifting to Mason. "And you must be Mason. We've heard so much about you!" Mason stepped forward, extending his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Langford." "Oh, please, call me Evelyn," she insisted, bypassing his hand to give him a hug as well. "We're practically family now." As they entered the house, a tall man with salt-and-pepper hair emerged from what appeared to be a study. "There's my girl," he said, his face breaking into a wide smile. "Dad!" Claire rushed to hug him. "I've missed you." Richard hugged her tightly, then turn