Chapter 34 The Invitation

Lauren pondered for a moment, then looked toward Matthew, who was about to get up. "This whole thing is Riley's fault after all. Why don't we host a banquet tomorrow and invite Ms. Edwards? It'll be a way to settle things with her." The Scott family had always valued their reputation. If Riley just left like this, Clara might come after them, and that would be equally troublesome. Hosting a farewell party could compensate Clara in some way. Matthew understood Lauren's implication. He couldn't shake Clara's cold, stern expression from his mind. "I'll ask her and get back to you." Lauren breathed a sigh of relief, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Okay, we'll wait for her response." After Matthew left, Lauren's gentle demeanor vanished instantly. Turning around, she fixed Riley with a stern gaze. Her expression was severe. Seeing her like this, Riley felt a pang of fear. "Mom, I..." Slap! A resounding slap left Riley's cheek swollen. Tears welled up in Riley's eyes, but she