Chapter 9 It Looks Like Mommy’s Paintings.
Seeing Natalie’s disappointed expression, a flicker of guilt passed through Francis‘ heart.
Finished
Zoe, who had yet to leave, listened to Natalie’s words of persuasion toward Francis and Wesley. In that instant, she understood why Clara was so disappointed in the father and son.
“Clara, are you okay?” Zoe walked up to Clara, worried she might be too heartbroken over Francis. and Wesley, and asked with concern.
Clara shook her head, guilt flickering in her eyes. “Zoe, I’m fine. Wesley just startled you earlier. It’s my fault. I didn’t teach him well enough, which is why he turned out so rude.”
“This isn’t your fault. After you left, I saw that mistress. If even a woman like that could enchant Francis, it was only a matter of time before Wesley ended up the same way. You’re not to blame.”
Speaking of Natalie, Zoe couldn’t help but feel sorry for Clara. She could understand Wesley being manipulated because he was young, but Francis was the president of Pierce Corporation, yet he had fallen for such cheap tricks. That was entirely on him.
“That kid is as good as ruined following that sc*mbag of a father.”
Clara simply smiled, as if she had long since made peace with it. “It has nothing to do with me
anymore.
From now on, she only wanted to focus on her own path, to build a successful career. When she returned to the Westwood family, she would prove to them that a Westwood child wasn’t destined to be mediocre or to revolve around a man.
As for Francis and Wesley, all she wanted now was to get the divorce certificate in her hands.
Night fell quickly, and the Fireworks Design Contest was about to begin. The host’s voice echoed from the speakers.
“Welcome, everyone, to our Fireworks Design Contest! We will now showcase the participants‘ works in order. If you find a design you truly love, please cast your vote by placing its number into the box at the entrance before you leave. Thank you all!”
“Now, we will ignite the first contestant, Ray’s work..
As the host’s words fell, dazzling fireworks bloomed in the night sky. The audience instinctively. looked up, and some even took out their phones to capture the stunning moment.
There were ten entries in total, and Francis‘ was number five. When the host announced “Mr. F’s work, the audience was filled with anticipation.
With a burst of fireworks, jellyfish of various sizes emerged from below, rising gracefully into the sky. As they ascended, they exploded into different shapes, making the spectators feel as thought they were wandering through an underwater world.
Chapter 9 It Looks Like Mommy’s Paintings
As he expected, his dad was incredible. He could create such breathtaking fireworks.
Finished
Francis‘ design caused quite a stir. Though the later contestants had impressive displays, the oceanic theme had already captured everyone’s hearts.
“Now, we will showcase our final fireworks. Please stay until the end and vote for the designer whose work you love the most!”
The host’s voice rang out once more. “Next, we present our last contestant, Niora’s work! Please enjoy!”
Whoosh! Boom!
A single white cloud burst into the sky.
The audience stared at the fireworks, puzzled.
Someone reacted first and muttered, “That’s it? That’s the whole thing? This designer must think they’re launching cannons, not fireworks.”
“How did this even make it into the competition? This is pure garbage.”
As complaints spread, Zoe glanced worriedly at Clara.
Just as she was about to speak, she noticed that Clara wasn’t the least bit upset. Instead, her eyes were fixed on the sky, and a smile tugged at her lips.
“What? There’s more?”
“This is incredible!”
Exclamations of surprise rippled through the crowd. Zoe looked up again and saw that rainbows had begun to appear beside the white clouds, each one a different hue.
In mere seconds, the clouds seemed to come alive, growing and shifting. As one rainbow faded, another seamlessly took its place, lighting up the entire sky.
In an instant, the dark night was filled with rainbows, illuminating the city in a breathtaking display of color.
“This is amazing! These fireworks look just like Mommy’s paintings!” Wesley marveled at the lingering spectacle.
Francis, startled by his words, turned to him. “Your mommy knows how to design fireworks?”
“I think I…
Just as Wesley was about to explain, Natalie interrupted.
“Francis, I knew it! You designed the ocean fireworks just for me, didn’t you? Because you
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Chapter 9 It Looks Like Mommy’s Paintings
Francis opened his mouth, wanting to deny it. But when he met Natalie’s hopeful gaze, he couldn’t bear to disappoint her. In the end, he simply nodded.
Natalie beamed with happiness, unconsciously leaning closer to him.
Finished
Wesley, who had been cut off, felt irritated. But since it was Natalie, he convinced himself she hadn’t done it on purpose. He tried again, “Daddy, I…”
“Francis, you’re so good to me. I’m really touched.”
Natalie interrupted him again, drowning out his words once more.
Every time Wesley tried to speak, Natalie’s voice overpowered him. Soon enough, Francis didn’t even glance at him.
Watching them chat and laugh while ignoring him completely, Wesley felt deeply dissatisfied.
Frustrated, he turned on his heel and stormed off.
As the fireworks show neared its end, Clara was pleased with her work. To avoid the post–show crowd, she and Zoe decided to leave early.
“Clara, I never expected your fireworks to be this stunning! I swear, your design is definitely taking first place. It completely crushed that sc“mbag’s!” Zoe couldn’t contain her excitement as she recalled the breathtaking moment when Clara’s fireworks had lit up the sky.
At first, she was worried. But now, she was simply in awe. Clara was talented at everything she did.
Clara was just as delighted. “I didn’t expect my fireworks to turn out this well either.”
As they chatted, they exited the venue.
“Mommy!”
A hesitant voice called out from the darkness near the entrance.
Turning toward the sound, they saw Wesley slowly stepping out from the shadows.
Clara’s eyes flickered with surprise. She glanced around, noting that he was alone, and frowned. slightly.
“Mommy, are you looking for me?” Wesley’s heart swelled with certainty when he saw Clara and Zoe were the only ones who had come out.
He quickly convinced himself that Clara must have noticed he was missing and had come to find him.
Thinking this, he completely forgot about their earlier dispute. He strutted up to Clara, arms. crossed, and stared at her with a proud expression.
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Chapter 9 It Looks Like Mommy’s Paintings
recognize you as my mommy!”
