After her rebirth

"This one?" Nathan asked, noticing Clara was eyeing another gift box. He hesitated, glancing at the others before adding, "You know, it's technically Katniss's birthday too. She should get a gift as well." Clara and Katniss were born on the same day, which always caused some confusion.

Even though they shared a birthday, Nathan remembered that the family never really celebrated Katniss's. Sometimes, they didn't even wish her a happy birthday.

Thinking about it, Nathan felt a bit weird and decided to get an extra gift for Katniss.

Plus, he always thought it was kinda odd for Katniss to be Clara's bridesmaid.

After all, Katniss was still their sister.

When Simon heard the gift was for Katniss, his face turned cold.

He walked over, grabbed the gift box from the table, opened it, and said coldly, "Katniss has been so rebellious lately, always talking nonsense! How can she deserve the same necklace as Clara?" "Nathan, you're showing favoritism," Simon said, looking confused. "Today is Clara's birthday, her big day, and you're only thinking about Katniss."

Nathan didn't argue, but his brows furrowed.

Today was Clara's big day, but wasn't it the same for Katniss?

Seeing the two about to argue, Clara looked worried. "Nathan, Simon, please don't be mad. I'm actually happy to share the same necklace with Katniss, especially since it's Nathan's thoughtful gesture."

"Katniss might be going through something lately, which makes it hard for her to control her emotions and accidentally upset Mom and Dad." Clara bit her lip, her eyes slightly reddening, looking innocent and kind. "Even though Katniss keeps her distance from me, I believe she considers us family in her heart."

With just a few words, the others felt even more annoyed with Katniss.

Simon patted Clara's head affectionately. "Clara, when will you stop speaking up for Katniss? We all see how immature she is. She wants to cut ties with us, so why bother with her?"

Clara bit her lip.

"Don't speak for her anymore," Simon cut her off, his dissatisfaction with Katniss growing stronger.

The contrast between Clara and Katniss was stark. Clara's words were comforting, while Katniss's always set him on edge.

Just then, Oliver called from downstairs, "It's almost time, are you all ready?"

They responded and headed downstairs one by one.

Seeing Clara still looking worried, Simon tried to cheer her up. "Alright, stop thinking about Katniss. Today is your birthday, let's celebrate properly. Lucas went through a lot to book a private room at the Starry Night Hotel. Just say what you want to eat later."

Hearing this, Clara's eyes curved into a smile, and she said playfully, "Simon, you all treat me so well."

"As your brother, it's my duty to make you happy." Simon laughed, pinching her nose.

The family, in high spirits, drove to the Starry Night Hotel.

Starry Night Hotel.

The Wesley family arrived at the hotel entrance. Just a glimpse from outside the door left them in awe, they felt upset.

Such a luxurious place was beyond their usual means. Even a simple meal here could cost them a month's living expenses.

Anna, with her sharp eyes, glanced around at the fancy decor and sighed, "Man, the cost of a couple of dishes here could buy us a month's worth of groceries!"

Her voice was a bit too loud, and Daphne quickly pulled her aside, making her reluctantly shut up.

"Please follow me, Mr. Hamilton is waiting in the private room upstairs," Emilio greeted them at the door, recognizing them, and bowed slightly before leading the way. Inside the hotel, the decor and ambiance were even more stunning-serene and luxurious without being over the top.

And all the ornaments? Yeah, they screamed expensive.

Taking advantage of no one watching, Anna sneakily picked up a crystal ashtray, thinking about pocketing it.

After all, there were plenty of ashtrays here; one less wouldn't matter, right?

"Mom, what are you doing?" Daphne noticed her trying to pocket the ashtray, frowned, and spoke in a low, reproachful tone.

Though their family wasn't wealthy, they couldn't resort to theft.

Anna stopped, reluctantly putting the ashtray back. "Why are you so nervous? I was just curious and wanted to take a look."

She wanted to take something to improve the family's life.

Daphne's expression was complicated, and she said no more, though her heart was filled with mixed emotions.

Today, Katniss suddenly called, saying she was getting married and wanted to invite them to discuss the marriage with the groom's family. Daphne was shocked; she thought Katniss was joking. But soon after, several men in suits knocked on their door, saying their master had sent them to pick them up.

There were several expensive-looking cars downstairs.

The groom's family seemed wealthy, so they couldn't embarrass Katniss!

On the way upstairs, Anna didn't steal anything else but kept talking.

Thinking about Katniss marrying into such a wealthy family, she felt quite bitter. "I wonder what Katniss did to find someone rich and powerful. I bet the guy is either disabled or old, considering Katniss was once rejected..." Seeing Anna about to continue, Micah coldly interrupted, "Grandma! Let's wait until we meet them."

If that were the case, he would be the first to oppose Katniss marrying such a person.

Anna pursed her lips and recalled Katniss's previous engagement to Desmond, speculating.

Anna thought Katniss didn't seem like a well-behaved girl and might have already done everything with Desmond.

A girl with a tarnished reputation couldn't find a good match. The groom might really be an old man marrying Katniss as a second wife.

Just like the girl downstairs in their building, becoming someone's mistress.

Meanwhile, in the private room...

Katniss sat upright, obediently beside Maximilian, under the gaze of two elders.

"Katniss, are you a bit hungry? I'll have some desserts brought up for you to snack on," Samuel smiled, very pleased with the well-behaved and cute girl.

Maximilian said he wanted to marry Katniss, and Samuel was so happy he barely slept.

Katniss, feeling nervous, quickly waved her hand. "No need, Grandpa, I'm not very hungry right now."

Carlton, rubbing the ring on his thumb, looked at Katniss for a long time before speaking with some emotion, "Your grandfather wanted you to marry Maximilian, and despite all the obstacles, you ended up with him. He must be pleased."