From His Wife to His Uncle's Wife novel Chapter 97

The Clarkson family’s matriarch was having her birthday at the Imperial Dynasty Hotel, the swankiest spot in town.

Jessie had her arm linked with Peter’s, Autumn was holding her granddaughter’s hand, and the four of them looked exactly like a picture-perfect family as they walked in. At the door, a waiter checked their invitation with a scanner before showing them inside.

Even Autumn, who was used to luxury, couldn’t hide her amazement as she took in the glittering ballroom. “Peter, this is really something else,” she said, her eyes wide.

Jessie grinned. “Mom, if you like this place, let’s celebrate your birthday here next year.”

Autumn’s birthday wasn’t for another year, but the thought alone was enough to make her smile. “Oh, Jessie, you always know how to make me feel good. There’s no way we could book a place like this, though.”

She wasn’t just being modest. The Imperial Dynasty wasn’t a place you could just rent if you had the money. You needed the right connections, too. People whispered that the real boss behind the scenes had serious power.

Jessie didn’t say anything more. She figured once she and Peter got married, she’d make it happen for her mom.

When they walked into the main hall, Peter felt his nerves kick in. Meanwhile, Autumn walked straight up to the elderly woman who was surrounded by a crowd of guests.

“Marleigh, I brought my family to wish you a happy birthday.”

Marleigh looked at the group and smiled, her eyes landing on Peter. He was tall, handsome, and carried himself well. She liked him immediately. “Autumn, is this your son?” she asked, sounding genuinely interested. Autumn had mentioned her son in passing before, but Marleigh had never actually met him.

Peter stepped up and offered his gift. “Marleigh, this is just a little something from us. I hope you like it.”

Marleigh took the box and opened it, glancing at the bracelet inside. Her expression barely changed, maybe just a flicker at her brow, but she kept smiling. “How thoughtful.”

Autumn and Peter both looked stricken. “Max, there’s got to be a mistake,” Peter said, his voice shaky. “Our gift isn’t as expensive as yours, but we spent five million on it. It’s from the heart.” He didn’t say it out loud, but everyone could hear it: how could something that cost five million be fake?

Autumn shot Peter a sharp look, then turned back to Marleigh’s family, her voice tight with worry. She knew the Clarksons wouldn’t accuse them for no reason. “Peter, where did you buy that bracelet?”

People started to look their way. Who would dare give fake jade at Marleigh Clarkson’s birthday? It was basically social suicide.

A bead of sweat rolled down Peter’s forehead. “Mom, Marleigh, I bought it at an antique shop.”

At the mention of an antique shop, a wave of judgment swept through the guests nearby.