**A Promise Hidden in the Quiet Rain by Adrian Hale**
**Chapter 347: A Mother’s Deception**
Carolyn was a tempest of emotions, her resentment boiling beneath the surface like a storm ready to erupt. The forced words spilling from her lips felt like shackles binding her to a public humiliation she never signed up for. Each syllable was a reminder of her powerlessness, a performance she had to endure.
“Dad, it would be wonderful if my sister came back. If that’s what she wants, I’ll move out right away,” Carolyn forced out, her smile strained and brittle. The words tasted bitter on her tongue, but she masked her true feelings behind that facade. “I’ll have the maid help me pack my things now!”
With a quick, meaningful glance shot in Monique’s direction, Carolyn dashed up the staircase, her heart racing with a mix of anger and determination.
Monique stood rooted for a moment, watching her daughter ascend the stairs, her heart heavy with concern. She then turned to Scott, taking his hand in hers, a gesture that was both comforting and filled with unspoken tension. “Honey, what’s this celebration you were talking about earlier?” she asked, her voice soft yet probing.
Scott’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he explained, “It’s the company’s major event. With Lewis Group now partnering with Cosmos Group, we’ve made quite an impact on the national business landscape. Everyone is watching us closely.” He squeezed her hand, his excitement palpable. “The celebration is in three days, and I want you by my side, Monique—along with Carolyn. It’s a family affair.”
“Of course!” Monique replied, a gentle smile gracing her lips, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Chloe has agreed to come, and Lawrence will be attending as well. This event will be another milestone for Lewis Group,” Scott continued, his voice rising with enthusiasm, his grip on Monique’s hand tightening unconsciously as he envisioned the future.
For a fleeting moment, Monique’s expression darkened, shadows flickering across her features. She let out a soft hum, withdrawing her hand from his grasp, feeling the weight of unspoken words linger between them.
“Monique?” Scott’s brow furrowed as he noticed her sudden shift in demeanor.
“Darling, I’m really looking forward to the celebration too,” she said, forcing cheerfulness into her tone. “I’ll go upstairs and share the good news with Carolyn. I also need to get in touch with the staff to arrange for formal attire; we need to look our best for such an important event. And you, my love, should have a brand new custom-tailored suit,” she added sweetly, stepping toward him to adjust his tie.
“You’re always so thoughtful. I’ll leave the preparations to you,” Scott replied absentmindedly, his mind already racing ahead to the celebration, oblivious to the brewing storm in his home.
As Monique made her way upstairs, Scott felt a swell of satisfaction. He longed for family harmony more than anything else. The thought of Chloe returning and mending their fractured relationship filled him with hope, a dream he clung to as a father.
But beneath that hope lay a deep well of regret. He was haunted by the choices he had made regarding Chloe, wishing to make amends. The idea of her taking over Lewis Group one day danced in his mind, a vision of reconciliation and renewal.



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