Zaria chuckled and agreed.

"Yeah, Dad tends to use a lot of official sounding language. Earlier, Cece seemed a bit lost in his conversation."

Clara warmly took Claudia's hand.

"My dear, Zaria fondly calls you Cece. May I do the same and call you Cece as well? And please, don't mind my husband's words. He's been in the business world for ages and likes to sound important."

Claudia, a bit flustered, replied, "Of course, Mrs. Santiago."

Clara was so enthusiastic that she asked Claudia what she Liked.

Before Claudia could respond, Zaria piped up, "Mom, Claudia is incredible! She's a pianist and has won numerous motorboat racing awards."

“How impressive! Have the secretary look into any recent pianos or motorboats. Consider it a greeting present for you, Cece."

Claudia quickly refused.

"Thank you, Mrs. Santiago, but it's truly unnecessary. Zaria has already been too generous with her gifts."

“But my gifts are different from hers! Don't be shy. We have plenty to share. You're so delightful to be around. If we weren't worried about overstepping, both Zaria's father and I would've happily considered you our goddaughter!"

Claudia was surprised by her words and replied, "Mrs. Santiago, you and Mr. Santiago are too kind. I don't think it's necessary. I truly cherish my friendship with Zaria because she's cute and wonderful."

"In that case, I really have to give you a gift! Zaria is very open and honest. She doesn't have many close friends, and she's only brought two of them home over the years. Since you're her friend, I feel compelled to give you a gift!"

Noticing Claudia's blushing, Clara continued, “Perhaps a piano or a motorboat is a bit much. How about clothes? Or what brand of clothes and bags do you like, Cece? I'd love to select a gift you'll adore.”

Claudia hesitated to accept, but Zaria leaned in, murmuring, "Cece, just go with it. When my mom decides to give a gift, it's best to say yes to her."

After hearing Zaria's advice, Claudia finally mentioned a brand to Clara.

“Okay, I'll have it delivered to you in a few days."

“Thank you, Mrs. Santiago."

Suddenly receiving a gift again, Claudia recalled Zaria's frequent generous gestures.

Clearly, Zaria had picked up this trait from her mother!

However, aside from making Claudia slightly uncomfortable, Clara didn't come across as arrogant or aloof as the rumors had suggested.

She willingly brought up many topics herself.

Overall, Zaria's parents seemed much warmer than Claudia had anticipated.

As Bennett approached, the event host was already adding excitement to the atmosphere.