A pang of sorrow shot through Jace‘s heart. “Cece, what's so endearing about Anthony? I am still shaking whenever I think of that fateful collision at the crossroads. You... you could have died and..."

Claudia, realizing her father's train of thought, interrupted him again. Shaking her head, she said, “Dad, I have no intentions of forgiving him."

After a brief silence, she continued icily, "Isn't Anthony meant to kneel and beg for my forgiveness? Then let's dine with them. He does owe an apology to me, and to our family!"

She was eager to see Anthony humiliate himself!

Jace initially planned to decline the dinner invitation. He didn't want to have any contact with the Nixon family anymore.

However, upon hearing Claudia's words, he thought they should indeed accept the invitation!

The Nixon family were the ones in the wrong. A month prior, they remained silent despite the malicious gossip against Claudia. Jace had been seething with rage!

The Nixon family claimed sympathy towards Claudia. Yet, when confronted with online trolls, they never stood up for her.

Jace gazed at Claudia. She was his only daughter. He lost his wife early and since then, Claudia's life had revolved around him. He had strived to make her feel loved and cherished. Claudia hardly ever shed tears. But when Anthony abandoned their wedding and she was hit by a car, she crumbled in Jace's embrace, sobbing uncontrollably.

Remembering this, Jace's heart clenched with pain.

Cece was right. The Nixon family owed them an apology!

"You're correct, Cece. We should attend this dinner! I'll be there right beside you. Don't worry.”

Claudia responded with a subtle nod and a gentle smile. "With you there, Dad, I fear nothing."

There was no room for fear.

Jace and Henry had been friends for over four decades. Despite his anger, Jace hadn't completely fallen out with the Nixons. After consulting with Claudia, he contacted Henry to arrange the dinner.

Claudia returned to her room, her eyes brimming with tears as she recalled Jace's words—"I trust you."

When she decided to marry Anthony, Jace initially disagreed. However, without informing Jace, she asked Anthony to formally pay her father a visit with his parents.

The two families had always maintained a strong bond, and the friendship between Jace and Henry spanned over decades. Despite Jace's reservations about Anthony, he agreed to the arrangement out of respect for his daughter's love for the man and their long-standing relationship with the Nixon family.

However, circumstances took an unexpected turn.

She ended up marrying Bennett. Jace was initially in the dark, but he continued to trust and support her!

Claudia was overwhelmed by gratitude!

She sat alone in her room, tears flowing down her cheeks.