Chapter_67
Chapter 67
Oscar smiled warmly, his tone inviting. “You’ve come all the way here. Why not stay for the party? You wouldn’t be so heartless to refuse an old man’s invitation, right?”
Emmeline raised an eyebrow, but didn’t hesitate. “Of course not. I’m glad to stay,” she replied with a sly smile. What a crafty old fox, she thought to herself. But I’ll entertain him for now.
With the conflict resolved, the atmosphere in the room lightened. Julianna quickly rushed over and hugged the three boys, clearly relieved.
“Oh, my dear grandchildren! I nearly lost you!” she said, her voice thick with emotion.
“If Great-Grandpa says he doesn’t like Mommy, we’ll leave again,” Sun said, his small face serious.
The boys were clear about their loyalty, and they would not tolerate anyone mistreating their mother.
“He won’t,” Landen said, kneeling in front of the children. “I’ll protect your Mommy.”
“Thank you, Grandpa!” the boys cheered in unison, their faces lighting up with gratitude. Landen beamed, clearly pleased by their appreciation.
But not everyone was happy. Lewis stood in the background, bitterness written all over his face. Rosaline, too, turned her head away in anger, clearly annoyed by the unfolding events.
Emmeline turned to Abel, her voice soft but sincere. “Mr. Ryker,” she began, her expression grateful. “Thank you for earlier.”
Before Abel could respond, Emmeline froze. Wait a minute… Her eyes widened as she took in his outfit. He’s wearing the cheap suit I bought for him?
It was absurd. How could he wear that particular suit to such an important event?
“You…” Emmeline tugged on his sleeve, still stunned. “You really wore this.”
Abel grinned, unbothered. “You bought it, so I have to wear it,” he said, shrugging. “It fits me perfectly. I haven’t had the chance to thank you properly.”
Emmeline covered her face in embarrassment. This man is so easy to please! she thought, both amused and exasperated by his simplicity.
She could handle Oscar’s hostility, but this? She wasn’t sure how to react to Abel’s easygoing nature.
Alana, having noticed their closeness, marched over with a look of fury in her eyes. “Watch what you’re doing, Emmeline. You belong to Adrien!”
Rosaline joined her, her tone sharp. “Yes, Ms. Louise. You’re part of Landen’s family now. You shouldn’t be so intimate with Abel. He’s going to marry Alana, and they will have three or more children.”
Emmeline’s smile was cool and collected. “I’ll congratulate you in advance, then.”
But Abel’s expression darkened, the words striking him like a slap. What do you mean, Emmeline?
Oscar, seeing his chance, took the opportunity to speak. “Ms. Lane is Timothy’s mother and is already pregnant with Abel’s child. Now that it has come to this, I won’t force Abel to look for the Wonder Doctor anymore. Abel, you should marry Ms. Lane as soon as possible. The family needs more great-grandchildren!”
“Thank you, Grandfather!” Alana bowed demurely, her face lighting up with feigned shyness.
Rosaline chimed in, her voice dripping with excitement. “Let’s choose a good date then! I can’t wait to bring you into Levan Mansion!”
Alana’s eyes narrowed as she glanced coldly at Emmeline. You’re in no position to snatch what belongs to me! she thought viciously. You’re not going to marry Adrien, either. I’ll make sure your reputation is ruined!
Alana turned away and, with a quick glance to ensure no one was looking, discreetly sent a message to her conspirator. Afterward, she quickly deleted the message, her smile returning to her face.
Emmeline, feeling increasingly uncomfortable in the current company, decided to excuse herself. She made her way toward the children, eager to get away from the tension in the air.
The banquet was now in full swing, with people laughing and mingling, enjoying their meals and drinks. Julianna and Landen were on the dance floor, clearly celebrating the arrival of their grandchildren.
Alana, however, wasn’t done yet. She walked up to Abel with a seductive smile. “Let’s dance, Abel.”
Abel smirked, clearly unamused. “I’m good, thanks,” he replied casually. “You should be more careful too. Wouldn’t want to hurt your baby.”
Alana’s expression faltered for a moment. She didn’t quite understand the implication of Abel’s words, but she didn’t pursue the matter further.
As Emmeline continued walking, a voice behind her broke her concentration. “Care for a drink, miss?”
She turned around and saw a young man standing there, offering her a glass of red wine. He was quite handsome, with striking features and a confident demeanor.
“Do I know you?” Emmeline asked, eyeing him curiously.
The young man’s smile was charming, his eyes sparkling with interest. “Not yet, but I’m hoping to change that.”
