Serena caught sight of her friend Elena, whose face was drawn and pale.
She noticed Elena standing with Celestine. Something had clearly happened–Serena could feel it in the air.
Celestine walked over to Alistair’s side, ignoring the warning look Chester shot her, and greeted him with quiet politeness.
“Grandpa, how are you feeling? I said some things I shouldn’t have
yesterday–please don’t take them to heart.”
Alistair’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “It’s just the usual old aches, nothing to worry about. As for yesterday, it was all a misunderstanding. I’m just glad you were willing to come back, let bygones be bygones. That rascal Chester was completely out of line–I’ll be sure to deal with him after all this is over.”
Celestine lowered her eyes and answered softly, “Thank you, Grandpa.”
Chester relaxed a little when she didn’t bring up the divorce in front of everyone. At least she knew where to draw the line. Grandpa’s health couldn’t take any more shocks right now. Besides, the promise Chester made yesterday had only been said in a moment of anger–there was no real weight to it.
The Fordham family had arranged a formal dinner at the old estate.
Celestine was seated beside Alistair, with Chester on her other side.
Dahlia was absent today, and Raymond had been sent away to reflect on his behavior after yesterday’s fiasco.
Celia had caught a cold as soon as she arrived in Portside City, and for fear she might bring bad luck on such a joyful occasion, she’d stayed in the hospital and kept away from the celebration.
“Thank you all for your understanding, and for gathering here again to share a drink with the Fordham family. I failed in my duties as host yesterday. Allow me to offer three toasts as an apology–tea will have to do for me tonight,” Alistair said, raising his cup to the guests around him.
The guests graciously raised their glasses in return.
“As for what happened yesterday, it was all just a misunderstanding. The child was misbehaving by the pool and accidentally fell in. Let’s be clear–there was nothing mysterious about it, no matter what rumors you might have heard. For my sake,
Chapter 155
let’s put an end to this talk right here.”
His words were a pointed warning to anyone thinking of stirring up trouble.
This was the Fordham family’s final stance.
Several guests looked uncomfortable.
“Alistair, since you’ve said so, who would dare to gossip further?”
“That’s right, it was clearly just an accident. Mrs. Fordham is as lovely as an angel–anyone can see how much she’s cherished.”
“The hotel should really add some extra safety measures around the pool, maybe a fence for the children. One false step and the consequences could be tragic!”
The guests all chimed in, eager to show their support.
Their tone was a complete turnaround from how they’d acted when Celestine first arrived.
Celestine found it bitterly ironic–but she also knew this was just how things
worked.
After dinner, Alistair began the annual gift–appreciation ritual.
He had a sharp eye for treasures, and if he took a liking to something, he’d have it brought from halfway across the world to display in his study.
Most guests tried to please him with valuable antiques and rare collectibles.
Chester remembered the painting Celestine had brought back from Oceanview City, so he didn’t worry about her choice of gift for Alistair,
Joanna, on the other hand, was still unconscious in the hospital. Chester presented her gift to Alistair on her behalf–a solid gold lion statuette.
“Tasteless,” Alistair muttered.
The moment he learned it was from Joanna, any trace of appreciation vanished from his face. He coldly instructed Chester to return the gift at once.
Chester ignored him, simply signaling a servant to take it away.
Next in line was the woman in the white dress who had mocked Celestine at the
door.
Elena, representing the Langley family, presented Alistair with a painting symbolizing longevity.
Alistair was delighted; it was clear the gift pleased him. “You’ve put real thought
into this.”
“It’s nothing,” Elena replied with a graceful dip of her head. “But I am curious–what has Mrs. Fordham prepared for today? I heard it’s also a painting. I hope we’ll all get a chance to see it.”
Celestine looked up, her eyes gliding over Elena. Then she turned to Alistair with a bright smile. “Grandpa, if you like my gift, would you grant me one small favor–not too much to ask, I promise?”
