Chapter 439

Florence held Isabella's hand.

Over twenty years had passed.

She never dared to dream this day would come.

Heaven had finally been kind to her.

The family was reunited at last.

The old man saw her eyes welling up.

He teased her gently.

Did you forget the doctor's advice again?

Today is such a joyous occasion.

You should be smiling.

Isabella nodded.

Father is right.

Mom, please smile.

The old lady chuckled.

At my age,

crying is ugly.

Smiling is even uglier.

Nonsense.

It's the grace that comes with age.

The elegance bestowed by time.

The old lady beamed instantly.

David Sullivan secretly gave his wife a thumbs up.

Well done.

A knock suddenly sounded at the door.

Sebastian Evans' voice came through.

Grandfather.

It's me.

Isaac Atlante cleared his throat lightly.

Come in.

Sebastian pushed the door open.

His gaze swept over Sophia Sullivan, standing between David and Isabella.

A flash of admiration passed through his eyes.

It vanished quickly.

All the guests have arrived.

The ceremony can begin whenever you're ready.

Good.

Isaac nodded.

Then let's go out now.

We shouldn't keep the guests waiting.

The banquet hall was brilliantly lit.

Bustling with noise and conversation.

The Atlante family had invited many guests.

From all walks of life.

But most were from their social circle.

Many familiar faces could be seen in the crowd.

Even the Ye family from Minshan is here?

They've been very low-key these past years.

They decline every invitation.

Always citing their ancestral rules.

Why did they make an exception for the Atlantes?

Charlie Lowell held a champagne flute.

A faint, knowing smile played on his lips.

He was clearly enjoying the spectacle.

And that A-list director from the Zhou family.

He has quite the reputation.

I personally went to his door to ask him to shoot an ad.

Got a polite refusal.

Invited him to dinner.

Told me he was too busy.

Declines all social engagements.

But coming to the Atlantes doesn't count as a social engagement?

Enough.

Julian Winston shot him a look.

I could smell the jealousy from across the room.

Your little bit of face can't compare to the Atlantes'.

Charlie's face darkened.

Julian delivered the final blow.

I'm not wrong.

It's the plain truth.

Charlie noticed his empty hands.

He looked at him as if seeing a ghost.

You're not having a drink?

Julian glanced around.

Oh.

I'm driving later.

Not drinking.

Since when did that stop you before?

I'm talking to you.

Why are you looking around?

Julian wasn't listening.

He seemed to have spotted something.

His eyes lit up.

Well.

I have something to do.

I'll be right back.

Without waiting for Charlie's response, he strode towards the entrance.

A bright smile spread across his face.

Olivia.

You're here.

Heh.

Olivia Lopez looked at the man who had suddenly appeared.

She raised an eyebrow.

You got an invitation too?

Yes.

Olivia's expression turned strange.

Who sent it to you?

The Atlantes, of course.

It's Patriarch Atlante's birthday banquet.

Who else would send the invitations but the Atlante family?

Olivia understood immediately.

The Winston family was a prominent wealthy family in the city.

Receiving an invitation was normal.

So the Jiang and Lowell families received them too?

Julian nodded.

Yes.

Is there a problem?

Is Ethan Roscente coming?

Olivia asked suddenly.

The man's smile faltered.

He frowned subconsciously.

Why are you asking about him?

What?

Can't I ask?

Julian looked at her suspiciously.

What are you planning?

You're close with Sophia.

You should know what kind of person Ethan is.

No woman with any taste would be interested in him.

You—

Ugh.

What bad luck.

What are you thinking?

Interested in him?

Am I that desperate?

Good that you're not.

Heh.

Julian looked behind her.

Did you come alone?

Yes.

Did the Lopez family send you as their representative?

Hmph.

I'm not here for the Lopez family today.

Julian was confused.

Then for whom?

It can't be for our Winston family, can it?

Heh.

Actually, thinking about it, it's not impossible.

You're my girlfriend now.

The future Winston daughter-in-law.

Representing the Winstons is very appropriate.

Hmph.

In your dreams.

I'm not representing anyone.

I came on my own.

What do you mean?

Olivia waved her invitation.

Everyone else's was bright red.

Hers was pink.

See?

A personal invitation.

You?

Julian was slightly surprised.

What?

Is that so strange?

Personal invitations were usually sent by the host family to close relatives or very important figures.

It signified special status and regard.

How did Olivia get one?

Are you related to the Atlantes?

That can't be right.

I've never heard of any relation between the Lopez and Atlante families.

Even if there was.

The special invitation should have gone to the Lopez family.

Why would only Olivia get one?

The woman smiled faintly.

Guess.

Julian was speechless.

Ethan.

Over here.

Charlie waved towards a certain direction.

Ethan Roscente walked over.

Charlie.

I thought you weren't coming.

Ethan seemed disinterested.

Just going through the motions.

I'll leave once the banquet starts.

In such a hurry?

Yeah.

Going to G City tonight.

There's some issue with the branch office.

I see.

Charlie signaled a waiter.

He picked up a glass of red wine and offered it.

Ethan, try this.

The wine is quite good.

Ethan waved it away.

Not drinking.

Charlie was taken aback.

What's with everyone today?

Turning over a new leaf?

Reinventing themselves?

He suddenly felt a sense of abandonment.

Today, of all occasions.

Those who could come.

And those who normally wouldn't.

Are all here.

It seems Patriarch Atlante places great importance on this birthday banquet.

Yeah.

Ethan said coldly.

It's also a way to tell everyone.

How much the Atlante family values this daughter they just found.

Charlie suddenly thought of something.

Speaking of which, Sebastian's mother is also an Atlante daughter.

So the one being introduced today is his aunt?

Ethan's face remained expressionless.

Charlie realized he might have said something wrong.

Ahem.

I was just saying.

Ethan, don't mind me.

The hall was stuffy.

The environment noisy.

Ethan smelled the mix of various perfumes.

He couldn't help but frown.

I'm going out for some air.

Before he could finish, the lights suddenly dimmed.

The birthday banquet officially began.

Isaac Atlante took to the stage first.

The old man was spirited.

His voice strong and clear.

He said a few polite words first.

Then eagerly moved on to the main topic.

Today, taking this opportunity.

I want to formally introduce my long-lost daughter.

As you all know.

Some incidents occurred in the early years.

Causing us to be separated for over twenty years.

Now she has returned.

And officially rejoins this circle.

I hope everyone here will look out for her in the future.

Isabella.

Come—