When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0843

Fiona held Mindy’s hand tightly. “It’s been over 20 years. I never dared to dream that this day would come. Fortunately, fate hadn’t treated me too harshly and finally allowed our family to reunite.‘

Seeing her reddened eyes, Aren chuckled to lighten the mood. “Have you forgotten what the doctor said again? You should smile more on such a joyful occasion like today!”

Mindy nodded. “Dad is right. Mom, you should smile for us.”

Fiona burst out laughing. “At my age, crying makes me look ugly. Smiling isn’t much better. Really now…”

“Not at all! You have the elegance of a lady cultivated through your years and the grace gifted by time.” Mindy’s words brought a bright smile to Fiona’s face.

Lionel silently gave his wife a thumbs up. It was impressive how she had a way with words!

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, followed by Sam’s voice, “Grandpa, it’s me.‘

Aren cleared his throat. “Come in.”

Sam pushed the door open and entered. His gaze was immediately drawn to Miranda, who stood between Lionel and Mindy.

A flicker of amazement flashed in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it before saying, “The guests have mostly arrived. The ceremony can begin any minute now.”

Aren nodded. “Alright, let’s head out. We shouldn’t keep the guests waiting.‘

11

The banquet hall was bustling with guests and dazzlingly lit. The Garrison family had invited a large number of guests from various industries, but most of them were well- known within the elite circles.

There were plenty of familiar faces when Calvin scanned the room.

“Hey, even the Greene family from Elodian Mount is here? They’ve kept such a low profile over the years and turned down nearly all invitations by invoking the old traditions of their family. However, they come running when it’s the Garrison family who invited them?”

Calvin smirked as he held his champagne glass. He was only here for gossip. “And then there’s that famous director from the Sullivan family. He thought he was such a big shot.

“I invited him to help me shoot a commercial, but he brushed me off. I tried to invite him to dinner, and he replied that he was too busy for social gatherings. Yet here he is. Isn’t this considered a social gathering?”

“Alright, that’s enough. I can smell your jealousy from here. Do you really think your influence is comparable to the Garrisons?” Zach rolled his eyes.

Calvin’s expression darkened as Zach added, “I’m just stating the obvious facts.”

Taken aback, Calvin looked at Zach’s empty hands. “Are you not having a drink?”

Zach seemed to be busy looking around for someone. Hearing Calvin’s words, he simply replied, “I have to drive later, so no.

“You used to drink plenty, even when you had to drive. Hang on… Why are you looking around like that while I’m talking to you? What’s the matter?”

Zach didn’t hear a word Calvin said. His eyes lit up when he spotted someone. “Uh, excuse me. Something came up, so I need to leave for a moment.”

With that, he didn’t wait for Calvin’s response and strode quickly toward the entrance. At that moment, the smile on his face was brighter than the sun.

Zach called out with a grin, “Winter, you’re here!” novelbin

Winter raised an eyebrow at the man who suddenly appeared before her. “You? Did you receive an invitation too?”

“Yes.”

Winter looked skeptical. “Who sent it to you?”

“The Garrison family, of course,” Zach answered.

This was an invitation to Aren’s birthday banquet. As if anyone else could have sent the invitations if not the Garrison family?

Winter immediately understood. The Graham family was one of the prominent families in Elgerson, so it was no surprise they received an invitation from the Garrisons.

“Does that mean that the Johnsons and the Campbells were invited too?”

Zach nodded. “Yeah. What’s the matter?”

“Is Hansel here?” Winter asked suddenly.

Zach’s smile froze for a moment, and he frowned. “Why are you asking about him?”

“Why? Can’t I?”

His gaze grew increasingly suspicious as he looked at Winter. “What are you up to? Let me tell you, you should know what kind of person Hans is since you’re friends with Miranda. Any woman with decent judgment wouldn’t fall for him. You-”