Chapter 292: The welcome party
The sun had barely sunk below the horizon when guests began streaming through the gates of the Granet mansion. The evening air buzzed with laughter, clinking glasses, and familiar voices echoing in the hall.
Margaret was in her element. She moved through the room like a seasoned hostess, her smile broad, her eyes lit up with joy. She seemed full of life as she chatted with old friends and relatives.
"Margaret, you haven’t changed a bit," one woman said, holding her hands. "Still absolutely stunning."
Margaret chuckled, brushing off the compliment. "You are too kind," she said, though the sparkle in her eyes said she didn’t mind hearing it.
"And where is your daughter?" someone else chimed in eagerly. "We have been dying to meet her. She must be as elegant and beautiful as you."
"She is almost ready," Margaret replied. "She’ll be here soon. But for now, enjoy the drinks." She motioned to a nearby waiter, who stepped in with a silver tray of champagne flutes and cocktails.
At the far end of the room, Oliver stood apart from the chatter. Nathan was at his side, caught in light conversation with the city’s most prominent businessmen. But Oliver wasn’t speaking much. He smiled politely, nodded when expected, but his mind was elsewhere.
He was sweating under the collar, though the room was cool. On the outside, he looked calm, dignified, and even. But inside, a storm brewed. He was surrounded by people who respected him, who had trusted him for years. But after tonight, everything would be changed.
He was about to confess to something that would destroy his image, his career. The people who once admired him would soon see him in a different light, judging him, condemning him for his past cruelty.
But he knew he had to reveal the truth about what had happened and how the family’s daughter had been lost. It was the only way to make things right with her and the only path to redemption.
"Oliver, when will we see your daughter?" one of the guests asked cheerfully, drawing him out of his trance.
He straightened and forced a half-smile. "Nathan," he said, turning to his son. "Go get Anne. It’s time."