Chapter 759: The Pierson Family
Dean does not call it a tradition, but the Pierson family gathering continued to amaze him every time. He never recalled how or when it all started, but for some time now, this family meeting had steadily leveled up, not just in its venue, but also in its theme. Not that everyone was required to follow the theme — who had the time?
Scanning the lavish ballroom in a historic mansion where the family gathering was set, Dean couldn’t help but sneer. The grand room was bathed in a warm glow from the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, which featured intricate moldings and frescoes. The luxurious decor created an atmosphere of timeless elegance.
Everyone stood with champagne and wine in their hands, dressed in formal attire. They were laughing, talking, and mingling, their toasts echoing faintly, harmonizing with the classical background music from the live string quartet in the corner. But no one sat around the long dining table in the middle, which was decorated with fine china, crystal goblets, ornate silverware, and a silk tablecloth running down the center, adorned with a centerpiece of flowers and gilded candelabras.
"It looks like modern meets history," Dean commented as he took another sip from his glass, chuckling to himself. "Surely, someone made an effort today."
His eyes searched for tonight’s host, smirking. "I wonder who they were trying to please tonight?"
"Is that even a question?" A beautiful woman in a sophisticated white dress that wrapped tightly around her body approached from his side.
Dean glanced at the woman, who was only a few years older than him, before his eyes fell on her small bump. "Your stomach... the dinner hasn’t even started, but it seems you’re already full."
"Haha. Funny." The woman chuckled, covering her red lips with the back of her hand. "I missed you too, Dean."
She then placed a hand on her tummy. "I’m almost in my third trimester."
"Hah."
"Won’t you congratulate me?"
"What’s the point?" he returned sarcastically, peeling his eyes from her to look at everyone from the corner where he stood. "If you’re here, what’s the point?"