Chapter 77: The Banquet’s Star
The Hayes family banquet had officially begun.
The grand hall was a sight straight out of a fantasy game. Massive crystal chandeliers hung from a ceiling painted with celestial murals. Golden pillars lined the walls, shimmering in soft candlelight, and the marble floor was polished so perfectly it looked like glass. Flowers, lights, and banners stretched from corner to corner, giving off a warm, elegant glow. Waiters in black suits moved like clockwork, serving fine wine and exotic appetizers to the gathering guests.
The hall buzzed with conversation and admiration.
"Did you see the centerpiece? I swear even Royal Palaces aren’t decorated this well!"
Damian and Clarissa stood near the entrance, greeting the steady stream of prestigious guests. Meanwhile, Alistair stood tall near the center of the hall with the two remaining Hayes family elders—Walter and Carter—flanked by their respective granddaughters. Most of the other family members had left earlier for personal or business reasons, leaving only the core elders to oversee the evening.
Everything was smooth. That was, until the real showstopper arrived.
The massive entrance doors opened, and all heads turned.
Ethan walked in wearing an expensive wine-red suit, tailored so sharply it could cut through pride. His perfectly styled hair, confident gaze, and naturally striking features made it hard to believe he wasn’t a male lead from some xianxia novel.
If this were a game, he was the hidden boss with a secret route.
Beside him, holding his hand tightly, was Mina. She wore a frilly white frock with butterfly wings strapped to her back. Her smile was innocent, her cheeks rosy, and her presence utterly adorable.
"Big brother," she whispered with a teasing grin, "Are you sure you’re satisfied with just three big sisters? You look so handsome today, you’re gonna make a lot of ladies’ hearts flutter."
Ethan chuckled, "That so?"