Chapter 91: Hawthorne Family Dinner I
The Hawthorne family dinner came sooner than expected. Just as Matteo promised, he had taken care of the logistics. Somehow, he had managed to procure yet another stunning evening gown in Amelia’s size, this time in a gentle shade of rose quartz, along with complimentary earrings to match her mother’s necklace.
"You look stunning," Matteo said, barely able to keep the smile off his face as he held out an arm for Amelia to take.
He had spent the entire car ride over trying to work up the courage to compliment her, and now that it had left his lips, his shoulders finally relaxed seeing Amelia smile.
"Thank you," she said. A small blush bloomed across her cheeks, barely covered by the thin layer of makeup she wore.
Amelia took his arm, and they stepped into the Hawthorne estate. This time, there was no one who dared to stop her. The servants emerged and bowed low to Matteo, and bowed even lower to Amelia.
The true princess was back, after all, and Horace Hawthorne had made sure that everyone present had been briefed on this.
"Amelia!"
Horace was the first to greet them, coming down from the winding staircase of the large estate. He had a walking stick in hand, but by the speed at which he quickly descended the stairs, it was evident that the stick was more for an accessory than for support.
He made his way over just as Amelia did, and when they met halfway, Horace warmly embraced her. Amelia’s entire body stiffened, but she allowed herself to be hugged, patting the old man’s back softly just so that it wouldn’t be too one-sided.