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nAfter a while of staring at the entrance of the dining hall, Edward nearly flinches in surprise when the doors suddenly open.

nIn anticipation, he continues to watch, thinking that it's probably Adrian and Cassidy. But then, much to his surprise, it only turns out to be a delivery man who is carrying a bouquet that is made up of orchids, bellflowers, and some pink roses. The sight of the resplendent bundle of flowers alone catches people's attention.

nThough it's not the one Edward is expecting, he remains watchful of the scene and waits for the delivery man to find the receiver.

n

"Oh my, what a beautiful bouquet~

" Irish then started cooing all of the sudden.

n

"Someone's gonna propose here or something?

" Olivia commented with an amused smile.

n

"Hmm? But why is it coming our way...?

" Gertrude wondered out loud before asking their companions.

n

"Did someone order that?

"

nThat's when Edward realizes that almost everyone at their table is watching how the delivery man makes their way to them. It's obvious that they're waiting to know who among them is the receiver of the package.

nAt their curious and expectant looks, he can't help but heave a small sigh, regretting that he didn't think of being discreet about the surprise. It's too late to back out now, though.

n

"Here. Over here,

" Edward called the delivery man over, making everyone turn to look at him in surprise.

n

"Dad? You ordered that?

" Damien could not help but ask in puzzlement.

n

"What?! Will we have a new Mom, then?!

" Joshua, being the advanced thinker that he was, exclaimed in astonishment.

n

"Do flowers mean a new Mom?

" Hugo mumbled to himself with furrowed brows, tilting his head quizzically.

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"No, Hugo. Flowers don't mean anything like that,

" their father corrected with another sigh, wondering why exactly did his sons think that he was courting someone.

nAs if his children's wild guesses aren't enough, his younger sisters just really have to join in the fun. While Irish keeps fidgeting on her seat like a smitten teenage girl, Olivia can't help but continue smiling in amusement. The former is a little bit of a narcissist so she somehow concludes that the bouquet is for her.

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"Oh, big bro~ You really don't have to, you know~

" Irish cooed again with flushed cheeks, acting flustered.

n

"Please, save yourself from the embarrassment, Irish...

" Edward deadpanned.

n

"I'll just get you another bouquet if you really want one-

"

n

"Huh?! It's not for me?!

"

n

"Edward...

" Gertrude suddenly called with a stern gaze, thinking that he indeed had his eyes on a new woman.

n

"Who do you plan to give that to?

"

nEdward can tell that his mother is not pleased by the thought of him courting a lady, though he swears that they're all just misunderstanding it. But then again, it's rare for people to see him displaying such a side. The last time he bought a bouquet for someone was when his wife was still alive.

nThat's most probably why Damien reacted taken aback and why Joshua came up with the idea that they'd be getting a new mother. It somehow surprised him that they didn't look that upset by the possibility, though.

n

"Well, who is it, Edward?

" Gertrude asked again, a bit more firmly this time.

nBefore Edward could answer that and clear things up, another scene from the entrance stole everyone's attention once again.

nAs if saved by the bell, the people they've been waiting for finally arrived. Everyone at the table turned to look back at the doorway as soon as they heard people gasping and chattering among themselves.

nAdrian entered the place while still holding Cassidy by the waist.

nEdward and the others are completely caught off guard. Though the couple appears to be not paying attention to their surroundings since they are in the middle of bantering yet again, they look so picture-perfect that all the spectators can't help but watch with astounded expressions. Anyone who sees them will immediately think that they are a couple -

nA power couple, even.

nWhat's more, there is Cassidy in her sexy and revealing mermaid dress, captivating both men and women alike.

n

"Is that really... Mrs. Cassidy Millicent...?

" Levi, the photographer who captured a picture of her during the birthday party, found himself saying out loud in wonder and awe.

n

"Yes, yes...! As I thought! I knew my eyes did not deceive me that time!

"

n

"H-Huh? Sir Levi?

" Gertrude blurted out, nonplussed when he suddenly took out his camera from his briefcase.

nSeeing him get into a frenzy all of the sudden, she and the other guests can only watch with stupefied expressions. Some can't help but laugh a little, knowing quite well that he's an avid photographer who can't be stopped once he is hit with inspiration. That's why when he begins taking pictures of the couple as they approach their table, they just let him be.

n

"Madam Gertrude, why didn't you tell me about your beautiful daughter-in-law before...?

" Levi then began ranting like someone who had missed a golden opportunity.

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"She is such an extraordinary piece of art, Madam! Me and millions of people on social media approve that!

"

n

"That's a photographer for you. Always has a keen eye for beauty,

" one of the guests quipped.

n

"No one can deny that, though. The lady is gorgeous and stunning,

" someone else commented.

n

"Madam is lucky to find such a lovely young woman. She can be a model, you know!

" another suggested ebulliently.

n

"H-Huh...?!

" was all Gertrude could say exasperatedly at their exchange, getting somewhat lightheaded by this turn of events.

nShe already felt like she had been knocked off of her balance the moment she saw Cassidy in that bold and shameless apparel. The fact that Adrian doesn't seem to mind gets the gears in her head turning rapidly. She can't figure out why her strict and austere son will not show even a small hint of revulsion at his wife's immodest appearance.

nAs if those hadn't shaken her enough, all the guests she invited also had to shower Cassidy with praises and flattering words, striking her speechless and staggering.

n

"Yes, a model...!

" Levi then suddenly exclaimed as if he just came up with a brilliant idea.

n

"Ma'am Cassidy can make a very impressive model, Madam! Can I have her in my agency?

"

nAnd alas, Gertrude feels like fainting.

nIrish, on the other hand, was astonished and awed for as brief as a fraction of a moment.

nBut of course, she would never admit that. She would not admit that Cassidy could actually outshine the most attractive celebrities she met. Hell, she would even admit that she had such a perfectly toned and prepossessing figure that just seemed to overflow with sex appeal.

nOlivia can feel her twin's aura darkening without even looking.

nShe knows Irish well enough, so she doesn't have to make her voice out the fact that she is jealous just to confirm it. After all, she is also aware that their sister-in-law's picturesque body is the one she's been burning fats for and working out for a long time now.

n

"Oh, Irish...

" Olivia just sighed with a sympathetic smile.

nWhile everyone else at the table is displaying their respective reactions in the open, one certain blonde remains straight-faced, quiet, and collected.

nSophie only watches the scene without making a single noise or even a surprised expression. In reality, though, she's bottling all her feelings in. She pretends to be indifferent, but she is already burning with rage and envy.

nAt that moment, she badly wants to go there and do everything she can to show Cassidy her place.

n'That bitch..! That bitch...! That bitch...!' she repeatedly bolted out inside her head as she gripped her wineglass so tightly that she could break it with one hand.

n'How dare she stay so close to Adrian like that?! That ugly little bitch!'

nOut of everyone there, Sophie is the one who's about to lose her mind despite her apathetic facade.

nHer eyes remain glued on how Adrian is holding Cassidy possessively. Never mind her rival's overawing look for tonight. She is more concerned about how the two of them are walking so close that there is merely any room for them to breathe.

nWhat's more, he is smiling at her - a smile he rarely makes.

nEverything is pushing her buttons and riling her up to a dangerous extent.

n

"Can you please let go of me now? We're almost at the table...

" Cassidy grumbled before making a flat expression as she made out everyone's reaction.

n

"And I think your mother is close to fainting.

"

n

"What are you talking about? She looks perfectly fine to me,

" Adrian said with a raised brow while looking at his mother.

n

"I can feel it... And what's up with that guy? He just took out his camera.

"

n

"Oh, that's Sir Levi. He's a photographer.

"

n

"Yeah, well, why is he taking pictures of us? Did you hire him?

"

n

"I would if he got us some good shots.

"

nEnjoying the attention for a bit, Cassidy can't help but smile a little and feel smug. She is quite satisfied with Gertrude's reaction above all.

nWith her mood uplifted by such a warm welcome, she then greeted everyone at the table as soon as she and Adrian reached them.

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"Hey there! What's up, homies~!

"

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