Chapter 134 Returning to the Country
The Gray family estate was more lively today than any party in previous years.
After all, it was old Mr. Gray's 80th birthday, and more importantly, Lance was back.
In recent years, Lance had moved his business focus entirely abroad, expanding his commercial empire all the way, and he'd been based overseas permanently.
Back home, those families eyeing the position of the Grays' daughter-in-law had racked their brains but couldn't even catch a glimpse of him, let alone engineer a chance encounter to make connections.
This time, hearing that Lance would personally return home to celebrate the old man's birthday, people in their circle were all stirred up, with every family carefully dressing up their daughters of marriageable age.
Each one came to the Grays with their own agenda, hoping to catch Lance's eye at the birthday banquet and thus rise to the top in one step by marrying into this wealthy family.
Inside the banquet hall, between clinking glasses were deliberate small talk and probing, with girls frequently glancing toward the entrance, barely able to hide the anticipation in their eyes.
Suddenly, the main doors slowly opened.
Lance wore a black custom-tailored suit, his posture upright and cold.
He didn't enter alone as everyone had expected—beside him walked a gentle figure.
The woman wore a simple, elegant long dress, her manner gentle and clean, forming a sharp contrast with the carefully dressed socialites throughout the venue. She was also holding the hand of an adorable little boy.
The woman and Lance walked side by side naturally, at just the right distance, looking very much like good friends.
Their timing was perfect, arriving just in time for the most important moment of the birthday celebration.
But what really made the whole room go quiet wasn't the woman's appearance or the child's presence—it was Lance's subtle, understated gestures.
When entering, as the crowd pressed in slightly, he seemed to casually shift half a step toward the woman's side, using his body to shield her from the crowded people.
When someone approached to make small talk, their gaze unconsciously falling on her and the child, he subtly turned sideways, blocking her with half his body, his tone calm yet carrying undeniable protection.
No hand-holding, no embracing, not a single inappropriate word.
But every glance, every instinctive protection, clearly showed that he cared about her.
Everyone present was sharp—they saw through this special treatment at once.
The socialites who had dressed up and prepared to approach Lance at the right moment gradually darkened their expressions, their fingers tightening slightly around their wine glasses.
Those elders who had brought their daughters to make connections exchanged meaningful looks, and hushed discussions soon spread through the corners.
"Isn't Lance supposed to be single? Who's that woman?"
"No idea, never seen her before, never even heard of anyone like her."
"He specially brought her back for the old man's birthday and is protecting her so closely—their relationship is definitely not ordinary."
--
The whispers wove into a net—curiosity, scrutiny, speculation—densely falling on Aria.
Some people, watching Lance's subtle and considerate care, felt sour inside but didn't forget to console themselves.
The Grays had such strict family traditions, and old Mr. Gray was famously particular about social standing and propriety—he wasn't one to easily give in.
These words quietly circulated among the guests.
"Never mind that Lance is protecting her—what good will that do? The Grays are that kind of family, with rules in place."
"Exactly. So many young ladies with clean backgrounds and matching social status can't even get close to Lance, and she comes with a child—even if Lance is interested for now, old Mr. Gray would never agree to let her into the family."
"Right, right, let's not panic yet. Let's first feel out the Grays' attitude and see what the old man thinks."
--
What those people didn't know was that Lance had taken in all those discussions, his thin lips pressed into a cold, hard line.
Aria felt the surrounding gazes sticking to her, carrying scrutiny and a hint of unclear ambiguity.
Some were looking at her, some at Lance, and more were looking at how they stood side by side together.
The whispers drifted over like wind, light but sharp.
But she had no interest in even looking up to identify those gazes.
Rumors or speculation—none of it concerned her.
She came today only to celebrate old Mr. Gray's birthday.
Under Lance's composed guidance, the two avoided the chaotic surrounding gazes and walked straight toward old Mr. Gray by the main seat.
Lance stepped forward half a step first, his tone steady and respectful. "Grandpa, Aria and I came back together. I brought her to wish you a happy birthday."
Aria stepped forward, her manner gentle and proper, without any awkwardness.
She handed the carefully prepared gift to old Mr. Gray with both hands, her expression soft. "Grandpa Dylan, it's been a long time. Aria wishes you boundless happiness, a long life, good health, and peace every year."
When old Mr. Gray saw it was her, his already smiling face brightened even more. He reached out to accept the gift but didn't rush to set it down. Instead, he warmly grasped her wrist, looked her up and down, his tone full of genuine joy.
"Aria, it's actually you, girl! Lance kept telling me he was bringing me a surprise today—turns out he brought you as the surprise!
Come to think of it, we really haven't seen each other for quite a few years. Seeing you today makes this old man happier than receiving any expensive gift! Hahaha..."
Lance had told old Mr. Gray about Aria's situation over the years, and the old man felt for her too.
Though these two kids had never gotten along since childhood, he'd watched them grow up, and to him, Aria was like his own granddaughter.
"Grandpa Dylan has been so kind to remember me."
Aria replied softly, her tone sincere. "I went through some things these years and couldn't come visit. I've always thought of you though.
Today is your big birthday, and I thought no matter what, I had to come back home to see you and wish you well in person."
"Good, good, good. It's good that you came."
The old man nodded repeatedly, his gaze on her face full of an elder's affection. "Seeing you looking well puts my mind at ease. In this life, being safe and content is better than anything."
Jasper, who had been obediently staying close to Aria, saw the adults chatting warmly and immediately looked up, his voice sweet and clear.
"Happy birthday, Great-grandpa Gray! I wish you happiness every day, a long life, and to get younger and younger!"
The old man was touched to his heart by this sweetness and immediately smiled so wide he couldn't close his mouth, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes bunching up like flowers.
He freed one hand to gently pat Jasper's head, his laughter hearty. "Oh my, this must be Jasper!
What a sweet talker! Such a good child—well-behaved, cute, and so likable. Great-grandpa's heart is sweeter than honey hearing you say these things!"
The exchange between the old and young instantly warmed up the surrounding atmosphere.
Aria stood to the side, quietly watching, her expression showing rare ease and warmth.
Those scrutinizing looks, discussions, and speculations from others were all shut out in this moment, leaving only warmth...