Chapter 77 Hosting a Family Banquet

Chapter 77 Hosting a Family Banquet

Henry considered the implications. Indeed, identity complications would only distract him from his studies.

"I agree to it, but Grandma mentioned gene therapy. Will it hurt?" he asked, his voice tinged with apprehension.

Alexander embraced his son tightly. "Don't be afraid. I'm here with you—we'll get through any difficulty together."

Henry, in a rare display of affection, wrapped his arms around Alexander's neck. "But I'm scared of pain. The last surgery hurt so much..." 

His voice trailed off, filled with vulnerability that he never showed to Sienna, fearing it would upset her. With Alexander, however, he didn't hold back his feelings.

During lunch, Ethan made an announcement. "The Smith family is planning a formal reception to officially welcome Sienna back into the fold. Relatives from all branches will attend—everyone considers her return a significant event. Mr. Knight, I hope you're prepared."

Alexander raised an eyebrow, amused by Ethan's thinly veiled challenge. "Rest assured, Ethan, I won't disappoint."

He had already familiarized himself with the Smith family dynamics. Though some members would be difficult to deal with, Alexander wasn't concerned.

Sienna, however, grew visibly nervous. "Are there many family members?"

Amara smiled warmly as she added more food to Sienna's plate. "Your father is the head of the Smith family. Your grandfather had only one son, but you have four brothers. Ethan is the eldest, followed by James. The other two are less... reliable characters compared to Ethan and James."

Sienna smiled, already familiar with the latter two—one was a scientist who spent most of his time abroad, while the other was reportedly a famous actor. She had even looked up his photos; he was undeniably handsome.

Alexander glanced at Sienna and, after finishing their meal, led her to their bedroom.

"Did you want to talk about something?" she asked.

Without answering, Alexander pulled her onto the bed and kissed her deeply, leaving Sienna breathless. "Don't talk. It's been too long—are you trying to kill me?"

Alexander had always been dominant in intimate matters, and Sienna was no match for his intensity. Though their first time had been induced by a drug Sienna had given him, she had nearly lost her life in the process. The few times they had been together at the Knight Villa, Alexander had been insatiable.

"Alexander, have you lost your mind? What if someone walks in?" she protested weakly.

Alexander smiled mischievously. "They won't. I locked the door."

He silenced any further objections with his lips, leaving Sienna astonished at his audacity to make love to her in the Smith Villa.

Alexander recognized his own desperation—this overwhelming fear of losing Sienna could only be quelled through physical connection.

When they finally finished, Sienna had passed out from exhaustion. Alexander carried her to the bathroom, bathed her gently, changed the bedsheets, and laid her back down.

Looking at her flushed face as she slept peacefully, he kissed her forehead tenderly. "Sienna, you're mine. No one will ever take you away from me."

After changing his clothes, Alexander visited William's sickroom. The boy was already up and about, though restricted to a liquid diet that left him perpetually hungry and irritable by evening.

Ethan was at his wit's end, though he couldn't help but worry about how much weight William had lost in just a few days.

"Uncle, I'm starving to death!" William complained dramatically.

While Ethan looked conflicted, Alexander stepped in with a smile and picked William up. "How about some juice, William?"

William's eyes widened. "Really?"

Alexander carried him to the kitchen and gave him a small piece of bread to nibble on—something William would have previously ignored but now devoured eagerly. The orange juice was warmed to avoid irritating his stomach. The simple combination proved satisfying, and William even let out a contented burp afterward.

"Full now? No more fussing?" Alexander asked.

William nodded. "I want to see Mommy!"

Instead of taking him to Sienna, Alexander carried William around the house. "Mommy's asleep. She hasn't been resting well lately. If you behave, I'll have the design department create special toys for you."

William's eyes instantly brightened. "I want airplanes and rockets!"

Alexander shook his head, amused. "I've purchased an estate here where we could build you a laboratory if you'd like. But I have one condition."

"A condition?" William frowned suspiciously. "What do you want?"

Alexander smiled, gently pinching William's cheek. "You must attend school properly with Henry and Olivia—no causing trouble or making mischief. Meet that condition, and I'll build your lab."

William's expression immediately fell. "But school isn't fun! It's nothing compared to a laboratory!"

Alexander recognized that William's spirited nature, if left unchecked, could lead to trouble. While Sienna's discipline was strict, William was too clever for his own good. His overwhelming curiosity could lead him astray as he grew older.

"How about I show you the curriculum first?" Alexander suggested.

Though reluctant, William followed Alexander to the children's room. When Alexander activated the AI system, William's eyes lit up with wonder.

"That's so cool!"

"This is the castle model I'm giving you. How it's configured inside will be entirely up to you," Alexander explained, showing him the AI-generated model.

Alexander had already dedicated the largest possible space for a laboratory during the renovations, designing it together with Henry. The project gave him an immense sense of accomplishment.

When Sienna awoke the following morning, preparations for the family gathering were already underway. Opening her eyes, she felt a tight grip on her arm and looked down to find William clutching it in his sleep, her sleeve damp with his drool.

Smiling, she gently pinched his cheek just as the bedroom door opened and Alexander walked in.

"Awake?" he asked softly.

Sienna nodded, and Alexander lifted her into his arms.

"The family gathering is today, and many people will attend. William just had his stitches removed and isn't ready for such an occasion. Apart from the initial introductions, I'll have him stay in the children's room with the others."

Sienna didn't object, instead wrapping her arms around Alexander's neck as he carried her to the bathroom.

"I've prepared your dress. Today you'll formally meet the Smith family. Grandparents sent jewelry—it's in the dressing room for you to choose from."

At the mention of Daniel and Aria, Sienna quickly asked, "How is Grandfather's health?"

"He needs rest, but the toxins have mostly been eliminated," Alexander replied. "Sienna, I'm planning to relocate the company abroad. My assistants will handle domestic operations from now on."