Chapter 10 Chaos at the Banquet
Emily took a deep breath, pushing down the dull ache in her chest.
Today was Alex's mother's birthday party. The Baker family elders had all gathered, yet Alex still had to bring Grace along?
And compared to her, Grace was indeed dressed to impress.
The old lady snorted, her smile and warmth completely disappearing from her face. "Alex, I think you've forgotten your manners!"
"How dare this woman set foot in the Baker family home? Get her out of here!"
Beside them, the polite smile on Grace's face instantly froze.
This old lady was really not giving her any face!
Then her eyes lowered slightly, her thick curled lashes seeming to glisten with tears. She turned to look at Alex, her voice overly soft. "Alex, I... if I'd known I would upset Grandma, I shouldn't have come."
As her words fell, her delicate shoulders trembled slightly, as if she'd suffered a terrible wrong.
Alex frowned and stepped forward helplessly. "Grandma, Grace is weak right now. She was worried about me, so I brought her along."
Margaret was frustrated with him, her cane practically itching to strike her foolish grandson's back. "You..."
Just then, several Baker family elders came over with champagne, smiling to smooth things over. "Alex, we had two bottles of excellent aged whiskey flown in today. Come on, let's go try them."
"Alex's taste is never wrong, let's go, let's go!"
Alex nodded along, turning to Margaret. "Grandma, just set two more places at the table."
With that, he went to the side hall to talk business—the usual socializing at family gatherings.
Emily said nothing, just curved her lips into a mocking smile.
She wasn't pathetic enough to help her ex-husband take care of his mistress.
The old lady glared at Alex irritably, then turned and pulled Emily to the main seat. "Come, Emmie, Grandma had them make your favorite rose cheese."
If it weren't for all the guests present, she definitely wouldn't let this boy off!
Within minutes.
Emily's table was filled with delicate pastries, sweet but not cloying, with a light fragrance and soft texture.
She really did like them.
In the entire Baker family, only Grandma remembered what she liked.
Suddenly, Margaret secretly winked at her. "Emmie, eat more. I specifically had the chef make it three-parts sweet—it won't make you fat!"
Emily laughed out loud. Grandma was still so adorable, keeping up with young people's trends, not missing a beat.
But the old lady's gaze swept over the neglected Grace, and even the custom-made dessert in her hand lost its appeal.
She could see right through that woman's intentions, yet she dared to dress so flashily and show off at the Baker family home!
Alex had never bought Emmie anything this expensive, yet he'd turned around and given it to this outsider.
The foolish boy was simply a blockhead!
Emily knew the old lady was unhappy, but there was nothing she could do.
Alex had brought Grace without consulting her.
Her fingers curled as the diamond's brilliance was too dazzling, stinging her eyes painfully.
Her heart felt like it was being pierced by countless fine needles, a bitterness that even the sweets couldn't suppress.
And at that moment.
Grace came over with a glass of juice, unhurried.
When she looked at Emily, her eyes flashed with provocation, though it vanished instantly. "Miss Johnson is talented and beautiful. It's only natural that Grandma likes her. I wonder if I could..."
Margaret was already in a bad mood, and seeing her like this, she frowned even tighter. "Since Alex isn't here, just behave yourself."
"Otherwise, get out!"
Grace's expression changed, tears falling at will. "Grandma, I... I know you don't like me, but this was Alex's decision."
"Miss Johnson, has Grandma misunderstood something? Could you please explain for me?"
Looking pitiful, she appeared even more fragile.
Margaret banged her cane on the floor, her voice stern. "How dare you!"
"Crying and whimpering, you're just bad luck! Stop putting on this act here. Someone, throw her out!"
Seeing this, Emily quickly stepped forward to calm the old lady. "Grandma, don't get upset. There might really be a misunderstanding."
"Miss Miller's health is indeed weak, and Alex he..."
But the old lady was too angry to listen.
She trembled with rage, showing no mercy. "The Baker family will never welcome you. Get out!"
Just as someone was about to escort Grace out, she suddenly went limp. "I... I feel so dizzy..."
"Grandma, I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to upset you."
The next second, her eyes rolled back and she was about to faint!
"Oh no, Miss Miller has fainted!"
"Quick, call the family doctor!"
Margaret watched her act, her fingers trembling with anger. "What a shameless woman, using these cheap tricks to frame someone!"
The party scene instantly descended into chaos.
Servants called the family doctor, scrambling to take care of Grace.
Emily was busy trying to calm the old lady, her heart anxious and confused. "Grandma, please don't get angry. You must take care of your health."
"Grace!"
Suddenly, a deep, urgent voice rang out from upstairs.
Alex, having heard the news, rushed over from the side hall.
Grace leaned against the sofa, tears in her eyes, forcing out a smile despite her weakness. "Alex... I... I'm fine. I really shouldn't have come."
"Since no one welcomes me, just let me go, please..."
This sight in Alex's eyes naturally showed someone who'd been wronged but was still willing to be understanding, just to avoid causing him trouble.
Alex's expression turned cold as he swept his gaze over everyone. "I'm taking Grace to the hospital first. Whatever it is can wait until I get back!"
With that, he picked up Grace and hurried away, his eyes sweeping coldly over Emily as he left.
The anger and suspicion in that look was like a cold knife, stabbing hard into Emily's heart.
But she maintained a calm expression, showing no sign of disturbance. Then she took a deep breath, turned to face everyone, her manner poised and graceful.
"The party continues. Thank you all for your trouble. Grace is Alex's close friend. If there's anything, please wait until he returns to ask."
After speaking, she helped the old lady upstairs to rest. "Grandma, take it slow."
"Emmie, you've been wronged." Margaret's eyes showed heartache. "It's all because that boy Alex is confused..."
Emily shook her head, forcing a smile. "Grandma, I'm fine. Let's rest well first."
Two hours later.
The party was winding down, and most guests had left.
Emily had just come out of the old lady's room, her eyes slightly tired, her light makeup barely concealing it.
She'd wanted to go to the living room for a glass of water, but suddenly met a pair of cold eyes.
Alex held a half-lit cigarette between his fingers.
Seeing Emily come out, he stubbed out the cigarette and strode forward. "Emily, what exactly did you do to Grace at the table earlier!"
Question after question, his deep eyes churning with anger.
Emily's whole body shook, her heart seized by an invisible hand, the pain reaching its peak!
Alex, in the end, didn't believe her!