Chapter 298 Grace Also Attends the Adams Family Banquet

The driver started the car, and as soon as they left the gated community, Charles's phone rang.

He pulled out his phone and saw it was John calling.

He answered, his voice cold, "What is it?"

John hesitated for a moment before reporting, "Mr. Montague, we just got an invitation from the Adams family. They want you to attend a banquet next Wednesday."

Charles frowned, "Next Wednesday? What's on my schedule for that day?"

John quickly replied, "You have an international video conference that day."

"Alright. Decline the banquet," Charles said indifferently.

This time, John didn't immediately agree. Instead, he hesitated and then spoke softly, "Mr. Montague, I just found out that the head of the Adams family is an art collector. He's also invited members of the art association, including Ms. Windsor. She has already accepted the invitation."

Charles's eyes narrowed sharply. He thought for a moment and then said, "Reschedule my Wednesday plans."

John nodded in understanding, "Yes, Mr. Montague. I'll take care of it."

Charles hung up the phone and glanced at the rearview mirror.

Grace's villa gradually disappeared from his sight as his black business car merged onto the main road.

He took a deep breath, frowning slightly.

It had been two months since they last saw each other after their divorce.

Time flew by, and soon it was Wednesday.

Early that morning, Grace received a message from Asher, reminding her to get ready for the Adams family banquet that evening.

Grace replied to his message and then went to choose a dress.

After much deliberation, she picked a simple yet elegant dress.

Once she had her dress, she spent the entire day playing with her two children. It wasn't until the afternoon that she drove to the art academy to meet up with Asher and the others, and then they all drove to the Adams Villa together.

It only took them twenty minutes to get from the art academy to the Adams Villa, which wasn't too far.

The Adams Villa was expansive, like a small estate, with the faint scent of fresh grass in the air.

Grace followed Asher and the others out of the car, showed their invitations to the security, and the butler at the entrance led them inside.

The banquet was held in the grand hall on the first floor. The butler guided them along a path into the hall.

The hall was opulent and spacious, with a dazzling crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

The butler stopped by the sofa, his smile apologetic, "I'm sorry, everyone. The head of the family is feeling unwell and is resting. Please wait here for a moment. He will join you as soon as he feels better."

Asher nodded, a slight smile on his lips, "That's fine. We'll wait here."

The butler thanked them repeatedly and then went back to the entrance to greet other guests.

Asher invited Grace to sit on the sofa, and soon a servant brought them fruit and drinks.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the grand staircase, Flora in a royal blue, diamond-studded gown stood watching. 

Flora was impeccably dressed, exuding an air of superiority.

Flora was staring intently at Grace, her gaze assessing.

She was so focused that she didn't notice Kismet approaching.

Kismet, with her silver hair and elegant attire, wore a pearl necklace that gleamed under the lights.

"Flora, what are you looking at? Why are you out here?"

"Nothing much, Grandma. The room was stuffy, so I came out for some air."

Kismet sensed something was off and followed Flora's gaze.

She didn't see anything unusual, just a few people dressed plainly.

She didn't recognize them, probably some art circle people her husband had invited.

She curled her lip in disdain, puzzled, "Flora, who are you looking at over there?"

"No one important, Grandma. Just a minor character, not worth mentioning."

With that, Flora turned and walked back to her room with long, graceful strides.

Just as expected, someone from a humble background. Aside from her looks, Charles's ex-wife was nothing special.

As soon as she sat on the sofa with Asher, Grace felt uneasy, like bugs were crawling on her skin, as if someone was watching her.

She instinctively looked around but saw nothing unusual, just people chatting.

She looked up, her gaze landing on the empty grand staircase.

She shrugged, thinking she might be too sensitive or it was just her imagination.

She didn't dwell on it, enjoying the snacks and fruit the servant brought, occasionally listening to Asher's conversation.

They waited for a long time, but the Adams family head didn't appear.

Grace shivered slightly, having eaten too much fruit, and felt the need to use the restroom.

She looked around, spotted the restroom, and told Asher before heading there.

Just as Grace reached the corner, the people who had been chatting quietly suddenly fell silent, all eyes turning to the hall entrance.

A commotion ensued, and those already in the hall gasped and stood up.

The Adams family butler hurried upstairs, and soon returned, supporting the head of the Adams family, followed by Kismet and other family members.

The crowd at the entrance parted, and under the crystal chandelier's light, a man in a custom black suit appeared.

The man was tall and imposing, exuding a powerful presence.

Each step he took silenced the chatter, his rare, stern features making many want to greet him but too intimidated to do so.

It wasn't until Jeffrey Adams, the head of the Adams family, came forward that the tense atmosphere eased.

Jeffrey smiled warmly, extending his hand, "Mr. Montague, I didn't know you were coming. Please forgive the lack of a proper welcome."

Charles shook his hand, replying, "You're too kind. You're an elder; there's no need for such formality."

Jeffrey beamed, "It's cold at the entrance. Please, come inside."

Charles nodded, politely letting Jeffrey lead the way.

Kismet followed behind Charles, her eyes filled with undisguised admiration.

She had thought Ruby exaggerated Charles's looks, but seeing him up close, he was even more handsome than described.

She couldn't believe such a perfect man existed—with sharp business acumen and striking looks, Charles was truly one of a kind.

Charles followed Jeffrey into the hall and took a seat at the head table.

Once seated, he glanced around but didn't see Grace.

Hadn't Grace come?

Not seeing Grace, Charles couldn't hide his disappointment.

His unusual behavior was noticed by the Adams family members around him, who thought something was amiss with their hospitality. 

Kismet quickly asked, "Mr. Montague, is something wrong? Are you dissatisfied with our arrangements?"

Charles masked his disappointment, replying calmly, "No, everything is fine."

He then picked up his wine glass, taking a small sip of the rich wine.

Kismet still felt uneasy and glanced at Ruby, who was sitting nearby.

Ruby, catching Kismet's signal, smiled and shook her head, indicating not to worry. Charles's personality was just like that; she would get used to it.

Kismet finally relaxed, relieved that nothing had gone wrong to upset him.

Meanwhile, Grace, having finished in the restroom, walked back and immediately spotted Charles, surrounded by people.

She instinctively froze, not expecting Charles to be there.

Once she regained her composure, she realized it made sense for Charles to attend, given the Montague family's ties with the Adams family.

As Charles was seated and surrounded by people, Grace quietly returned to her original seat.

Her seat was conveniently facing away from Charles, and with the hall being crowded, he wouldn't notice her.

Seeing Grace lower her gaze, Asher, who knew all about her and Charles, couldn't help but whisper, "Grace, are you okay? Just stay close to me."

Grace smiled and nodded, "Okay, I will."