Chapter 73 Birthday Banquet
Arabella ate with great focus, sitting quietly at the small round table in the corner, holding a mini vanilla cream cupcake in both hands. She took a delicate bite and a satisfied smile appeared on her face.
Occasionally, she would turn to chat softly with Chloe beside her, looking simple and relaxed, as if completely immersed in the warmth of this moment.
Anthony hadn't seen Arabella like this in a long time. In his memory, it seemed only before their marriage had she shown such an expression in front of him—natural, genuine, and smiling. After marriage, she'd become quiet and withdrawn, her smiles forced and distant. That suppression had made him increasingly tired of her.
At this moment, he couldn't describe what he was feeling—like being slowly washed by warm water, giving him an inexplicable warmth.
Just then, cheerful voices called out from nearby. "Arabella!"
Two figures walked toward her.
Arabella turned to see them, her smile becoming even more radiant as she stood to greet them. Her smile was like a flower in full bloom. Since the divorce, she'd been smiling more and more—with friends, at work, in life, she'd become earnest yet relaxed.
Anthony was reluctant to admit it, but had to face the fact that Arabella's state after divorce was indeed much better than during their marriage. Her smile, her ease, her enjoyment and satisfaction—none of these had appeared during those two years of marriage.
Had those two years of marriage really made her so unhappy?
Anthony felt inexplicably irritated. He coldly glanced at Arabella, who was laughing and chatting with her friends, then turned and left without a backward glance.
Seeing Philip and Daisy at such an event felt like meeting family to Arabella. She pulled them to sit beside Chloe, passing them small cakes while saying, "While there aren't many people yet, eat something first."
She knew these two friends too well—they definitely hadn't eaten anything when they got up this morning.
Seeing Chloe, Daisy and Philip immediately restrained their usual playful attitudes, obediently accepting the cakes and eating them bite by bite, not daring to speak carelessly.
Chloe smiled. "Eat more, don't go hungry."
Daisy and Philip immediately went to get several more small cakes, speeding up and stuffing them into their mouths in big bites.
Seeing this, Chloe quickly reminded them, "Eat slowly, don't choke. You young people never know how to take care of your stomachs. You'll suffer when you're older."
Daisy and Philip immediately stopped, their expressions awkward as they struggled to swallow the mouthfuls of cream cake.
They were torn between laughter and tears—they should have realized that if Arabella could get invitations, it must be because Chloe brought her in. And they'd foolishly followed along... Chloe was the old lady of the FitzRoy family, the kind of figure whose casual words could affect a family's destiny.
Chloe still smiled warmly without any airs, personally pouring juice for them. "Drink some juice to moisten your throat, don't choke."
Having navigated high society for decades, Chloe could naturally see Philip and Daisy's restraint. First, she felt they were Arabella's friends, and respecting Arabella naturally meant respecting her friends too. Second, she thought they were only nervous because they didn't know her—more contact would help.
Since Arabella had become her granddaughter-in-law, she would naturally extend her affection to care for these two young people.
Under Chloe's friendly attitude, Daisy and Philip finally relaxed somewhat. After all, the FitzRoy family's mystery and status would inspire awe in anyone.
Soon, Arabella's colleagues also came over. These people didn't know Chloe either, only thinking she was an elderly lady with extraordinary bearing and elegant dress. For a moment, this corner became the liveliest place in the banquet hall.
Before the gala began, Cassidy finally arrived fashionably late. She'd dressed carefully today—wearing a haute couture gown from a luxury brand's previous year collection, with flax-colored waves styled simply, topped with an exquisite crown. As soon as she appeared, she attracted many guests' attention, even drawing gasps of admiration.
She looked like a socialite who'd stepped out of a fairy tale, elegant and dazzling.
Upon entering, she briefly made eye contact with Sawyer, then shyly looked away, pretending not to know him as she walked in.
Sawyer felt his heart flutter, not daring to let his father notice, quickly lowering his head.
But what kind of person was Richard? Having navigated politics and business with ease, his perception was naturally sharp. He immediately saw through Cassidy's intentions, frowning as he asked Sawyer, "Is this the woman photographed in a compromising situation with you?"
Sawyer quickly said, "Dad, she was implicated because of me—"
Before he could finish, Richard sternly interrupted. "Listen to what you're saying! Do you think you're some lovesick fool? That woman is obviously scheming. Stay away from her in the future!"
Sawyer was reluctant—in his eyes, Cassidy was so kind and innocent. How could his father understand her goodness? But he didn't dare contradict him, only sullenly agreeing.
Looking at him made Richard angry—truly useless!
Cassidy walked into the gala with elegant movements, heading straight for the center. She was certain the important figures would be there, surrounded by crowds. If she could squeeze to the front and get noticed by the big shots, then act sweet and obedient, maybe she could be liked, even adopted as a goddaughter.
That way, she could completely turn her life around.
Ever since the photos with Sawyer were exposed, her position in the Watson family's eyes had been awkward. Jennifer mocked her daily, Rachel had initially defended her but later stopped speaking up for her, leaving her repeatedly humiliated. Anthony had been using work as an excuse to not come home for two or three days.
She'd finally gotten Sawyer to help her obtain an invitation—today was her chance. As long as she gained the favor of important figures, Arabella would have no right to compete with her for Anthony.
Cassidy wore a dreamy smile that attracted considerable attention.
Not far away, Rachel and Gloria also spotted her.
"How did Cassidy get here?" Rachel frowned. She only had two invitations—one for her brother, one to bring Gloria in. Cassidy didn't have an invitation, so how did she get in?
Rachel was displeased but still walked over to stop her. "Cassidy, how come you're here alone? Not with my brother?"
Hearing this, the young elite who'd been surrounding Cassidy immediately dispersed. Cassidy inwardly blamed Rachel but still smiled gently. "Rachel, you're here too? My former roommate invited me. She said attending the gala alone would be too boring, so she asked me to accompany her."
She shrugged. "Unfortunately, as soon as she entered, she got distracted by handsome guys and disappeared somewhere."
This was an excuse Cassidy had prepared long ago. Coming here, she definitely couldn't escape the Watson family's notice, so she had to disguise her true purpose.
Rachel was half-convinced. "Your roommate? You have such capable roommates?"
Cassidy smiled. "Yes, we've always had a good relationship, sharing the same dorm. I'll introduce you sometime."
Rachel reluctantly dismissed her doubts. "So where were you planning to go just now?"
Cassidy pointed toward the center of the gala. "I heard there's an important guest over there. Wanted to see for myself."
"Important guest? Could it be that Old Mrs. FitzRoy?" Gloria interjected. She'd heard the FitzRoy family's old lady was a capital magnate returning from overseas who'd already acquired many enterprises upon landing in Majestic City.
She immediately pulled Rachel along. "Let's go too!"
Cassidy felt annoyed—if she'd known they'd follow, she wouldn't have mentioned the FitzRoy family's old lady. Now with two more people, when she tried to curry favor with Mrs. FitzRoy later, she couldn't escape Rachel's eyes.
Fortunately, Rachel was foolish and probably wouldn't see through her purpose.
With this thought, Cassidy relaxed again.
The group headed toward the center of the crowd, each with their own agenda.
But when they pushed through, they only saw a musician playing guitar.
Rachel frowned. "Where's this Old Mrs. FitzRoy? People are gathering to watch a guitar player?"
Gloria was also disappointed. "Probably watching because he's handsome—a bunch of people with no taste."
Though Cassidy said nothing, she was also disappointed—hadn't the FitzRoy family's old lady entered yet? Of course, she would definitely appear at the most spectacular moment.
Meanwhile, Chloe had gone to the restroom and encountered David on her way back.
David had just turned seventy and was in high spirits. Seeing Chloe, his expression was both excited and respectful. "Mrs. FitzRoy!"
If anyone had been present, they would have been shocked—David was a prominent figure in Majestic City, but before this silver-haired old lady, his attitude was almost humble.
Chloe smiled. "David, we haven't seen each other in so many years. You've aged quite a bit!"
David smiled embarrassedly. "Time spares no one, and not everyone can maintain their grace like you. How is Mr. FitzRoy?"
Chloe waved her hand. "He passed away three years ago."
David was stunned, his eyes reddening. He'd once been a driver for the FitzRoy family, receiving guidance and support from Chloe's husband. Without him, David wouldn't be where he was today. He'd thought he could see his benefactor once more, not knowing he'd already passed away.
Chloe smiled consolingly. "He didn't suffer. He died peacefully—went to sleep one night and we found he'd passed in the morning."
David choked up. "That's good then."
He said attentively, "Mrs. FitzRoy, please go rest in the private room upstairs. I'm already content that you came today—I can't let you get tired."
Chloe shook her head. "No, I'm here with a child. We'll play for a while and leave. Don't let anyone disturb me either—you know I like quiet."
David quickly agreed. "Of course, I guarantee no one will bother you."
Watching Chloe leave, David sighed softly and turned to continue preparing for the birthday banquet.
Chloe returned to the corner, and Arabella asked curiously, "Grandma, who were you talking to just now? You chatted for so long—an old friend?"
Chloe had been blocking David's figure, so Arabella hadn't seen that the person chatting with Chloe was the prestigious David himself.