Chapter 67 Mentioning Uriah

Chapter 67 Mentioning Uriah

The atmosphere in the living room suddenly became quite tense.

Hayden's stare was intense, Aria looked completely lost, and Erik noticed everything but kept quiet. Instead, he picked up the fruit platter from the table and handed it to Amelia. "Amelia, try these grapes. They were just picked from the orchard, super sweet."

"Thanks, Grandpa." Amelia took the fruit platter, easing the tension in the room.

Erik then turned to Aria, his tone carrying a hint of suggestion. "Aria, you studied marketing, right? Henry's company specializes in brand promotion. Maybe you could get some tips from him. It might help you gain some experience from real cases."

Henry immediately caught on to Hayden's plan—using Aria's job to get her more involved with his company, maybe even to plant someone inside.

Henry didn't miss a beat in changing the subject. "Grandpa, no need to worry about that. Everyone should take care of their own spouse. I can barely manage to take care of my own wife, let alone someone else's." He wrapped his arm around Amelia's shoulders, his tone playful. "Right, honey?"

Amelia smiled in agreement. "Yes, Grandpa. Henry's already swamped with work. I wouldn't want him to be distracted. Besides, Aria is so talented, she doesn't need our help."

Their coordinated response effectively shut down Hayden's plan.

Hayden's face darkened for a moment, but he kept his cool. He just took a sip of tea, his tone slightly mocking. "You're right. Henry's company has high standards; not just anyone can get in. There are plenty of marketing companies out there; no need to fight to get into the Phillips Group. There are many opportunities outside."

Though his words seemed to comfort Aria, they were actually a jab at Henry's company's exclusivity.

Henry didn't respond, just played with the teacup in his hand, a cold glint in his eyes.

During dinner, most of the conversation revolved around Hayden's engagement party.

Erik took a sip of wine and looked at Hayden and Aria. "Let's set the engagement party for next month. The sooner the wedding is done, the sooner I can be at ease." He paused, then turned to Amelia and Henry, his tone expectant. "You two should also work on giving us a grandchild soon. It would make the house lively."

"Sure thing." Henry immediately responded, placing a piece of meat on Amelia's plate, his tone indulgent. "My wife and I have been working on it. I'll make sure the kitchen prepares more nutritious food for her so that Grandpa can have a great-grandchild soon."

Under the table, Amelia lightly stepped on his foot, her eyes warning him.

Henry, however, acted as if he didn't notice, instead holding her hand and gently stroking her palm, his voice even softer. "But having a child is something we need to discuss with Amelia's family. Now that she's found her uncle, she has family to consult with, unlike before when she had to handle everything on her own."

Amelia's heart tightened, her eyes suddenly feeling warm.

For years, she had made every decision on her own, with no one to consult or care about her family.

Henry's words were like a warm light, unexpectedly shining into her heart, making the previous act feel a bit more genuine.

"Isn't Amelia an orphan? How does she have an uncle?" Hayden suddenly asked, his tone surprised, his gaze fixed on Amelia.

"Yeah, the orphan found her family," Henry answered for her, his tone calm but firm. "Amelia's parents passed away early, and her uncle was only recently found. We didn't mention it before to avoid troubling the family."

Erik looked relieved. "It's good that she found her family." He turned to Amelia, his tone gentle. "Bring your uncle over more often. We're all family, no need to be strangers. Henry, make sure to visit him, too. It's important to take care of the elders."

"I will, Grandpa." Henry nodded, then leaned closer to Amelia, his voice carrying a hint of pride. "I've smoothly integrated Uriah into the Phillips family. How are you going to thank me?"

Amelia didn't respond, just added some vegetables to his plate.

The atmosphere at the dinner table gradually became more lively. Erik chatted about everyday matters, Aria occasionally chimed in, and though Hayden still glanced at Amelia from time to time, he didn't say anything inappropriate.

After dinner, the garden of the Phillips Villa was filled with a faint scent of tea.

Erik sat in a wicker chair, playing with the birdcage in his hand, tapping lightly on the cage door. When Henry finished cleaning up and came out, Erik spoke slowly. "What do you think of Aria?"

Henry sat down on a stone bench nearby, took a sip from the teacup on the table, and replied calmly. "That's a question you should ask Hayden. After all, he's the one getting married, not me."

"You rascal." Erik chuckled, still playing with the bird. "I know you too well. You must have your own thoughts."

Henry raised an eyebrow, seeing through Erik's attempt to probe, and played along. "Since you already know, why did you agree to this engagement?"

Erik's hand paused, and he looked up at Henry, his gaze more serious. "I know you two have been competing for years, both openly and secretly, for the Phillips Group. But Henry, don't go too far." He paused, his tone carrying the weight of a senior's advice. "You are brothers. There's no need for such intense rivalry. Hayden may not be as capable as you, but he's not a bad person. As his younger brother, you should give him some leeway."

Henry's grip on the teacup tightened, his casual demeanor fading slightly.

He knew Erik was worried that their feud would escalate and damage the Phillips family's reputation.

Despite his reluctance, he nodded. "I understand. I'll be mindful."

Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the living room was also easing.

Amelia and Aria sat on the couch, chatting casually.

From the weather to the latest TV shows, and then to the jewelry design Aria mentioned, Amelia responded patiently, trying to keep the conversation flowing.

Halfway through, she subtly signaled to Henry that it was time to leave.

Henry got the hint, said goodbye to Erik, and left the Phillips Villa with Amelia.

Once in the car, Amelia fastened her seatbelt and turned to Henry, her tone sincere. "Thank you for mentioning Uriah at dinner today." If Henry hadn't brought it up, she wouldn't have known how to explain Uriah's presence to Erik, let alone get him to accept this relative.

Henry glanced at her, a playful smile on his lips. "Just a thank you? That's not very sincere."