Chapter 181
"Dad, what did I say wrong?"
Cleo felt totally wronged and acted cute toward her father.
"Everyone's happy today, so no more unpleasant talk. We're all family here, let's not keep fighting."
Levi's father had always been reasonable and very respectful to his elders. He didn't want Aiden and Rhea to be upset.
Good thing they hadn't arrived yet, or there'd be more trouble.
"Fine, fine, I'll play along with you all."
"If you're not happy, you can go out and have fun. I'll explain to your grandfather, and Hayden can stay with us."
Fathers always dote most on their daughters. I understood what Levi's father meant. Cleo loved to have fun and didn't enjoy family gatherings. This year was also special - she had gotten divorced and was on her own now.
The rest of us were all couples, only she was alone.
If she could go out and enjoy herself, that would be good too.
"Excuse me for interrupting, but Mr. and Mrs. Morgan are already waiting in the dining room. Dinner is about to be served. Everyone, please make your way there."
Turns out Grandpa and Grandma had already gone to the dining room. The annual New Year's Eve dinner was about to begin. Aiden took this very seriously - it was more important than any other family dinner.
As usual, this year's table was lavish again.
Tonight, the Morgan mansion's kitchen had prepared everyone's favorite cuisines, so there was no issue of catering to anyone's specific taste.
In front of me were still the sweet dishes. Both Celestia and I liked them, but Levi was just okay with them - he was accommodating us two.
Everyone exchanged pleasantries and well-wishes, then sat quietly, waiting for Aiden to speak.
Aiden raised his glass. "Many things happened in our family this year. I'm getting old too, and many things are beyond my ability now. I won't say much more. For the new year, I wish everyone peace and safety, good health, and success at work."
We all raised our glasses. Celestia, beside me, suddenly stood up. She didn't say anything, just joined everyone in the toast.
Aiden gave me an approving look, but I really hadn't taught her this.
I sneaked a glance at my mother-in-law. She was smiling brightly - most likely she had taught Celestia that at home.
Levi put a piece of meat on Celestia's plate, his proud expression impossible to hide.
"Hayden, you're a little man now. Go toast your great-grandfather."
Cleo wanted Hayden to perform. At previous family dinners, she and Michael had done this, and Hayden had done great.
But this year, Hayden just kept his head down eating, not moving at all.
She poked the child with her elbow. When Hayden looked up, tears were already falling.
"Look at you, so useless! Not even as good as a girl!"
Cleo poked the child's forehead with her finger. Hayden's tears got worse, falling into his bowl.
"You've gone too far."
Levi stood up and took Hayden in his arms, then came back around and sat down, letting Hayden sit on his lap.
"Don't listen to her. Uncle Levi is here."
That line made even me feel sad. On such a nice occasion, making the child feel this bad was really wrong.
"Don't spoil him. I spoiled his father rotten."
She really could find excuses. It was true she had spoiled Michael, but Michael was bad by nature - these were completely different things.
"Talk less, eat more."
Aiden didn't want to criticize anyone else. The happy atmosphere hadn't even built up yet, and everyone was stuck in this awkward moment.
Levi's parents also kept their heads down while eating. They probably felt the worst - they could understand Cleo's negative emotions, but couldn't tolerate her hurting the child like this.
"Blair, that outfit looks great on you. I've never seen you dress so brightly. Keep it up!" Rhea changed the subject.
But I really couldn't appreciate the aesthetic of this outfit. Maybe old folks all like festive things.
"Grandma, he picked this out. I wasn't planning to wear it, but there was a little incident..."
"My grandson has great taste! Levi, you've really improved. You know how to care for your wife now. You should know that no matter how good those other women out there are, nothing beats having a good wife at home."
I quickly raised my glass to toast Rhea. "Grandma, you're too kind."
"Hehe, you're really lucky. If you hadn't married my brother, who knows where you'd be alone right now."
As soon as she said that, everyone gave her a speechless look.
I smiled slightly. "Cleo, you're right. I did get better after being with him. He's such a good person; anyone with him would be happy."
Cleo hadn't expected me to go along with what she said.
"These past few years, I've relied on him, living comfortably without worry. This shows the Morgans can really boost happiness. I'm very honored. Let me toast everyone."
Levi held my arm back. "I'll drink for you."
"It's okay, I'll just have one glass. On such a happy day, I can't let down this fine food and wine, or everyone's love for me."
In the new year, I decided to stop shutting myself away. I wanted to place myself in the sunlight and fully enjoy all the love I received.
Levi handed juice to Hayden. "Then let's drink with your aunt, too. After all, your aunt can't hold her liquor - one drink, and she's down. You can tell people you drank your aunt under the table."
"Haha, I want to toast Auntie Blair separately."
Hayden was amused by Levi. He bravely raised his glass and looked at me seriously. "Auntie Blair, this year, when my dad didn't want us anymore, you kept taking care of us. Mom and I thank you. I toast to you."
Watching this little boy raise his glass to thank me, tears instantly flowed from my eyes. I hadn't expected my care to make him feel so warm.
"I thank you too. Thank you for letting me see how brave you are. In the new year, I wish you progress in your studies, health, and happiness."
"Thank you."
Cleo kept her head down, eating. She was probably proud of Hayden, too, and maybe realized how terrible she'd been just now.
Aiden was very satisfied with Hayden's progress. Levi's guidance just now also showed us his humorous side.
This was the joyful atmosphere a family dinner should have.
"Our Hayden is now the best little man."
My mother-in-law specifically praised Hayden.
Celestia raised her glass. "Hayden, let's drink together. I'm proud of you."
"Indeed, I'm proud of my son too!"
We all turned in unison toward the door. Michael walked in carrying gifts with a big smile...
"Looks like I came at just the right time. Did my son just perform well again? Happy New Year, everyone!"
His arrival made us all very uncomfortable.
Cleo stood up. "What are you doing here?"
Michael walked over to her and gave her a hug.
"You were right - a child's original family is very important. How about we remarry? For our lovely son."
"You're crazy!"
Cleo broke free from his embrace and stepped back several steps...