Chapter 76

Chapter 76

Right at this deathly silent moment, Taffy was sitting in her high chair, swinging her little legs.

Holding a piece of dessert, she heard the familiar name and innocently looked up, asking in a sweet childlike voice: "Grandma, why didn't Sylvia come eat with us? I wanted to touch the little sister in her belly!"

The little girl's clear, childish voice rang especially loud in the quiet private room. She blinked her big eyes, looking at Lucas who was radiating coldness, her face full of confusion: "Preston went to see the baby sister. Lucas, why didn't you go? Don't you miss Sylvia and the baby?"

Innocent words from a child, yet each one cut deep.

Cleo's face instantly turned livid. Her cane struck heavily against the thick carpet with a muffled thud.

Lucas's thin lips pressed into a sharp line, the darkness in his eyes nearly spilling over. The wine glass in his hand made a faint cracking sound under the strain.

Martin Smith saw this and broke out in a cold sweat.

He quickly stood up, used the serving utensils to place a large shrimp in Taffy's bowl, cleared his throat twice, and forcibly smoothed things over: "Taffy, eat this shrimp, it's so sweet! Come on everyone, raise your glasses. New beginnings for Christmas—let's wish both families prosperous business and peace every year!"

The Powell family members also noticed Lucas's barely contained fury and tactfully raised their glasses in agreement.

Everyone knowingly changed the subject, starting to discuss next year's investments and the stock market. No one dared mention Sylvia again.

But beneath that forced cheerfulness, there was an undeniable awkwardness and undercurrent of tension.

Just as Martin had forcibly steered the atmosphere back on track, Lucas's phone on the table suddenly vibrated.

He glanced down at the screen, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly.

He abruptly pushed back his chair and stood up, wrapped in an impenetrable coldness, coldly tossing out: "Something urgent at the company. I need to leave."

With that, he didn't even spare the elders at the table a glance and turned to leave.

"Lucas."

Amelia, who had been silently drinking coffee, suddenly spoke up.

She set down her coffee cup, the crisp clink especially clear in the silent room.

She raised her eyes, her gaze sharp as she looked directly at Lucas's tense back, her voice not loud but carrying weight: "Since your heart hasn't been with Sylvia for a while now, why don't you find time to finalize the divorce papers sooner rather than later."

At these words, everyone was shocked.

Lucas's steps stopped abruptly.

He turned around, his deep eyes fixed on Amelia, the darkness in them almost taking physical form.

Amelia didn't back down, her tone calm but carrying an elder's authority: "Sylvia is a good girl. She has her own talents and life. The way you two are dragging this out—not holding each other back would be the best outcome for both families."

Having his embarrassment exposed publicly, even being directly advised to divorce, Lucas's expression instantly darkened to the extreme.

His jawline was taut, the veins on his hand bulging, his Adam's apple bobbing violently, yet he couldn't force out a single word.

Barbara, seeing this, sensed trouble and quickly stood up to mediate: "Amelia, let the young people handle their own relationship issues. We elders shouldn't worry about it. Lucas, since you have urgent business, go ahead and don't delay important matters."

Lucas coldly withdrew his gaze, made no further attempt to stay, and strode out, slamming the door.

That retreating figure looked somewhat embarrassed and angry no matter how you looked at it.

Meanwhile, downstairs the wedding banquet was in full swing.

Hayden, beaming with joy, walked arm in arm with Rhea between the tables.

Vincent, having finished greeting the last group of important guests in the front hall, rubbed his slightly sore temples and headed toward the lounge.

He pushed open the door. The lounge was warm and cozy.

Sylvia was leaning back on the sofa, listening to Preston tell amusing stories from their social circle with vivid detail, a faint smile on her lips.

"What are you talking about that's so fun?" Vincent walked over and sat down on the single sofa nearby, pouring himself a glass of warm water.

"Vincent, you're done with work?" Preston greeted him with a smile. "I was just telling Sylvia about that new energy data project your company recently took on. I heard your team's data model has been getting great feedback in the industry?"

Vincent adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses. When it came to work, his gentle eyes gained a sharp edge: "Indeed, we put a lot of effort into that project. The test data is very stable so far. Why, is Mr. Smith interested?"

"To be honest, I happen to have a related supporting project that needs technical support." Preston's eyes lit up, immediately interested. He was a practical person, always sharp about business opportunities. "If you don't mind, could I visit your company for an on-site inspection sometime?"

"Of course, you're welcome." Vincent readily agreed. "Anytime."

In the banquet hall out front, after several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere grew even livelier.

Hayden, holding a wine glass, made a point of going to Edward's table. His eyes were slightly red, his expression full of gratitude.

"Edward, I really must toast you properly today!" Hayden raised his glass, his voice somewhat choked up. "The Spencer Group's revival is thanks to you pulling strings. Without you, the Spencer family couldn't have gotten through this crisis."

Edward quickly stood up, holding his glass with both hands, his manner humble and gentle: "Mr. Spencer, you're too kind. Sylvia is my friend, and the Spencer Group's assets are excellent to begin with. I just gave things a little push. Today is your and Mrs. Spencer's wedding. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness and peace every year."

The two clinked glasses and drank.

Looking at this young man who was so measured and steady, then thinking of that cold-hearted Lucas, Hayden couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

As the banquet neared its end, the hall remained noisy.

Xanthe found it too loud outside and simply pulled Edward and a few close friends directly into the lounge.

"It's so loud out there my ears are about to go deaf!" Xanthe plopped down next to Sylvia, casually touching her round belly. "It's much quieter here. Come on, let's play a few rounds of UNO to keep the pregnant lady entertained!"

Because of her pregnancy, Sylvia hadn't gone out much today and was indeed a bit bored.

Seeing her friends gather around, the smile in her eyes deepened.

Edward sat down across from her, naturally pushing the hot coffee on the table toward her.

Several people gathered around the coffee table and started dealing cards.

Xanthe was the boisterous type—when she lost, she'd squeal loudly, making everyone laugh. The lounge was filled with a long-missed ease and warmth. Sylvia leaned against the soft cushions, her expression relaxed, as if all the gloom related to the Smith family had been completely shut out in this moment.