Chapter 417
Chapter 417
Simon had just wanted to see who understood him so well.
He didn't expect to turn around and lock eyes with the tyrant, Lewis.
Next to him, Aria was smiling brightly. "Simon, why so quiet?"
Simon forced a couple of laughs, trying to play it cool, and greeted Lewis enthusiastically. "Hey, Uncle Lewis."
Lewis gave him a quick look. "Got your security company up and running?"
"Yeah, it's been up and running for a while now. We're in the trial phase, and by the end of the year, we'll be able to distribute dividends."
A new company managing to break even and turn a profit within a year, especially from scratch, was quite an impressive feat.
Aria genuinely praised him, "That's amazing."
"No, I owe it all to Uncle."
He wasn't being modest; it was the truth.
Without the routes and insights Lewis had provided, he would have had to invest much more.
More investment means more time to break even.
So without Lewis, he wouldn't have been able to turn a profit within a year; it would have taken at least until next year.
Lewis chuckled, seeing that Simon was grateful, and didn't hold the earlier incident against him.
"Is everything set up?"
"Yes, the party will start on time tonight. Brett just called to say Daisy's surgery was a great success."
The weight on everyone's shoulders lifted considerably. Aria smiled, "That's wonderful. We should visit Daisy tomorrow."
"We can't. Brett specifically said no visitors yet because Daisy is still in the ICU, being monitored for any rejection reactions. No one can get in, not even Alvin; he was sent home to rest."
"When can we visit?"
"At least a week, but by the third day, family members can go in wearing sterile clothing. We can take turns with Alvin then."
"That sounds good," Aria nodded and turned to Garrett. "Where's Penelope?"
"She went to the office," Garrett sighed. "She's swamped and will meet us at the party tonight."
Aria squeezed Lewis's hand and nodded understandingly.
Everyone here was a CEO and knew how busy things could get. Even meeting up usually required checking with each other's secretaries to find a suitable time.
Especially since Penelope had been recovering in the hospital for so long, if she didn't go back to the office, the vice presidents might start a coup.
Some things in the company couldn't be handled by the VPs; they needed the CEO's signature.
Thinking of this, Aria felt quite sympathetic.
It seemed Garrett wouldn't be able to spend much quality time with Penelope for a while.
Lewis handed Aria a cup of warm milk, watching her take small sips before asking, "Garrett, how are your plans to return going?"
"Thanks to you, very smoothly."
Garrett had put in a lot of effort for the Murphy family and had been involved in the Sons of God business along the coastal cities.
So much so that he didn't need to make any special arrangements; the higher-ups had naturally included him.
Lewis nodded, reassured.
The situation wasn't entirely clear yet, and Garrett's return was a significant help.
The group lingered at the Windsor Mansion, turning the grand place into something resembling a daycare center.
Listening to the banter, Lewis held Aria close and asked softly, "You tired? If it's too noisy, we can head upstairs."
Aria smiled gently. "I'm not that delicate. But make sure to bring a few more people when the team arrives."
Since everyone was here, they might as well get ready for the evening party together.
No matter how casual they were at home, they were all top figures outside and couldn't afford to lose face.
Lewis smiled and called the styling team.
Half an hour before the party, everyone got ready and rushed out the door.
Aria was two months pregnant, with a slight bump.
Though not very noticeable, she still wore a gown.
The black gown had tiny diamonds on the waist, visually hiding the small bump.
As for drinks, a server followed Aria with a tray of white grape juice to handle socializing.
Lewis and Aria couldn't stay together the whole time due to social obligations. Lewis could only glance at Aria during conversations.
Several high-ranking guests followed Lewis's gaze and smiled kindly.
"Mr. Windsor and Ms. York have been married for years and are still so inseparable. They must have a great relationship."
Lewis smiled. "What can I say? She's a treasure."
As he finished speaking, the real guest of honor arrived.
It was Marcus Griffith, the eldest son of the Griffith family.
The room quieted as everyone turned to look at Marcus.
Marcus calmly accepted the attention, his blue eyes scanning the room.
Suddenly, his gaze landed on someone, and a ripple of emotion crossed his eyes, like a stone causing ripples in a lake.
"Aria, long time no see."
Aria stopped her conversation and looked at Marcus, surprised. "You're the eldest son of the Griffith family?"
"I didn't expect you to be the famous Ms. York."
The people around Aria tactfully excused themselves, leaving space for Marcus.
They clinked glasses with a smile. "Why didn't you mention you were the eldest son before?"
"I was afraid I'd scare you off," Marcus sighed slightly. "Where's Mr. Windsor?"
Aria smiled. "Right behind you."
Footsteps sounded behind him, causing a sudden sense of unease.
Marcus turned and met Lewis's gaze.
Unlike Marcus's warm blue eyes, Lewis's black eyes were emotionless, exuding an invisible pressure.
Marcus's eyes cooled. Lewis clearly had no small amount of hostility towards him.
After a moment, Lewis's lips curled into a smile, the hostility vanishing as if it had been Marcus's imagination.
"Mr. Griffith, welcome."
Marcus smiled back. "Mr. Windsor, thank you."
Though it was just a simple greeting, the tension was palpable.
Noticing the curious glances around them, Aria sighed and stepped between the two.
She took Lewis's arm and smiled. "Marcus, since you're here, let me introduce you to some friends."
Marcus's gaze lingered on their intimate gesture, his eyes darkening briefly before he smiled. "If Aria is introducing me, I'd be delighted."
The room was quiet, and Marcus's words, tinged with ambiguity, spread to every corner.
Everyone was silent. Oh boy, someone was trying to steal Aria away.