Chapter 263

Chapter 263

After Gerald and Amanda's trial concluded, the Rivera family could finally officially welcome back their true bloodline.

Victoria's health gradually improved under careful care. The doctors said that perhaps because the heavy burden in her heart had finally been lifted, the elderly woman's recovery was faster than expected.

This morning, Victoria insisted on returning to Rivera Manor from the rehabilitation facility.

"Grandma, your body still needs rest," Sophia said, supporting Victoria as they slowly walked into the living room, her voice filled with concern.

"I know my own body," Victoria patted Sophia's hand, her eyes gleaming with determination. "I have more important things to do."

Augustus and Robert were also waiting in the living room. Seeing his mother looking so spirited, Augustus finally felt the weight lift from his heart.

"Mom, what do you want to do?" Augustus stepped forward to help support her.

Victoria looked around the home where she had lived for most of her life, which had finally regained its former warmth.

"I want to formally announce Sophia and Robert's family status," Victoria's voice wasn't loud, but it carried authority. "They are the legitimate bloodline of the Rivera family and should receive the recognition they deserve."

Sophia and Robert exchanged glances, warmth flooding their hearts.

"Grandma..." Robert wanted to say something, but Victoria raised her hand to stop him.

"Children, you've suffered all these years," Victoria took Sophia and Robert's hands, tears in her eyes. "We failed to protect your parents and let you wander outside for so many years."

"Grandma, this wasn't your fault," Sophia gently stroked Victoria's hand. "We're reunited now, aren't we?"

Victoria nodded and turned to Augustus. "Augustus, prepare a formal recognition banquet. I want everyone to know that Sophia is Delilah's daughter and Robert is Francis's son. They are the legitimate heirs of the Rivera family."

Augustus nodded solemnly. "I understand, Mom. I'll arrange the grandest banquet."

A week later, Rivera Manor was decorated with lights and festoons, hosting the most important family banquet in decades.

Political and business elites, media reporters, business partners—hundreds of guests gathered together.

In the banquet hall, massive crystal chandeliers cast warm light while flowers adorned every corner.

Augustus, dressed in a black suit, stood in the center of the hall with a solemn yet proud expression.

"Dear friends, thank you all for coming today," Augustus's voice carried through the sound system across the entire hall. "Today, I want to introduce you to two true heirs of the Rivera family."

The guests quieted down, all eyes focused on Augustus.

"First, I want to introduce my sister Delilah's daughter—Sophia Rivera."

Under everyone's gaze, Sophia slowly walked toward the center of the hall. She wore an elegant deep blue gown, with Victoria's personally placed hair clip engraved with "Delilah" adorning her head.

As she moved gracefully through the crowd, Sophia felt a profound sense of belonging she had never experienced before. This wasn't just a formal introduction—it was her official homecoming after years of searching for her identity. The weight of her mother's legacy, carried in the delicate hair clip, seemed to anchor her to this moment, to this family, to this life she was finally claiming as her own.

"Sophia is not only our family's long-lost bloodline but also an outstanding business leader," Augustus introduced proudly. "She will inherit Delilah's position in the family and become an important heir to Rivera Corporation."

Thunderous applause erupted. Sophia gracefully acknowledged the guests with composed confidence, though inside, her heart raced with the magnitude of this moment. She thought of her mother, wondering if Delilah could see this day—her daughter finally taking her rightful place in the family she'd been torn from so young.

"Next, I want to introduce my brother Francis's son—Robert Rivera."

Robert, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, walked toward the center of the hall with a gentle smile on his handsome face. When he reached the center, the hall once again erupted in warm applause.

The young man felt overwhelmed by the acceptance and warmth radiating from the crowd. After years of running, hiding, and fighting for survival, he was finally standing where he belonged. The family name he'd never known he had a right to claim was now officially his. He thought of his adoptive parents, wishing they could have lived to see this moment of triumph over the forces that had tried to destroy him.

"Robert is the pride of our family and a rising star in the entertainment industry," Augustus continued. "He will inherit Francis's position in the family and become an official member of the Rivera household."

At this moment, Victoria, supported by her caregiver, slowly walked toward the center of the hall. Though her movements were limited, the elderly woman's mental state was excellent.

Seeing Victoria appear, the entire hall fell silent again.

"My friends," Victoria's voice, though quiet, was clearly audible in the silent hall. "I've lived for over eighty years and experienced too many storms. Losing my daughter and son was the greatest pain of my life."

She paused, tears glistening in her eyes. "But today, my granddaughter and grandson have returned. Sophia and Robert, you are the most precious gifts heaven has given our family."

The old woman's voice carried decades of grief finally transformed into joy. She had carried the burden of losing her children for so long that she had almost forgotten what it felt like to hope. Now, looking at these two young people who carried her lost children's faces and spirits, she felt a completeness she thought she'd never experience again.

Sophia and Robert approached Victoria, and three generations embraced tightly.

This scene brought tears to many in attendance.

"From today forward," Victoria continued, "Sophia will inherit 30% of Rivera Corporation's shares, and Robert will inherit 20%. They are not only our family's bloodline but also the hope for our family's future."

The hall erupted in thunderous applause once more.

Benjamin stood in the crowd, his eyes filled with pride as he watched Sophia. David was also nearby, wearing a satisfied smile on his face.

As the banquet reached its climax, Victoria held Sophia and Robert's hands, her eyes brimming with happy tears.

"Grandma's greatest wish in this life was to see our family bloodline reunited," Victoria's voice trembled with emotion. "Now I can rest easy. With you here, the Rivera family's future will surely be even more brilliant."

Sophia gently stroked Victoria's hand. "Grandma, we'll protect this family well."

Robert also nodded solemnly. "Grandma, we'll never disappoint you."

Augustus approached and embraced his mother, niece, and nephew all together.

"We are family," his voice was somewhat choked with emotion. "Always and forever family."

In this moment, the Rivera family was truly reunited in every sense.

After enduring so much hardship and tribulation, they could finally sit together and share familial joy.

The shadow that Gerald had cast was completely lifted, replaced by warm sunshine and hope.

The banquet continued until late into the night. When the last guests departed, Victoria sat on the living room sofa, looking at the family members surrounding her.

"This is the life I wanted," she said softly, her eyes filled with happiness. "I have no regrets in this life."

Sophia tightly held Victoria's hand, feeling an unprecedented sense of belonging surge through her heart.

She had finally found her roots, found her true home.

And this home would be her eternal harbor.