Chapter 138 A Family Gathering

Chapter 138 A Family Gathering
Evan pulled out a chair beside Alice. “Make sure security remains the top priority, Grandma. I don’t want any strangers getting in.”

“You’re far too protective, Evan. But Grandma agrees,” Lavina said before turning to Alice. “After breakfast, we should look through baby room decoration catalogs. I want neutral colors, maybe cream or pastel green.”

“I like pastel green, Grandma,” Alice replied cheerfully.

After breakfast, Evan did not head to the office right away. He accompanied Alice for a walk around the backyard. Now, Alice no longer needed to be forced to rest. She was fully enjoying every moment of her pregnancy.

They stopped by the koi pond that had just been cleaned. Alice sat on a wooden bench while Evan stood beside her, gently massaging her shoulders.

“You know, Evan? I often think… a few months ago, we were right in the middle of a massive storm,” Alice said as she watched the ripples on the water. “And now it’s so peaceful that I’m afraid this might just be a dream.”

Evan knelt in front of her and held both her hands. “This isn’t a dream, Alice. This is the life we were meant to have from the beginning. I’ve removed every thorn in our path. Viktor, Edwin, Selena. They’re all part of the past now, and they will never return.”

“Thank you for fighting for us,” Alice said softly as she caressed Evan’s cheek.

“I should be the one thanking you. You gave me a reason to become a better man,” Evan said as he kissed the back of her hand. “Oh, I almost forgot. Dr. Sarah will be here at two this afternoon for your routine ultrasound. Are you ready to see the baby again?”

Alice’s eyes lit up. “Of course. I want to know if the baby is moving more now.”

That afternoon, Dr. Sarah arrived at the Nathaniel residence. She brought the most advanced portable ultrasound equipment into Alice’s room. Lavina and Evan stood beside the bed with expectant expressions, while Zavian waited just outside the door, pretending to be calm even though he was clearly listening intently.

Dr. Sarah applied cool gel to Alice’s belly. Alice flinched slightly at the cold sensation, but her eyes were instantly glued to the monitor beside her.

The sound of a fast, rhythmic heartbeat filled the room. Thump thump thump thump.

“Listen,” Evan whispered, his eyes glistening as he stared at the black and white screen.

“The heartbeat is very strong and completely normal,” Dr. Sarah said as she moved the scanner. “Here is the head, here is the spine… and watch this.”

On the screen, a small movement appeared, like a tiny kick or a gentle wave.

“He’s moving!” Alice exclaimed happily as tears streamed down her cheeks.

“Yes, he’s very active,” Dr. Sarah smiled. “All his organs are developing perfectly. There are no signs of abnormalities or placental issues. You’re doing a wonderful job, Mrs. Alice.”

Lavina dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. “My great grandchild… he’s already beautiful, even on that screen.”

After the examination ended and Dr. Sarah took her leave, the room fell quiet again, filled with positive energy. Evan helped Alice straighten her clothes, then held her in a long embrace.

“Did you hear that, Alice? He’s strong,” Evan murmured.

“Yes. He’s waiting to meet us,” Alice replied.

That night, Evan stood on the balcony, gazing at the star filled sky. He held a glass of water, his mind calm. There were no emergency phone calls anymore, no death threats.

Alice stepped out to join him, wearing a warm cardigan. She wrapped her arms around Evan from behind.

“What are you thinking about?” Alice asked.

“I’m thinking about our future ten, twenty years from now,” Evan replied as he turned and pulled Alice into his arms, shielding her from the night breeze. “I want him to grow up in this house filled with laughter. Without ever knowing how harsh the Nathaniel world used to be.”

“He’ll grow up with our love, Evan. That’s enough,” Alice said as she looked up into her husband’s eyes.

Evan kissed Alice’s lips gently, a kiss that promised eternal protection. They stood there in comfortable silence, enjoying the sound of crickets and the soft wind. That peace was slightly disturbed when Evan’s phone, left on the outdoor table, vibrated.

Evan released his embrace and picked up the phone. A notification for a new email had arrived. Alice glanced at it as well, but she no longer felt anxious.

Evan opened the email. It was a routine report from the law firm handling the assets that had fully returned to Alice. Everything was clean. There were no remaining ties to the Smith family.

However, beneath the report was a newly attached photo sent by the overseas field team. Evan opened it.

The photo showed Selena sitting in a wheelchair in the garden of a rehabilitation hospital. Her face looked empty, her gaze fixed on nothing in particular. A nurse was feeding her beside her. Selena appeared unable to recognize anyone anymore.

“Who was that, Evan?” Alice asked softly.

Evan immediately locked his phone and smiled calmly at his wife. “Just a final case closure report, love. Nothing important. Let’s go inside, it’s getting cold and you need your rest.”



The vast grounds of the Nathaniel estate had been transformed into a magnificent outdoor party venue. Transparent tents adorned with jasmine and white roses stood firmly on the manicured green lawn. Small crystal hanging lights created a luxurious yet warm atmosphere beneath the bright afternoon sky.

Hundreds of invited guests, most of them top tier business partners of the Nathaniel and Elino families, began to arrive. Luxury cars lined the parking area, while guards stood alert at every corner to ensure maximum security.

Inside the master bedroom, Evan was helping Alice fasten her pearl necklace. Alice wore a sage green silk maternity dress that draped elegantly, highlighting her now visibly rounded belly.

“You’re stunning, Alice,” Evan whispered as he looked at his wife’s reflection in the mirror.

Alice smiled and touched Evan’s hand on her shoulder. “I’m a little nervous. It’s been a long time since I’ve met this many people.”

“You don’t need to worry. I won’t let go of your hand for a single second down there,” Evan promised. He kissed Alice’s forehead briefly before guiding her out of the room.

The moment the couple appeared at the top of the stairs, all attention in the hall below shifted to them. Soft applause greeted their arrival. Alice looked radiant with her maternal glow, while Evan stood tall in his black suit, exuding an unmistakably protective presence.

Zavian and Lavina were already waiting at the bottom of the stairs.

“Look at them. The most perfect couple in this city,” Lavina said proudly to one of her business associates.

“Congratulations, Young Master Evan. Madam Alice looks very healthy,” greeted a middle aged man, the director of one of the largest private banks, as Evan and Alice reached the ground floor.

“Thank you, Mr. Wijaya. We’re glad you could attend,” Evan replied politely.

“We heard this is gender reveral party thanksgiving celebration. May both mother and child remain healthy until delivery,” Mr. Wijaya’s wife added.

Alice nodded graciously. “Thank you very much for your prayers.”

The event continued with a joint prayer session led by a religious leader. The atmosphere, once filled with business chatter, suddenly became solemn and reverent. Alice sat on a plush chair, surrounded by her family. She closed her eyes, feeling a deep sense of peace flow through the space.

After the prayer, the event shifted into a lavish buffet dinner. Servers in neat uniforms moved gracefully, serving premium dishes.

Evan brought a small plate of healthy snacks to Alice, who was seated in the VIP area. “Eat a little. You need the energy to greet Dad’s guests.”

“I’ve already eaten quite a lot earlier, Evan,” Alice protested softly with a laugh.

“Just a bit more. Our little champion needs the nutrition,” Evan said as he fed Alice a piece of melon.

Suddenly, Zavian approached with two unfamiliar men who looked very formal.

“Evan, Alice, allow me to introduce you. These are our new business partners from London. They arrived early for our property sector collaboration,” Zavian said.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Young Nathaniel. We’ve heard a great deal about your courage in securing the Elino assets a few months ago,” one of the men said in English.

Evan shook their hands firmly. “Thank you. We hope this partnership will bring excellent results for both sides.”