Chapter 151 The Heir's Celebration
Chapter 151 The Heir's Celebration
Evan rolled the silver coin across his palm under the balcony light. Its surface was cold, slightly rough with age. His thoughts drifted back to the day he had bought it at a small antique shop while on vacation with his mother, Grizelle.
“It’s just an old coin, Alice,” Evan said as he slipped it into his pocket. “Maybe that bird really did find it somewhere around Mother’s old property. Nothing special, just a sweet coincidence.”
Alice smiled, resting her head against Evan’s shoulder. “Maybe it was your mother’s way of greeting Lucas. A sign that she wants us to know she’s still watching over us.”
“Maybe,” Evan replied shortly. He closed the balcony doors tightly, sealing out the whisper of the night wind. “Now forget about the coin. We have a big task next week. Father can’t wait to host Lucas’s welcoming party.”
One Week Later
The Nathaniel estate shone once again. This time, not because of tight security or business tension, but because of unmatched luxury. The entire front yard had been transformed into a grand celebration space, complete with a wide wooden dance floor and crystal tents that reflected chandelier light into the night sky.
Hundreds of elite guests attended, ranging from government officials to international business partners, all dressed in their finest formal wear. Soft orchestral music filled the air, blending with the clink of champagne glasses.
Inside the master bedroom, Alice stood before a large mirror. She wore an elegant sapphire blue evening gown, custom designed to subtly conceal her post childbirth figure while still radiating refinement. In her arms, Lucas looked peaceful in his tiny baby suit.
“Are you ready?” Evan asked as he entered, wearing a black tuxedo tailored perfectly to his broad frame.
“I am. But isn’t this party a little too big for a one month old baby?” Alice asked as she adjusted Lucas’s collar.
“This isn’t just a party, Alice. It’s a statement to the world that the Nathaniel heir has been born. Lucas needs to get used to the spotlight early,” Evan said, leaning in to kiss Alice’s forehead, then Lucas’s chubby cheek.
They descended the grand staircase into the main hall. The moment they appeared, conversations below fell silent. Thunderous applause filled the room. Zavian and Lavina stood at the front, pride written clearly across their faces.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Zavian’s voice boomed through discreet speakers. “Tonight is not about business. Tonight is about family. I am proud to introduce my grandson, our future heir, Lucas Grizelle Nathaniel.”
Evan and Alice moved into the crowd. Powerful businessmen eagerly reached out to shake Evan’s hand and congratulate Alice.
“He’s such a calm baby, Mrs. Alice. He truly carries his father’s presence,” one banker’s wife remarked.
“Thank you so much,” Alice replied warmly. She felt far more confident now. There was no longer any fear when facing these powerful figures.
In the corner of the room, Evan spoke with Rico, who was monitoring security through a tablet.
“Everything secure, Rico?” Evan asked, his eyes never leaving Alice.
“Completely secure, Young Master. No suspicious names on the guest list. All security sensors are functioning normally. Tonight is purely a celebration,” Rico reported.
“Good. Make sure the medical team stays on standby in the back room in case Lucas or Alice gets tired,” Evan instructed.
The party continued until midnight. Gourmet dishes were served without pause. Alice sat on the main stage chair while Lavina took Lucas so relatives could see him up close.
“Look at him, Zavian. He hasn’t cried at all despite all these people,” Lavina said, gently rocking Lucas.
“Of course. Nathaniel blood runs strong in his veins. He knows he’s the center of attention here,” Zavian replied proudly.
Evan approached Alice and handed her a glass of fresh juice. “Tired?”
“A little. But seeing everyone so happy makes it worth it,” Alice said, leaning back briefly. “I’m glad Uncle Edwin isn’t here to ruin everything.”
“He’ll never be able to touch us again, Alice. His name has been erased from history,” Evan said coldly.
As the night grew late, guests began to leave one by one. The Nathaniel estate grounds, once packed, slowly emptied. A grand fireworks display lit up the sky as the finale, splashing brilliant colors across the darkness.
After all the guests had gone, the immediate family gathered in the living room. Alice had changed into more comfortable clothes, while Lucas slept soundly in his nursery under Lily’s strict watch.
“That was an incredible event, Evan,” Zavian said, loosening his tie. “I’d say it’s the best party we’ve hosted in the last ten years.”
“Agreed. This house finally feels alive again,” Lavina added.
Alice felt a deep sense of peace. She watched Evan speak seriously with Zavian about future investment plans for Lucas’s trust fund. Everything felt perfect. No more problems. No more enemies lurking in the shadows.
“Evan, I’ll go upstairs first to check on Lucas,” Alice said.
“Alright, love. I’ll follow shortly,” Evan replied.
Alice climbed the stairs at an easy pace. But as she reached the hallway leading to the nursery, she noticed the nursery door was slightly open. That felt strange. Lily was supposed to be inside, and the door should have been closed to maintain the room temperature.
Alice stepped inside. “Lily? Did Lucas wake up?”
No answer. The room was eerily silent. Alice walked toward the crib at the center of the room. Lucas was still sleeping peacefully, but something was different. On his pillow lay an object that had not been there before.
Alice picked it up. It was a small black velvet box. Her hands trembled as she opened it. Inside was a baby wristwatch made of pure gold, with a very specific engraving on the back.
She turned it over and read the inscription:
“For my beloved grandson, from your grandfather who is always watching.”
Alice frowned. Her father, Elino, was already dead. Zavian was downstairs. Evan’s other father was not around. Her heart began to race.
Evan entered the room. “Alice? Why are you just standing there?”
Alice held up the gold watch. “Evan, look at this. Who put this here? Zavian already gave his gift downstairs, didn’t he?”
Evan took the watch, his eyes narrowing as he read the engraving. He immediately scanned the room, but there were no signs of anyone entering through the window.
“Lily! Where are you?!” Evan shouted.
Lily rushed in from the nursery bathroom, looking confused. “Yes, Young Master? I was just washing bottles inside.”
“Who came in here while you were inside?!” Evan demanded sharply.
“No one, sir. I didn’t hear the door open or anyone come in,” Lily replied, frightened.
Evan looked at the gold watch again. He recognized the model. It was a custom made design, crafted only by a specific Swiss artisan. An artisan who usually served only the Smith and Nathaniel families.
“Alice, this watch… it was ordered ten years ago,” Evan said, his voice tight. “And according to records I once read, the one who placed the order was Elino Smith. How could a gift ordered ten years ago suddenly appear in our baby’s crib tonight?”