Chapter 154 Prologue to Happiness

Chapter 154 Prologue to Happiness

Back at Crestview Estates, Eleanor shared the news of Jagger's sentencing with her family.

Serenity took her hand, eyes welling up again.

These past few days, she'd cried more than she had in the previous decade combined. But this time, they were tears of joy.

"Eleanor, no one's going to hurt you anymore. I've been terrified something would happen to you every single day. But now? All the bad guys are locked up. You can finally be safe at home. I'm going to make your favorite dishes right now. Tonight, we celebrate."

She was already heading toward the kitchen as she spoke.

Ryder quickly caught her arm, torn between amusement and exasperation. "Will you please rest? Let the kitchen staff handle it. You haven't slept properly in days—you've got dark circles under your eyes. Go lie down for a bit."

Serenity shot him a glare. "Our daughter's been through hell, and you're telling me I can't cook her a meal? No way. I'm doing this myself today, and no one's stopping me."

Eleanor watched her parents bicker over who would cook, a warmth she couldn't quite name spreading through her chest.

This must be what home feels like.

After dinner, Raymond took Eleanor to see a movie.

When it ended, the two strolled along the riverbank. The evening breeze carried away the day's heat.

Across the water, neon lights reflected off the surface in rippling streams of color—beautiful, almost unreal.

"Eleanor, have you thought about what kind of wedding you want?"

Eleanor considered it for a moment, then answered casually, "I don't want anything over-the-top. Huge receptions with hundreds of guests sound exhausting. I'd rather keep it small, only our closest family and friends. Something simple."

"What about the venue? A hotel, or an estate?"

"The rose garden. The one they just opened in the backyard at Crestview Estates. My mom said they set that land aside just for me."

Raymond stopped walking and turned to face her. Moonlight fell across his face, softening the sharp edges of his usually cold gaze.

"All right. We'll do it your way. At your home, with only the people closest to us. A wedding that's just ours."

Eleanor laughed at how serious he looked, lightly nudging his arm. "Why are you in more of a rush than I am?"

Raymond didn't hesitate. "Of course I am. I've been in a rush since the day I met you."

Eleanor turned her head away in mock disdain, but her hand stayed firmly in his.

A week later, Eleanor's family introduction banquet was held as planned at Crestview Estates.

That day, the estate's gates had been open since eight in the morning and hadn't closed since. Nearly every prominent family in Sovereign City attended. Gifts piled so high they filled two entire side halls, spilling out into the corridors.

The butler had to commandeer an empty room in the auxiliary building just to make space.

The entire estate was decked out in festive decorations.

Serenity wore a navy blue gown today, looking regal and elegant.

But her eyes kept misting over every few minutes. The handkerchief she carried never stayed dry.

"Look at you, about to cry again." Ryder sighed, pulling the damp cloth from her hand and replacing it with a fresh one.

"Today's our daughter's big day. Every important person in Sovereign City is here. If they see you crying like this, they'll think something's wrong with the Mitchell family."

Serenity dabbed at the corners of her eyes, half-scolding him. "I'm happy, all right? For so many years, I dreamed Eleanor had come home. But every time I woke up and saw that empty nursery, my heart just ached."

"Now she's back. And she's going to stand in front of everyone and show them she's the Mitchell family heiress. I've waited over a decade for this day. I can cry if I want to."

Ryder was quiet for a long moment. Then he reached up and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

He was just as overwhelmed.

Last night, he'd tossed and turned, unable to sleep. He kept thinking about how much he owed this daughter of his—more than he could ever repay in this lifetime.

---

Leo, for once, was dressed properly in a sharp navy suit, his hair neatly combed. He actually looked presentable.

But his composure didn't last long. Within minutes, he was slouched back in his chair, legs crossed, sipping champagne and eyeing the guests. Every so often, he leaned over to mutter something to Noah beside him.

"See that heavy-set guy over there? He's in real estate. He invited me out for a race last time, and I left him two laps behind. He turned bright red with rage. Looks all prim and proper in that suit today. I'll tease him once I catch him alone later."

Noah sat in his wheelchair, a light blanket draped over his legs, bandages visible around his ankles.

But his spirits were high today. He wore a tailored little suit with a black bow tie at the collar, looking sharp and handsome.

He listened to Leo's rambling with a helpless sigh, though he couldn't help smiling.

Leo kept talking until his gaze landed on a tall, familiar figure in the crowd. His expression instantly turned wary.

"Raymond's here again? He's here to butter up Eleanor, isn't he?"

Noah followed his gaze and spotted Raymond standing beside Serenity. He wore a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, holding a glass of champagne, chatting with Ryder and Serenity.

He carried himself with gentle courtesy, nodding and smiling every now and then. Gone was his usual cold arrogance. He looked almost like a new son-in-law trying his best to win over his future in-laws.

"Uncle Leo, you're the one who said to treat him well. Why are you complaining about him again?" Noah muttered under his breath.

"Did I say that?" Leo frowned, pretending to think hard. Then he waved a hand dismissively. "Fine. I'll give him a three-month trial period. If he doesn't perform, he's out."

Noah covered his face with his hand.

Just then, the emcee stepped onto the stage and tapped the microphone lightly.

The entire hall quieted down. Every eye turned toward the stage.

"Distinguished guests, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to join us for this introductory family dinner. The Mitchell Group was founded over a century ago and has been passed down and nurtured through several generations."

"Today, the Mitchell family has finally found their long-lost biological daughter. This is a joyous occasion for the Mitchell family—and for all of us. Now, let us welcome tonight's guest of honor with the warmest applause. Please welcome Eleanor to the stage."

Applause surged through the room like a wave.

Every gaze turned toward the staircase.

The lights in the hall converged there, waiting for the real heiress the Mitchell family had kept hidden for so long.

Soon, Eleanor appeared.

She wore a wine-red gown that swept the floor, its cut clean and sharp, with no excess lace or beading. Only a simple diamond brooch at the neckline caught the light with understated brilliance.

Her hair was curled, a few strands falling near her ears, framing a face that was striking but not showy.

She descended the stairs with calm confidence, as if she had always belonged here—as if she had always been meant to stand at the center of it all.

The hum of conversation in the hall vanished the moment she appeared.

Everyone was stunned by her beauty and presence.

It was a kind of composure and elegance that had nothing to do with upbringing—it was innate strength.

Eleanor stepped onto the stage, took the microphone from the emcee, and smiled faintly.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Eleanor."

"I know many of you here hadn't heard my name before today. Some of you may have heard rumors—that the Mitchell family took back a daughter raised in poverty, someone who doesn't know the rules, someone crude. I'm not going to defend myself against those comments. I'm standing here today to say just two things."

"First, I didn't come back to the Mitchell family to compete or take anything from anyone. The Mitchell family is my home. I will do everything in my power to protect my family and everything that belongs here."

"Second, I've always lived by my own principles. I don't care what outsiders think. If anyone here believes I'm not worthy of being part of the Mitchell family, feel free to stand up right now and tell me. I guarantee I'll give you the correct answer."

The hall was silent for a few seconds.

Then applause erupted.

Serenity covered her mouth, crying again. Ryder's eyes glistened with unshed tears.

Leo threw an arm around Noah's shoulder, grinning with pride. "You hear that? That's a Mitchell."