The old man looked at Aurora as if she were some poor victim.

Aurora fell silent. She let out an awkward laugh and quickly explained, “Grandpa, it’s really not that serious. I chose this myself.”

After all, Lucas had already soothed her and given his explanations. With so many eyes on them, she couldn’t let him lose face. To the outside world, a husband and wife had to present a united front.

Seeing how readily Aurora stood by him, Lucas felt a swell of pride. He trusted her to know exactly what he meant.

“Grandpa, you heard her,” he said. “So, stop blaming me. Besides, I’ve brought you such a beautiful granddaughter-in-law. Shouldn’t you be happy?”

Philip studied Aurora closely, making everyone else tense, their breaths heavy.

But Diana knew her father-in-law’s nature well. For him to look at someone this intently meant he was already very pleased.

Sure enough, the next moment he slapped his thigh, a kind smile spreading across his face. “Come here, child. Come to Grandpa.”

Aurora froze, unsure what to do, hesitation flickering in her eyes.

Diana gave her a reassuring nod. “It’s alright, you can go.”

Lucas nodded as well. “Grandpa must have something he wants to tell you."

Encouraged, Aurora stepped forward, knelt gracefully by the old man’s side, and called out softly, “Grandpa.”

“Ah, good child!”

At her words, laughter lines crinkled at the corners of Philip’s eyes. Seeing how gentle and respectful she was filled him with joy.

“What a good girl. Our Carter family must have accumulated blessings for generations to be fortunate enough to welcome someone like you.”

From the very first glance, he had found her pleasing to the eye. The longer he looked, the more right she felt. Aurora herself had never expected to receive such high praise from him.

The others were stunned by the old man’s glowing praise. They exchanged bewildered glances—wasn’t this only their first meeting? Why was he so taken with Aurora already? Had they met in private before?

That seemed impossible. They kept a close watch on the old man’s comings and goings, and if anyone had met with him, they would have known.

Yet here Aurora appeared out of nowhere, earning such high regard on the spot. A ripple of unease spread through them all.

Aurora pressed her lips into a modest smile, not daring to accept such a weighty compliment outright. “Grandpa, you flatter me. Lucas is a good man. Being with him is my blessing.” She cast Lucas a tender look. “Together, we’ll make sure to be even more filial to you.”

“Good!”

At that, the old man’s delight only deepened. He had long worried his grandson would never settle down, that he’d never find a fitting wife. As head of the Carter family, with so many watching, it was a constant concern.

But to his surprise, his grandson had worked quietly in the shadows, only to reveal something far greater than expected.

And as the onlookers watched Philip’s joy, they understood that no matter how suddenly she had appeared, this granddaughter-in-law was now beyond question. They would have to accept her.