Chapter 1390

Lucas stood firmly in front of Aurora and his grandfather, shielding them both and blocking out the whispers around them.

Diana’s sudden words earlier had already made her stance clear—she was on Aurora’s side.

With that position set, no one else had the right or standing to gossip.

Anyone who wanted to speak against Aurora would have to think twice about their own place. After all, she was surrounded by those ready to protect her.

Once the gift had been given, Philip looked a little weary. “Keep it safe, child. From this day on, I acknowledge you as my granddaughter-in-law!”

Then he raised his voice so all could hear.

“Everyone, this is a family banquet—let’s not be so stiff. Dinner will begin shortly. And more importantly, I want to officially announce the identity of my granddaughter-in-law, so none of you make the mistake of offending her in the future.”

The crowd exchanged uneasy glances. His words were an unmistakable warning.

Lucas stood beside Aurora, silent but radiating a force that silenced any stray ambitions. His presence alone was a wordless threat.

Aurora rose to stand at his side, their shoulders brushing. The pair together looked striking, a picture of grace and strength.

Even their presence alone seemed perfectly matched.

Not long ago, many had believed Lucas would never find someone suitable. With his striking looks, unmatched qualifications, and position as the Carter family head at such a young age, he seemed unattainable.

Relatives and elders alike had to bow to his authority.

And the Carters were no small family. Their industries stretched across the globe, an empire not easily managed.

At first, many doubted him. But once he took the reins with thunderous decisiveness, they realized Lucas was far more than young—his methods were sharp enough to make anyone think twice before crossing him.

He was also known as a master of investment and finance.

Any one of those titles would have marked a man as a genius.

Yet all of them belonged to Lucas alone.

That was what made people fear him.

Diana watched the two of them and felt deeply comforted.

Her instincts had been right from the beginning—standing together, they were a perfect match.

She nudged Edward’s shoulder lightly and whispered, “Don’t they look so well-suited? I used to worry that with our son’s looks, he’d never find anyone who matched him. But Aurora’s appearance really saved him.”

“Don’t you know? Aurora was the girl he had a crush on back in high school.”

Diana’s eyes widened. “Are you serious?”

Her voice was filled with disbelief.

She had never imagined her son had hidden something so big from her. She had always thought his relationship with Aurora was something that blossomed later.

But now, it all made sense—there had been signs all along.

Edward was surprised she truly didn’t know. He lifted his chin slightly, speaking with pride. “Of course. I confirmed it with him myself—she’s the one he liked all along.

“You know our son’s temper. If she weren’t the one he wanted, not even with all the pressure in the world would he have agreed.”