Raven couldn't help but frown at their overly obsequious attitude. Harry and Levi were friends, yes, but the Green family, her own relatives, shouldn't be so fawning toward them. It felt out of place. But Raven wasn't about to speak up in front of everyone. After all, the Brown family had been prominent for decades, while the Green family had only risen to prominence in the past ten years.

In terms of background, the Green family still paled in comparison to the Brown family. So while Harry and Levi didn't think much of the Green family, they chose to overlook it, focusing on their relationship with Raven.

After exchanging pleasantries and handing over gifts to the Green family, Harry turned to Raven and asked, “Where’s Frank? Has he not arrived yet?”

Raven replied, “There were some business issues abroad that he had to take care of, and he’s been staying up late these past few days to handle everything. Unfortunately, things aren’t fully resolved yet, so I’ve heard he’ll be a little late.”

Harry and Levi nodded in understanding but didn’t press further. Raven, familiar with both of them, personally guided them to their seats. At this point, it was getting late, and the banquet was ready to begin.

The main guest of the evening, Matteo, had not yet arrived, and Miles Green was uncertain whether they should proceed with the banquet or wait for him. He turned to Raven and Janice for advice.

Raven, without hesitation, replied, “We can start the meal.” The guests who had come today had made the effort to attend, and it wouldn’t be polite to keep them waiting. Although they would likely have no issue waiting, it simply wasn’t appropriate to do so.

“But… isn’t it a little inappropriate to start without Matteo?” Miles hesitated.

“It’s fine, he won’t mind,” Raven said confidently. Her words were as if she was speaking on behalf of Matteo. That she dared to speak for him demonstrated just how close their relationship was. The other guests, noticing that Raven was so certain that Matteo wouldn’t mind starting the banquet without him, couldn’t help but deepen their understanding of how important she was to him. It only made them more eager to build good relations with the Brown family.

On the other hand, although many guests had already left, Old Madam Miller still kept to the usual formality. After confirming all the guests had arrived, she took the stage to give a speech, thanking everyone for attending and also apologizing for any disruptions earlier that may have affected the mood of the evening. Her words were gracious and composed, and they were met with applause from the audience.

After finishing her speech, Old Madam Miller looked at the time and gestured for Jason to direct the hotel staff to begin serving the meal. Then, Johnny, standing nearby, spoke up, “Uncle Miller, could we wait a little longer? Someone else is still on their way, but they’ll be here soon—within ten minutes.”

Given Johnny’s close relationship with Freya, Jason was aware of the bond between them and agreed without hesitation. “Is it the same person?” Jason asked. “We still have seats available at the main table, I wonder if they would mind joining us?”

Johnny nodded. “They wouldn’t mind.”

“Alright then,” Jason said with a smile, directing for the other guests’ meals to be served first while the dishes for the main table would be delayed a little.

Just as the dishes were being brought out to the other tables, Johnny checked his phone. He quickly motioned for Freya to come aside. “The person’s here. Come with me to greet them downstairs.”

Freya nodded, about to turn when she was interrupted by a familiar voice, cold and unhurried. “There’s no need,” the voice said. “I’m already upstairs.”

Freya froze and looked back. “Teacher?”

It was Nolan. Those who remained in the room were shocked when they saw him, some even wondering if they were imagining things. After all, it was Nolan—the tech magnate who often appeared in the news. Everyone in the country knew who he was. Not only was Nolan highly capable, but his background was also said to be incredibly influential. For such a national figure to attend Old Madam Miller’s birthday banquet was nothing short of remarkable.

Old Madam Miller and Jason were equally stunned when they saw him, but they quickly recovered and rose to greet him. Nolan, known for his typically reserved demeanor, had always shown respect toward elders he deemed worthy. He had met Old Madam Miller before, and now, he stepped forward.

“Please, don’t stand up,” Nolan said gently, as he seated her. “You’ve been standing for too long.”

Old Madam Miller smiled, “Mr. Nolan, it’s such an honor to have you here tonight. You’re making me feel embarrassed.”

“Please don’t say that,” Nolan replied. “It’s my oversight not to have come earlier.” He then motioned for Johnny to hand him a gift, which he presented personally to Old Madam Miller. “I didn’t have much time to prepare, so please excuse me if it’s not up to your expectations.”

Old Madam Miller waved it off, smiling warmly, “Mr. Nolan, you’re too kind. Your presence here is the greatest gift I could receive!”

After a few more words of polite conversation, Nolan glanced toward Freya and Johnny, who were standing behind him like two students who had been scolded. They immediately sat down without saying a word, understanding the silent command.

Old Madam Miller then remarked, “In the past, Freya was well taken care of by you.”

Nolan nodded. “It was nothing, really. She’s done well recently, making some progress in her research. I’m glad to see her not wasting her talents.”

Both Nolan and Old Madam Miller had long since accepted that Freya had given up her academic path for Matteo. They hadn’t pushed her to reconsider. They both believed that young people needed to experience setbacks, and that following their own path, even with mistakes, was the only way they could understand regret. What mattered was whether they could recover from their disappointments, unlike Jason, who had been so consumed by failure that he lost his way completely. Fortunately, Freya hadn’t fallen into the same trap.

Hearing Nolan’s words, Old Madam Miller felt a weight lift from her chest. “I’m so glad to hear that. Thank you for looking out for her.”

With that reassurance, Old Madam Miller’s worries finally faded, and she could relax for the evening.