William’s face was filled with pride as he continued. “My eldest grandson, Arthur, resembles me most. In his iron-fisted business methods and acumen, he’s surpassed me in every way. Before I even found him, he’d built the Ferdinand Group from scratch. I asked him to return to the Rouse family, but he refused. I even tried to suppress his business to force his return, but he never compromised. Instead, he withstood the pressure and built his business even larger. My feelings for him are a mix of guilt and pride! Had I not tried to suppress him, the Ferdinand Group might be even more prosperous today.”
The crowd was shocked by William’s words. They’d always believed the Ferdinand Group’s rapid rise was due to Rouse family support. The reality was far different; not only did the Rouse family not help, they actively tried to hinder Arthur.
Arthur’s expression remained calm, as if performing a task that held no personal concern.
William continued, “I’m at an age where I don’t have many years left…”
The crowd quickly interjected. “Mr. Rouse, don’t say such ominous things! You may be ninety, but you’re healthier than many in their fifties and sixties. You’ll definitely live for several more decades!” “That’s right! With today’s rapidly advancing technology and medical improvements, living to one hundred or two hundred years will be a breeze! Today is your 90th birthday; you shouldn’t say such inauspicious things.”
William raised his hand to silence them. “If I could live longer, it would be wonderful. But at my age, I should prepare for the day I don’t wake up. So, while my mind is still clear, and since so many are here, I have an announcement to make. I declare my eldest grandson, Arthur, the next heir of the Rouse family!”
This announcement caused an uproar. Although Arthur was a Rouse family member and undeniably capable, he’d lived outside the family most of his life and only recently returned. Mark, on the other hand, had been raised within the family and personally mentored by William. Everyone had assumed Mark would be the heir. They didn’t expect Arthur to claim the position and wondered if Mark could accept it.
Mark’s face was dark and sullen, but he remained silent, his eyes lowered. Arthur, however, frowned in displeasure. He thought angrily, I only agreed to attend the birthday, not to become the heir. He didn’t even ask my opinion!
Arthur said, displeased, “We’ll talk about this later. For now, let’s enjoy your birthday party.”
Seeing Arthur’s unhappiness, William appeased him, saying, “Alright, we can discuss it later.”
The crowd couldn’t help but stare at Arthur. The Rouse family was one of the top families in the country, yet Arthur seemed disdainful of inheriting it.
After William finished speaking, he announced the banquet. Guests offered well-wishes before heading to the dining hall. Gifts had been delivered upon arrival and recorded by staff.
As Arthur descended from the stage, he caught a glimpse of a familiar face in the crowd. It was only a fleeting glance, so he couldn’t see clearly. He stopped and looked again, but the figure had turned away. He could only see her back—a slender, graceful back that stood out in the banquet hall. Arthur frowned, thinking, I must have been mistaken. How could that possibly be Evangeline? She’s so fierce; she wouldn’t dress so femininely or wear high heels. And how could she be at this banquet? He retracted his gaze and left the stage.
After dinner, Evangeline and Dexter didn’t linger. They said goodbye to William and left. At the entrance, Evangeline noticed Arthur was also leaving. William, leaning on his cane, grabbed Arthur’s arm tightly. “Arthur, can’t you stay? I’m old and don’t have many days left. If you leave now, who knows when I’ll see you again…”
Arthur’s voice was indifferent. “It doesn’t matter if we don’t see each other again. We haven’t seen much of each other in the past twenty-odd years.”
William’s voice was filled with sorrow. “Are you still angry? I know you suffered. I can make it up to you by giving you the Rouse family… Abandoning you was a last resort. Please try to understand.”
Arthur said, “Since you abandoned me and chose Mark, continue placing your hopes on him. Don’t expect me to return and work for your family.” He pushed William’s hand away and was about to leave when he heard footsteps behind him. He glanced back and was shocked. Evangeline? It’s really her? So, I wasn’t mistaken. But why is she here? And who is the man beside her?
William also noticed Evangeline and Dexter. His expression quickly shifted from guilt and sadness to a kind smile. “Dexter, Evangeline, are you finished eating?”
Dexter politely replied, “Yes, Eva and I have had enough. We have some matters at home, so we’ll take our leave.”
William smiled. “Okay, I won’t keep you. Please send my regards to your grandfather and parents.”
Dexter nodded.
Arthur, snapping out of his shock, approached Evangeline. “Evangeline? What are you doing here?”
Evangeline smiled. “My brother and I are here for Mr. Rouse’s birthday, on behalf of our parents. I didn’t expect to see you here. You really surprised me.”
Arthur remembered Evangeline mentioning her adoption and the wealthy family who later claimed her adopted brother. He hadn’t expected her adoptive family to be so prestigious.
“Arthur, you know Evangeline?” William asked curiously.
Arthur composed himself and gave a noncommittal nod, offering no explanation.
Dexter glanced at Arthur before gently nudging Evangeline. “Eva, I’m feeling a bit unwell. Let’s go home.”
Evangeline’s face showed concern. “What’s wrong? Where are you feeling unwell?”
Dexter replied, “My stomach hurts a bit.”
Evangeline said, “It must be the cold juice. Bear with it; I’ll make you some soup when we get home.” She turned to William and Arthur. “We’ll be going now.” Then she left with Dexter. Because she was unaccustomed to high heels, she walked arm-in-arm with Dexter for support.
Arthur watched them leave, his gaze dark. When they were far away, he turned back to William. “I think we can try to mend our relationship. I’ll stay for a few days.”