Chapter 1319
“She’s living the life of a rich heiress, like a wealthy socialite!” Judith exclaimed.
Through the window, Zephyr and Esther quickly glanced down. They indeed saw their daughter getting out of the Ferrari with shopping bags. She looked radiant, free of any sign of suffering or mistreatment.
Zephyr and Esther exchanged surprised glances, both somewhat stunned. This was far different from what they had imagined.
Oscar pulled back his gaze, burning with jealousy, and sneered, “Sure, she looks glamorous on the surface, but it’s just a show put on for your benefit! I’ve seen this kind of thing many times – people living miserable lives behind closed doors, but when they meet family, they suddenly act wealthy and fashionable. That Ferrari might even be rented, just to deceive you both!”
When Esther heard this, her momentarily relieved heart tensed up again. She asked worriedly, “Zephyr, could it really be as Oscar says?”
Zephyr’s expression was hesitant, clearly unsure if Oscar’s assessment was accurate. However, as the head of the family, he kept his cool and replied firmly, “Let’s have the kitchen start serving the meal. It doesn’t matter what the situation is now. Soon enough, our dear daughter will be free again.”
Downstairs at the hotel, Andrew adjusted his suit and smiled, “It’s strange today, I’m actually feeling a bit nervous!”
Aspen huffed. “You’re the one who wanted to meet my parents, so why are you nervous? Are you afraid they’ll find out you’ve mistreated me, that you haven’t been good to me?”
Andrew shrugged and replied, “You know very well how I’ve treated you. Besides, I’m not really afraid of the Stevens family from Bridgefields!”
Aspen pouted. “Then what are you nervous about?”
Andrew smiled and said, “Well, I’m meeting your parents, aren’t I? It’s like a new son-in-law meeting his in-laws for the first time. Don’t you think it’s normal for me to be a little nervous?”
Aspen froze momentarily before realizing what Andrew meant. She was both embarrassed and angry, immediately exclaiming, “Andrew, don’t talk nonsense! Who said anything about meeting in-laws? My parents and my entire family from Bridgefields aren’t that close to you!”
In truth, her heart was racing, and her cheeks flushed red. She was flustered as Andrew had made her nervous too. It really was just as he said – like bringing a boyfriend to meet her parents.
Aspen could not help but glance sideways at Andrew’s handsome face. Nonetheless, she quickly looked away, feeling her heartbeat go faster. She thought Andrew was indeed truly handsome up close.
But wait. She was supposed to be angry with him, so why did she think he was handsome? She should have found him ugly instead.
Following the attendant’s guidance, Andrew and Aspen took the elevator upstairs to the restaurant. In the spacious private room, Zephyr’s family, about a dozen people in total, plus Oscar, had already opened the door and were waiting.
Andrew entered and smiled. “Mr. Stevens, long time no see!”
Zephyr’s palms were sweating as he stepped forward and smiled back. “Hello, Mr. Lloyd!”
He was polite, though his smile seemed forced. After all, the trauma of that lesson from Jayrodale still lingered.
Upon seeing Aspen, Esther rushed over with tears welling up in her eyes. “Aspen, my sweetheart, I’ve missed you so much!”
Tears also immediately filled Aspen’s eyes. “Mom!”
The mother and daughter embraced, both sobbing loudly.
Andrew felt inwardly awkward. He thought, ‘Damn, Aspen is crying so loudly. It’s making it seem like I’ve treated her terribly and caused her great suffering!’
Oscar snorted coldly, feeling it was his time to shine. He rushed up to Andrew, pointing his finger at Andrew’s nose, and shouted, “Lloyd, others might fear you, but I, from the Hopkins family of Bridgefields, don’t give a damn about you! Let me make this clear today – if Aspen has suffered even the slightest harm, you won’t be walking out of this door!”