Chapter 443: My Great-Grandson

When Cassandra was younger, she harbored romantic feelings for Nathaniel and frequently tracked his movements. She even considered marrying him. But after he lost his sight, she chose Nicholas instead. Nicholas was now more accomplished, and her previous feelings no longer mattered. She was the first to offer a toast. "Nathaniel, Cecilia, cheers."

To accommodate Nathaniel's blindness, the wine glass was placed within easy reach. However, Nathaniel didn't take it. Instead, he firmly grasped Cecilia's hand. "My wife and I don't drink. Toast the others."

Cassandra froze, glancing at Nicholas. He picked up the glass, offering it to her. "They don't drink, but we can." She agreed and drank the wine. Their toast, initially intended only for close family, expanded to include everyone present. Nicholas finished any wine Cassandra left.

Later, Cecilia saw Jonathan arrive, his face flushed—clearly made up by Roland—dressed in an expensive little suit. Most striking was that Roland held one hand, George the other. Jonathan nearly upstaged the engaged couple, but fortunately arrived near the event's end.

Among the prominent guests was Niel. Seeing George holding a child's hand, he inquired, "Old Mr. Sinclair, whose child is that?"

George beamed. "This is Zach's son, my great-grandson."

Niel immediately asked for his reading glasses. After putting them on, he exclaimed, "This boy... Why does he look so much like Nicholas and Nathaniel when they were young?"

Cecilia's heart pounded with alarm. Roland quickly intervened, "Old Mr. Rainsworth, don't fight me for a grandson. This boy was born to my daughter, Vivian. She doesn't know Mr. Rainsworth."

Niel conceded that people could resemble each other. "Hahaha, the boy is so well-behaved. I just like him so much."

George protectively added, "Don't even think about stealing my great-grandson." Their combined age exceeded two hundred years, yet they acted like children. Meanwhile, Jonathan, too young to comprehend the situation, was exhausted.

Cecilia sighed with relief, genuinely happy to see Roland and George's affection for Jonathan. Elena, however, had been observing Jonathan. Her investigation revealed Vivian had never given birth; how, then, was Jonathan suddenly Zachary and Vivian's son? She found it unacceptable.

Later, George and Roland announced a post-New Year engagement party for Zachary and Vivian. The crowd applauded enthusiastically, seemingly unaware of Zachary and Vivian's sour expressions. The party continued into the afternoon.

Nicholas had drunk heavily. Jocelyn, concerned, said, "Mr. Nicholas, don't drink too much. Your body can't handle it." He had always been health-conscious, but since returning to Tudela, he'd become increasingly careless. It distressed Jocelyn.

"It's fine. Today is an exception," he reassured her gently.

Jocelyn nodded, wanting to speak further, but a hand grasped her from behind. "Jocelyn, entertain the guests. I'll take Nicholas upstairs to rest," Cassandra said, stepping forward to support the inebriated Nicholas. As his fiancée, Jocelyn had no choice but to step aside. Cassandra summoned servants to help escort Nicholas to his room, her heart pounding with excitement.