Chapter 223
The next day was Zack’s grand opening ceremony for his company. Even though he wasn’t originally from Snowville, he had sent out invitations early and widely. It was obvious he wanted to enter the local business circle and make a name for himself.
Even the Hales received an invitation. Normally, a company of Zack’s size wouldn’t be enough to attract their attention, but I was curious about how everything would unfold, so I decided to attend.
Lewis ruffled my hair gently. “If you want to go, then go p>
He had been extremely busy these past few days, yet he still checked on my mood, reminded me to eat properly, and made sure I rested. To him, my body was something fragile that needed constant care. He would tell me to sleep early, drink more milk, exercise, and not skip meals.
He handled my daily life so carefully that I didn’t need to worry about anything.
“But don’t get too close,” he added quietly. “You don’t want to get blood on you p>
I looked at him expectantly. “What about you p>
He gave me an apologetic smile. “Elena, I’m going to be very busy these days. I won’t be able to go with you p>
“It’s okay. I understand p>
“Take your bodyguard wherever you go p>
“Alright p>
He immediately returned to answering emails. He had worked late into the night again. Sometimes, being too capable meant carrying too much responsibility. I knew life wasn’t easy for him.
Still, instead of feeling neglected, I felt protective. I wished I could ease some of his burden.
Theo knocked lightly on the door. “Mrs. Riley, it’s time to leave p>
“Okay p>
Before leaving, I walked behind Lewis, wrapped my arms around his neck, and kissed his cheek.
“Don’t overwork yourself p>
He pulled me gently into his lap. His deep eyes met mine. “Didn’t you say you wanted a world tour for our honeymoon? If I don’t settle things now, when will we have time for that p>
I smiled at his foresight. I had only mentioned it casually once, yet he had already started planning.
“Lewis, I’m so glad I’m marrying you p>
“Elena, marrying you is the greatest blessing of my life p>
Even though the air outside was freezing, my heart felt warm as I left the estate. With him beside me, everything felt steadier.
Today, Camilla would receive the results regarding the child. Soon, more truths would surface.
When I arrived at the ceremony, the place was crowded. Many influential figures had shown up. Zack had clearly worked hard behind the scenes to win favor with powerful families.
Zack stood confidently at the entrance. His hair was carefully styled, every strand fixed in place. His sharp features and tailored suit gave him the appearance of a successful businessman.
But I knew better.
Behind that polished look was someone calculating and greedy. He smiled easily, but there was always something cold behind his eyes.
Bridget stood beside him, elegant and composed. Over the years, she had stayed home raising their children. She had aged naturally, without the artificial enhancements Monica favored, yet she looked far more beautiful. There was a gentle warmth about her. When she smiled, it felt genuine.
She held Zack’s arm proudly as he accepted congratulations. Her family stood nearby, clearly proud of him.
Then the atmosphere shifted.
Grant walked in.
He wore a perfectly fitted black suit. Unlike Zack’s bloated appearance, Grant carried himself with discipline and strength. Years of routine exercise had kept his figure sharp. His face showed maturity without heaviness, calm and controlled.
Beside him was Lincy, dressed professionally, her posture straight and confident. She looked excited, as if she thought this was simply a business outing.
She still had no idea who she truly was.
The moment Zack saw Grant and Lincy enter together, his smile froze.
One was the man who had unknowingly funded his ambitions. The other was the secret he had hidden for years.
Bridget tugged Zack’s sleeve. “Isn’t that Mr. Ashbourne? Since when are you close to him p>
Zack had spent twenty years climbing slowly, barely entering the upper ranks of Bafria’s business world. Compared to the established giants like the Ashbourne s, he was still far behind.
Grant’s presence felt like royalty attending a small-town celebration.
Zack forced himself forward. “Mr. Ashbourne, it’s an honor to have you here p>
He extended his hand, but Grant didn’t shake it. Instead, his gaze moved past him to Bridget.
“Is this your wife?” Grant asked calmly.
Zack awkwardly withdrew his hand. “Yes, this is my wife. Bridget, this is Mr. Ashbourne p>
Bridget beamed. “Mr. Ashbourne, it’s such an honor p>
“Mr. Harrison, your wife is very beautiful,” Grant said lightly, before walking away.
Zack stood there, stunned. Something about Grant’s tone made him uneasy.
I walked over and stood beside Grant. “Dad, you’re here p>
Lincy frowned impatiently. “Dad, why are we here? It’s just a small company opening. What’s the point p>
Grant didn’t look at her. “I brought you to watch a good show p>
“A good show p>
She clearly didn’t understand.
The ceremony began. The host gave an enthusiastic speech. “Now, let’s look back at the twenty-year journey of Harrison Group p>
Music started playing, and the large screen lit up.
But instead of an inspiring company history, an unexpected sound filled the hall.
A woman’s breathless voice echoed through the speakers.
“Oh my god… you’re amazing, honey p>
The crowd went silent.
Lincy’s face turned pale instantly. She had heard that voice her entire life.
It was her mother’s.
Before Zack could react, the screen displayed intimate footage of him and Monica. His face was clear. Monica’s was blurred, but her voice was unmistakable.
She wrapped her arms around him on the screen and asked playfully, “Am I better, or your wife p>
Zack’s recorded reply followed without hesitation.
“You’re so much better. How could that tired old woman compare to you p>
The hall erupted.
Gasps. Whispers. Shock.
Bridget’s smile vanished. Her face drained of color as she stared at the screen, then at her husband.
Zack stood frozen.
And beside me, Grant watched quietly.