Chapter 736 Stunning the Audience
Tate was just guessing at this point; she wasn't sure about anything.
Finnegan and Lily were always together. If something was off with Lily, Finnegan should know.
But maybe he didn't notice. Even if he had doubts, he couldn't handle losing Ophelia again.
Maybe there really was something wrong with Lily.
Tate didn't have time to figure it out now; she'd have to wait until after the homecoming banquet.
Lily had already rejoined Finnegan. Seeing her pale face, he asked, "Are you feeling okay?"
How could Finnegan ignore his beloved Ophelia?
"No," Lily replied. "Let's sit down; the banquet's about to start."
Lily stayed expressionless, not giving Finnegan a single smile.
Seats were assigned, with names on each table. Guests had to sit where they were placed.
People were arriving one after another. Finnegan, Caspian, and Raymond were at the same table, and they sat down.
Caspian kept glancing between Lily and Finnegan. Finnegan shot him a look, and Caspian finally settled down.
Eugene and Barbara were all smiles today, warmly greeting everyone.
Guests were chatting, curious about the Stewart family's long-lost eldest daughter.
There hadn't been any news before the banquet.
Those who knew the Stewarts knew about the missing daughter. She'd disappeared when she was four or five, and the family never stopped looking for her.
After more than twenty years, they finally found her.
Karen was seated with the Stewart family's relatives, all elders.
Karen's aunt, Donna Stewart, asked, "Karen, how'd you guys even find your sister? And what's she been up to all this time?"
Karen's uncle, Jared Stewart, added, "Finding your long-lost kid is a big deal! Why all the secrecy?"
The Stewarts hadn't said anything beforehand. Tate's first return was during a holiday visit, so it wasn't convenient to notify everyone. If Tate went back to prison, how would they explain it?
This time, Tate was out of prison. Eugene and Barbara kept their cool, waiting until the homecoming banquet was about to start before sharing the good news.
Karen said, "Raymond found Tate. And trust me, she's been through a lot. Think she's been living off the grid or something."
Karen said this to sound sympathetic, but she was really hinting that Tate had lived a hard life, likely with little education and who knows what else.
Donna, who lived far away and didn't often talk to Eugene, didn't know much.
Donna said, "Coming from a remote area, at her age, her personality might not be great."
A nosy relative chimed in, "I heard people in remote areas marry young. Karen, your sister isn't already married with kids, is she?"
They had all these stereotypes about remote areas being backward, with low status for women and early marriages.
Karen played along, "Girl's got a serious case of the clams when it comes to her past. Like she's hiding something."
Donna said, "Then it must be true."
Jared sighed, "That's really unfortunate. Eugene must be upset."
Jared was Eugene's brother. They had split their families early on, living separately and running their own businesses.
While they were talking, Eugene led Barbara onto the stage, both smiling. Eugene took the microphone and said, "Thank you all for coming to my daughter's homecoming banquet. Many of you know I have two daughters. My eldest, Sandra, went missing when she was five. My wife and I never stopped looking for her. By God's grace, we found her not long ago."
Eugene's eyes were moist as he spoke.
He composed himself and smiled, "Now, let me introduce my eldest daughter, Sandra. She goes by Tate now. After Tate takes over the company, I hope you all will support her."
This shocked everyone. Eugene was grooming Tate to take over the company.
As the crowd buzzed, Tate descended the double staircase in a white gown. The media cameras immediately focused on her. The moment she appeared, the surprise in everyone's eyes turned to amazement.
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