Chapter 69 This is my wife, Victoria
The lobby of Howard Villa was packed with the extended Howard family.
The Howard family had a lot of branches. Everyone here was a descendant of Alexander's great-grandfather, Clayton Howard. Clayton had a wife and five mistresses. Nathan was the only legitimate son and inherited the family business.
Nathan had two kids, Preston and Cynthia. He passed the family head position to his grandson Alexander, skipping over his own son Preston.
Alexander was just eighteen then. Despite his age, he proved himself and shut down any opposition. But the Howard family, with its long history, was full of internal conflicts. Everyone seemed calm, but they all had their own agendas.
Someone said, "I saw Alexander with a beautiful woman outside. Who is she?"
The question came from a descendant of Clayton's third mistress.
"Remember, Alexander doesn't like women around him. How could there be a woman with him?" someone scoffed.
"But he has to marry and have kids eventually. Who else will inherit the Howard family? Not you, Neil," Oscar Howard shot back.
Neil Howard, clearly annoyed, glared at Oscar and said, "Don't think we’re clueless about your plans. Everyone knows who was behind Alexander's car accident."
Everyone was shocked, especially Oscar and his family, who looked furious.
"Neil, watch your mouth," said Maurice Howard, Oscar's father.
Neil, from Clayton's second mistress's line, was Lester Howard's favorite son.
"Okay," Neil replied, backing down.
The others watched, each with their own thoughts. Some things were better left unsaid.
Neil was known for his boldness and arrogance but knew when to back off.
Just then, Micah entered and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, the family banquet is about to start. Please move to the main hall and take your seats."
Micah left first.
The Howard Villa had a special courtyard for family banquets.
Once everyone was seated, Nathan led Preston and Saskia to the main table.
At the main table were Nathan, Preston, Saskia, and the heads of other branches: Ivan and Keith from the first mistress, Lester from the second, Maurice from the third, Jared from the fourth, and Dominic from the fifth, with Preston being the most senior.
Their families sat at other tables, and married daughters weren't allowed at the main table.
There were still three empty seats at the main table.
Landon strolled in, greeted everyone, and lazily sat next to Saskia.
He always seemed laid-back, as if he didn't care about anything and stayed out of family affairs.
Keith looked at Landon and said, "Landon, you're grown up now. It's time to help Alexander out."
Landon lazily lifted his eyelids and smiled, "Everyone knows I'm not into business. Just looking at numbers gives me a headache. The doctor says I should stay away from them."
He shrugged, "I know my place. If something’s not meant for me, I should let it go. Otherwise, this headache might kill me. I don't want to die young."
Keith's face stiffened. What kind of logic is that?
Landon seemed to be talking about himself, but he was really warning others to know their limits. Some things and people are off-limits, or you might not know what hit you.
Nathan, Preston, and Saskia continued drinking their tea, unfazed.
Suddenly, Landon's eyes lit up, and he called out, "Alexander, Victoria."
Everyone was stunned. Victoria? Who's Victoria?
Just then, Alexander walked in with the elegantly dressed and beautiful Victoria.
Victoria hadn't changed her clothes. Saskia looked at her with satisfaction. Alexander was lucky to have such a beautiful wife.
Victoria wore a dark green dress that highlighted her tall and graceful figure. She was elegant and dignified, exuding nobility.
With her delicate features and clear almond-shaped eyes, she stood confidently beside the imposing Alexander, her charm undiminished. She was both cold and noble, stunning everyone.
Everyone had the same question: 'Who is she?'
Some recognized her as the woman they saw at the gate earlier.
Victoria glanced around the main hall, noting the eight tables, including the main table.
Alexander hadn't exaggerated; there were indeed many people. She had heard about the numerous branches of the Howard family, but seeing it in person was overwhelming, and these were just the close relatives.
Alexander led her to the two empty seats to Nathan's right.
"Grandpa, Dad, Mom," Alex greeted.
"Grandpa, Dad, Mom, sorry we're late," Victoria added.
It was clear they were the last to arrive.
Victoria's "Grandpa, Dad, Mom" shocked those who were unaware. Wasn't it crazy that she wanted to marry Alexander?
How could she address them like that?
The wife of the head of the Howard family wasn't a position just anyone could take. Choosing the wife of the head of the Howard family required the approval of several key members, right?
But the people at the main table saw Nathan acknowledge her, which was a tacit approval.
Keith stood up and asked, "Who is this?"
Victoria looked at him. She recognized him from the information Alexander had shown her about the Howard family.
This was a descendant of Clayton's first mistress.
Alexander had been designated as the heir from birth and was raised according to the standards of the Howard family heir. His authoritative aura was undeniable.
Alexander lifted his gaze, his refined and noble features exuding a chilling authority, "This is my wife, Victoria Kennedy."
Alexander didn't announce her as his girlfriend or fiancée but directly as his wife.
This shocked everyone.
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