Chapter 495 Going to The Semona Villa
Aurelia hopped out of the car to help with the bags.
"Grandpa, you're looking so lively today!"
Reed was in high spirits. Even though he knew they might not get the warmest reception, it was a good start.
"Aurelia, do I look younger today?"
"Not just a little younger, at least ten years younger!"
Reed beamed at the compliment. As they chatted, Marcus came down, slightly winded, lugging several gift boxes.
"Dad, everything from upstairs is moved."
Reed nodded.
"Load it all into the car. I hope Aurelia's family won't mind. We prepared in a rush, and a lot of my treasures are still at the Heilbronn Villa. I'll bring more next time."
Aurelia watched as box after box of gifts were loaded into the car. The trunk filled up quickly, and they had to put a few boxes in the back seat.
There were various expensive supplements, wines, champagnes, imported seafood, fruits, and toys for the kids.
"This is a bit much, isn't it, Grandpa?"
Reed raised an eyebrow.
"Silly girl, it's not too much at all. I even think it's too little. Our attitude shows how much we value you. You're my granddaughter and Nathaniel's future wife. You'll be managing the entire Heilbronn family one day. This is nothing."
Reed then instructed Nathaniel.
"Alright, let's go. We shouldn't keep Cathy waiting."
Cathy had co-founded a company with Aurelia's grandfather when she was young and was a well-known businesswoman in Coral Bay.
Nathaniel started the car and headed towards the Semona Villa. He drove this route several times a day, but today felt different, filled with anticipation.
Meanwhile, at The Semona Villa.
Although Cathy didn't think highly of Nathaniel, she wouldn't lose her composure as a host.
She had instructed the kitchen to buy fresh ingredients for the evening's dinner party.
All the servants were called to prepare dinner, each with a specific task: washing vegetables, chopping, and cooking.
The family brought in a chef from Imperick specifically for Aurelia. Half of the dishes were prepared by the Imperick chef, and the other half were Coral Bay-style dishes made by the family chef.
The dining table was set with fine wines and beautifully plated dishes.
It was Nathaniel's first time driving into the Semona Villa. He parked in the yard and called a few servants to help with the gifts.
Cathy, dressed in a formal dress, sat in the hall, waiting for them to enter.
The Semona Villa was an old, grand estate with intricate carvings and a majestic presence.
Aurelia led them inside.
"Grandma, Mr. Heilbronn and Nathaniel are here."
Cathy put down her teacup and stood up, speaking formally and politely.
"Reed, I've heard so much about you."
"Cathy, you're such a remarkable businesswoman. I've read many articles about your entrepreneurial journey. I'm very impressed!"
Cathy and Reed, being of similar age, exchanged pleasantries and talked business. Nathaniel, however, was treated as if he were invisible. No matter what he said, Cathy ignored him completely, not even acknowledging his greetings.
Aurelia gave Nathaniel a reassuring look, encouraging him not to be discouraged.
Nathaniel wasn't overly sensitive about it. He had expected this. If Cathy had welcomed him warmly, he would have been shocked.
He was relieved that Cathy didn't make Reed uncomfortable because of him.
Nathaniel nodded to Aurelia, signaling that she didn't need to worry.
Cathy noticed all these subtle interactions.
Jacoba and Dorothy had heard that Reed and Nathaniel were coming for dinner and were more excited than if they'd received praise from a teacher. The two kids, led by Dahlia, ran in from the yard.
"Great-Grandpa, Dad, I saw your car!"
The two kids each grabbed one of Nathaniel's legs.
Cathy and Reed's conversation halted, and all eyes turned to the children.
Children speak their minds without understanding adult complexities. Dorothy clung to Nathaniel's leg and asked,
"Dad, can you bring Great-Grandpa to have dinner with us every day? I want to be with you both every day."
Cathy's face remained neutral, but she felt a pang of jealousy. She had watched these kids grow up, yet they had never been so close to her. They had only known the Heilbronn family for a few days and already wanted to be with them all the time.
Despite her jealousy, Cathy felt comforted for the kids. A father's love is essential, and she wanted their lives to be perfect.
Reed chuckled.
"Dorothy, Jacob, do you want to live with your mom and dad?"
Jacoba answered without hesitation.
"Of course! Dad's breakfasts are delicious, and Mom loves them too. Right, Mom?"
The question was directed at Aurelia. Kids speak freely, but Aurelia was hesitant. She didn't want to upset Cathy, but she also didn't want to lie to the kids. Nathaniel did make food that she enjoyed.
Nathaniel, understanding Aurelia's dilemma, pulled Jacoba closer.
"Jacob, your mom and I had some misunderstandings and were apart for a while. But if you want, I'll make food for you every day."
Jacoba was persistent.
"Dad, you promised never to leave Mom and me. You lied!"
Nathaniel was flustered. He never wanted to be apart. He was trying to reconcile. Jacoba should ask Aurelia when they could all move back together.
"Jacob, I never planned to leave your mom. I didn't lie to you!"
"Really?"
"Really."
"Then pinky promise!"
Cathy glanced at Nathaniel, who was patiently coaxing the kids. She scoffed internally. Smooth talkers are rarely good men. His stern face didn't seem like someone who would cook for his family. He looked like trouble.
"Let's start dinner. We can talk while we eat."
Everyone took their seats. The elders began eating, and the others followed suit.
Nathaniel had no food on his plate. He spent the entire meal taking care of the kids, making sure they were fed, and then peeling shrimp for Aurelia.
Cathy and Reed chatted while observing Nathaniel. So far, he hadn't done anything annoying, and Cathy was slightly impressed. Not many men took care of kids these days and Nathaniel seemed responsible.
The meal went well. Cathy wasn't as difficult to approach as Reed had feared. As they finished eating, Reed cautiously broached the subject.
"Cathy, these two have a deep bond and have been through a lot. Now that they're back together, it's not easy. They finally have a chance to reunite as a family. Could you give Nathaniel a chance to make up for his past mistakes with Aurelia?"
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