Chapter 352 A Public Kiss to Quell Your Anger
The three children exchanged knowing glances before turning their collective gaze towards Nora. "We'll listen to Mommy," they chimed in unison.Nora faltered under their intense scrutiny, the weight of their stares pressing heavily upon her. "Um... I..." she began, her voice wavering.However, before she could gather her thoughts, Aaron's arms encircled her waist. "After your mother and I get married, we can stay in both Lindwood City and Houston," he proposed. His tone was soft, almost coddling, yet it stirred a sense of unease within Nora. She yearned for him to release her, but the circumstances dictated a more delicate approach to their relationship.Forcing a smile, she responded with a casual air, "Okay."
"Alright, gentlemen, let's not frighten the children. I'm sure Nora and Aaron have their plans." Ebenezer interjected, his grin serving to dissipate the tension that had begun to thicken. The bickering between the two patriarchs ceased at his intervention."Mr. Hamilton, the banquet is about to commence," an assistant informed Ebenezer, who acknowledged the update with a nod."Dad, it's time for the banquet. Let's go," Ebenezer said.
Mr. Hamilton Senior rose from the sofa, aided by Alex and Billy.A smug glance was cast in Jacob's direction by Mr. Hamilton Senior, evidently pleased with the children's show of respect. Jacob's countenance darkened, his resolve to remove the children from this environment solidifying. They would not be left behind!"Great-grandfather, let me help you," Samantha offered, rushing to Jacob's side. Jacob's stern expression softened at her gesture. "Good girl, Samantha is always so considerate of her great-grandfather."Alex and Billy shared a knowing look, their laughter bubbling forth. They found the antics of their elders more juvenile than their own.The group then vacated the rest area, making their way into the banquet hall.Emma joined them, positioning herself alongside Kenneth. She mustered a forced smile, her gaze briefly lingering on Nora before hastily darting away. Her struggle to maintain composure was evident.Nora felt as though she was being roasted over an open flame. She was trapped in a situation not of her choosing. From a distance, several hostile glances bore into her. Nora's gaze met those of Suzy and Jackson, with Ken lurking nearby. They were all known for their underhanded tactics.Nora sighed, her frustration mounting. She yearned for a simple life as a doctor, raising her three children in peace. Yet, she found herself entangled in the power struggles of a wealthy family and a bitter feud. The blame rested squarely on one individual's shoulders. As her frustration peaked, she felt a comforting warmth encircle her waist. Aaron's arm wrapped around her, offering silent support. Nora responded by playfully pinching his fingers, a subtle release of her pent-up anger. Aaron leaned in, his voice a low, magnetic whisper, "If your anger continues like this, I'll kiss you in front of everyone."Nora remained silent, resigned to Aaron's audacious declarations and actions. She quickly withdrew her hand, eliciting a smirk from Aaron. His dark eyes twinkled with affectionate amusement."Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Mr. Hamilton Senior's 80th birthday celebration…" The host's voice echoed from the stage, pulling Nora back to the present. She reined in her emotions, focusing on the ongoing event. The banquet proceeded with the usual pleasantries and well-wishes. Nora listened to the host's animated introduction and watched as Ebenezer was invited onto the stage. She knew her turn was imminent. Despite her calm exterior, a sense of unease lingered. It felt inappropriate; after all, she was not Emma's biological daughter.
Upon the stage, following his heartfelt birthday wishes to Mr. Hamilton Senior, Ebenezer continued his address. "Today, we celebrate my father's 80th birthday, and I am thrilled to share another piece of joyous news. Nora, please join me." Nora, her smile never wavering, ascended the stage, her skirts rustling with each step. Ebenezer met her with a tender gaze, placing a gentle arm around her shoulder as they faced the expectant crowd below."Many of you are aware of the heartbreaking loss my wife and I suffered when our daughter passed away. However, there was another truth concealed during that mournful time. Our daughter did not die as we had believed; she was secretly taken by our enemies." He paused, his gaze settling on Nora. "Now, after all these years, our true daughter has been found. It is Nora!"The crowd below erupted into gasps of surprise. No one had anticipated such a revelation. Nora's smile remained as her gaze swept over Emma, standing below. A sense of helplessness washed over her. Emma was crying, but her tears were not of joy, but of anger.On the other side of the stage, Suzy watched Nora, glowing under the spotlight, with envy in her eyes. 'This wretched woman, why is she so fortunate? She's merely an illegitimate daughter, unfit for high society, yet she has become the Hamilton family's biological daughter! And I can't even expose her true identity for fear of tarnishing the Hamilton family's reputation,' Suzy thought. As the adopted daughter of the Hamilton family, she found it unbecoming.Yet, as Nora thrived and drew attention, how could she remain content?Suzy's frown deepened, her gaze landing on Ken nearby. When she met his shocked and cold eyes, her pupils shifted."Jackson, didn't you mention that Ken had a falling out with Nora and Aaron because of his son? Why don't you persuade him to deal with Nora?"She couldn't handle Nora herself, but she could manipulate others to do her bidding.Ken was just the tool she needed!"Suzy, if you want me to manipulate Ken into doing our bidding, I need some leverage too," Jackson whispered in her ear. "Although it appears that I've aligned myself with the Turner family, Ken has been observing whether I'm a suitable partner. I need to demonstrate my strength, make him listen to me."Suzy glanced at him. "Aren't you just trying to manipulate my mother to get the Woodhouse family on your side?"Jackson smirked wickedly, wrapping an arm around her waist. "My fiancée is indeed astute."Suzy gave a cold smile and removed his hand."Don't worry, my mother never liked Nora . Now, she's being forced by my father to accept Nora as her biological daughter. She's repulsed. A few more words in her ear, and I guarantee she'll lend the Woodhouse family her full support, helping you regain power in the Gordon family."Jackson, pleased, took her hand and kissed it lightly."My love, once I replace Aaron as the head of the Gordon Group, I will make you the happiest woman in the world, the envy of all."Hearing this, Suzy lifted her chin slightly, her gaze drifting towards Aaron in the distance.She didn't need everyone's admiration; she just wanted to see Aaron regret his actions!On the stage, after exchanging a few polite words with the host, Nora stepped down.Immediately, all eyes turned her way.She had inadvertently become the center of attention.Finally, the first part of the banquet concluded, and the guests dispersed to continue their merriment.The two elder men, weary of the noise and bustle, were assisted as they prepared to retire to the lounge."Take my great-grandchildren to play; look after them," Mr. Hamilton Senior instructed a servant, who took the three children away respectfully. Not far away, Ken watched the three children, his fists clenched.Those three little rascals had embarrassed him once before. He was determined to show them what he was made of.
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