Chapter 450 A Family Gathering Where Everyone Harbors Unspeakable Secrets
The next day, Brooklyn didn't sleep until noon as expected. She woke up just half an hour later than Sebastian. After freshening up, she went downstairs and found the house had changed.
Three maids, dressed in uniform maid outfits, stood neatly in the first-floor hall. Seeing Brooklyn come down, the three maids bowed their heads and respectfully said, "Mrs. Kingsley, good morning."
Brooklyn's mouth twitched slightly, "Good morning."
Sebastian acted too fast, didn't he? It was only 7:30 in the morning. When did he arrange for the maids?
Moreover, these three people looked very efficient. They must be very good at their jobs. Where did he find them?
"You're up. Let's have breakfast."
While she was still puzzled, Sebastian came out of the kitchen, holding a tray with the breakfast he had personally prepared.
Brooklyn was confused. "Didn't you hire maids? Why are you still cooking yourself? Wouldn't it be better to leave this to them?"
Sebastian seemed to be enjoying himself, as if he had become addicted to cooking. "Making breakfast for my wife with my own hands is the best thing. There's nothing better than this."
Brooklyn was both amused and exasperated by his pampering. Sebastian really spoiled her too much.
Holding a knife and fork, Brooklyn ate her breakfast and looked up at Sebastian. "I know about Marc. You did a great job."
Sebastian looked up, meeting her gaze across the table. "This is just the beginning. We have a lot to do to take back The Mitchell Group."
Brooklyn nodded, chewing on some greens. "Aren't you curious about how I found out?"
Sebastian just ate his food and smiled, "How you found out isn't important. What you know isn't important either. You have the right to know everything about me."
Brooklyn didn't expect such an answer from Sebastian, feeling a bit uneasy. Should she be more honest with him too?
But she felt it wasn't the right time yet. She decided to wait a bit longer.
She teased. "Don't say that. I know you only let me know what you want me to know. If you didn't want me to know, how could I find out? I can't even imagine how many thoughts are in Mr. Kingsley's head."
Sebastian cut a small piece of steak and put it in his mouth. "You'll know everything eventually. By the way, I need to go back to The Kingsley Villa today. Do you want to come?"
Hearing The Kingsley Villa, Brooklyn's knife and fork instinctively paused. "I don't want to go."
She didn't want to see Brian or Jennifer, nor did she want to return to a place filled with so much humiliation. At least not now.
Sebastian nodded, "Alright, I'll be back as soon as I can. If you get bored at home, you can go out. If there's anything the house needs, feel free to get it. Take a maid with you, don't carry things yourself."
Brooklyn felt the knife and fork in her hand getting heavier. Was Sebastian trying to spoil her that much?
"No need. I'm not that delicate. If I let others do everything, I'll be easily replaced. I like doing things myself."
Sebastian raised an eyebrow, "No one can replace you, but as long as you like it."
Sebastian hadn't been back to the Kingsley Villa for a while either. Brooklyn didn't want to come, and neither did he.
But today's gathering seemed unavoidable for Sebastian.
Sebastian strode into The Kingsley Villa, and the butler respectfully opened the door. "Mr. Sebastian Kingsley."
"Is everyone here?" Sebastian asked in a low voice.
"Yes, they're all waiting in the living room."
Sebastian's lips curled into a fleeting, cold smile.
"Sebastian, long time no see!"
As soon as Sebastian stepped into the foyer, a dark figure enthusiastically hugged him, patting his back with a familiarity that suggested they had known each other for decades.
Sebastian naturally pushed away Herschel Kingsley, who had hugged his shoulders, and spoke in a calm tone, "Uncle Herschel, long time no see."
Herschel laughed. "My son and I have been abroad for years, rarely coming back. It's a pity we've grown distant as a family!"
Sebastian smiled faintly, "You and Donny have been in Coralhaven for years. It's rare for you to come back."
"As people get older, they can't forget their hometown. I am getting old and needs to return to my roots to feel a sense of belonging."
Despite Herschel's enthusiasm, Sebastian remained indifferent and composed, showing no signs of warmth at the reunion.
At this moment, Donny Kingsley, who was sitting on the sofa, also stood up. he had taken off his suit jacket after entering and was now wearing a white shirt with a black vest. Just over thirty, Donny had inherited the Kingsley family's good genes, with striking looks and an extraordinary presence, especially his sharp, calculating eyes.
Compared to his father's enthusiasm, Donny was much calmer. "Sebastian, everyone is waiting for you."
Sebastian's lips curved slightly, and he nodded, "Alright."
Quinn sat on the side, like an observer, watching everything unfold, minding his own business.
Once everyone was seated, Herschel began to praise Sebastian's achievements over the past few years, practically crowning him as a genius.
But Sebastian leaned back on the sofa, leisurely sipping tea, listening to Herschel's flattery, occasionally responding simply.
Sebastian could almost predict that after all the praise, Herschel would inevitably ask for something.
Years had passed, but Herschel hadn't changed a bit.
Sure enough, after Herschel's face was flushed with laughter, he leaned towards Sebastian, his smile still lingering, but his words took a sharp turn. "Sebastian, I heard that MBK Group's Aucester Hospital is developing a new antibiotic. Who do you plan to put in charge of this project?"
Sebastian twirled the teacup with his fingers, glancing at him seemingly unintentionally. "Uncle Herschel, what do you mean by this?"
Herschel laughed awkwardly, "I don't mean anything. Donny and I acquired a large pharmaceutical factory in Libertya. It's one of the top drug production bases in the country. If you trust me, why not give me the production rights for this batch of drugs? I guarantee..."
"Uncle Herschel," Sebastian interrupted, "this batch of drugs is still in the experimental phase and hasn't gone into production yet. You're being a bit hasty."
Donny quickly added, "Sebastian is right. Drugs must be handled with caution. We can decide once the final product is confirmed. The factory is always ready. Whenever you need it, we can start production. What do you think?"
Sebastian took a sip of tea. "Donny, did you acquire the factory just to wait for my order? What if the research fails? Wouldn't you lose a lot of money?"
Donny smiled, "Your projects have never failed! I believe in you!"
Quinn sneered and interjected, "Donny, trust is mutual. One-sided trust is useless."
Brian, who had been silent, snorted, "Quinn?"
With that one word, Quinn fell silent.
"Excuse me, I need to use the restroom." Ignoring the atmosphere in the living room and everyone's calculations, Sebastian got up and walked towards the restroom.
As he stepped outside, he heard low murmurs from the hallway.
"Aunt Jennifer, is it true that Sebastian is with Brooklyn? I heard Brooklyn was dead."
"It's her."
"Sebastian is being irrational. I don't think Brooklyn is suitable for him. After all, she is a bad woman..."
The voices gradually lowered, and Sebastian couldn't hear them anymore.
But those few sentences were enough to ignite his anger.
Brooklyn was a bad woman?
When did it become anyone else's place to judge his wife?
"Everyone's here, great. We'll start eating soon. I personally cooked Coralhaven lobster for you all. I guarantee you'll love it."
The voice belonged to Donny's wife, Anne Britton.
Jennifer walked gracefully, her elegant dress and exquisite makeup making her stand out. Despite the age difference, she stood next to Anne without losing any charm.
Jennifer said, "Anne has been so thoughtful and capable. Donny is lucky to have such a good wife. I'm really envious."
"Aunt Jennifer, you're joking. I've heard that Sebastian's wife is an internationally renowned surgeon. Now that's truly impressive." Anne smiled hypocritically.
Her casual mention changed the atmosphere in the living room.
Jennifer smiled, "Brooklyn is indeed capable! But a woman should be brought home. It's better that way!"
The implication was clear: she was hinting to Sebastian that Brooklyn didn't even attend such an important family dinner. Herschel hadn't been back in years, and she had formally notified Sebastian to attend the afternoon banquet. Yet, he came alone.
Sebastian smiled faintly, "Anne is indeed impressive. Winning over my mom with just one meal. I'm looking forward to this dish."
"It'll be ready soon."
Anne and Donny had married in Australia, and she had no direct interaction with Sebastian. She had only heard that Sebastian was strong-willed and domineering, not someone to be trifled with. And indeed, he wasn't.
Dinner was served promptly at seven.
The seemingly harmonious family dinner was relatively peaceful, as everyone was putting on a facade and saying pleasant things.
But as they ate, Anne smiled and said, "Sebastian, they say your wife is a rare beauty with unmatched grace and ability. I'd love to meet her someday."
Quinn, eating his food, casually said, "Anne, my sister-in-law works in the cardiology department at Aucester Hospital. If you want to meet her, it's easy. Just book an appointment with her."
"Quinn, how can you speak to Anne like that?" Jennifer shot a cold glance at him.
Sebastian said, "Quinn is right. Why blame him, Mom? Brooklyn is a doctor, busy saving lives. She doesn't have the time to spend hours in the kitchen making a dish. If Anne wants to meet her, she'd better go to the hospital."
Jennifer, blocked by Sebastian's words, muttered unhappily, "Sebastian, you're actually defending Brooklyn!"
Sebastian put down his knife and fork, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and tossed it aside. "Brooklyn is my wife. If I don't defend her, who will? I'm done eating. You all continue."
He pushed back his chair and left the table, his demeanor showing he didn't care about anyone.
Herschel? Donny?
They were just eyeing the Kingsley family's assets, wanting to hold some shares in MBK Group. With business abroad not doing well recently, they wanted to develop back home!
And they dared to judge his wife in front of him? They were courting death!
As Sebastian left, Herschel, Donny, and Anne were all taken aback.
"Sebastian! Stop right there!" The last person to speak was Brian, his expression unchanged, still holding his knife and fork as if cutting meat.
"What is it, Dad?" Sebastian raised an eyebrow.
Brian was furious. "I can ignore your relationship with Brooklyn, but listen to me. If MBK Group's stock price fluctuates again because of her, I won't let you off easily!"
Since Brian mentioned the stock price fluctuation...
Sebastian sneered, "Dad, Uncle Herschel, you've seen the MBK Group's stock market. Even a little negative news about me can cause a huge fluctuation. In the future, I'll need you both to help stabilize my position and prevent such dramatic situations from happening again."
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