Chapter 28 Four Major Families Gathered, Stunning the Crowd
At 6 o'clock in the evening, guests started arriving at the Lockhart family mansion one after another.
The brilliant lights in the mansion made this luxurious building in the center of the green lawn look exceptionally dazzling.
The hall was also decorated splendidly, exuding luxury everywhere.
As time passed, more and more people came and went to the party hall.
Theodore, dressed in a black suit with a black bow tie, exuded an air of elegance. He moved through the crowd, greeting the guests who kept coming and going.
However, the protagonist of the evening, Genevieve, had yet to make an appearance at the party. Her absence went unnoticed, as Genevieve had never been one to draw much attention, even tonight.
The influential officials and powerful guests who came to the party had already assumed that the birthday celebration hosted by the Lockhart family was just an excuse, not the main purpose of honoring Genevieve's birthday. Therefore, no one had inquired about her whereabouts.
At this moment, the Kingsley family arrived at the Lockhart family mansion.
Octavia's attire was particularly extravagant, as she wore a floor-length gown in bright red that immediately captured everyone's attention with its striking presence.
With a noble smile, she managed to conceal her pride well.
Theodore hurriedly approached and greeted her, "Welcome, Mrs. Kingsley."
Octavia warmly inquired, "Where is Mrs. Lockhart?"
Theodore replied, "She is still getting ready and will be down shortly."
"I have prepared a birthday gift for her." Octavia always displayed impeccable manners in public, a trait that Dominic had fully mastered, too.
As more and more people circulated in the hall, Theodore continued to greet them.
"Mr. Caspian Whitaker, welcome!" Theodore greeted warmly. "After so many years of your absence from public events, it is indeed a great privilege to see you here."
"You're too kind. Could I have missed Mrs. Lockhart's birthday party?" responded Caspian, the head of the four major families of Serenovia City, also known as Alaric's father.
Accompanying Caspian were his wife Arabella, his eldest son Christopher, his second son Jasper, and his youngest son Alaric.
All three of them politely greeted Theodore.
Theodore appeared amiable and friendly, especially when he addressed Alaric, saying, "I was amazed by your speech yesterday."
Alaric modestly replied, "You flatter me, Mr. Lockhart. It was just luck."
Theodore affirmed. "It wasn't just luck; you have the ability."
Caspian interjected humorously, "Stop praising him, or he won't be able to stop being proud. He's still far from your future son-in-law, Dominic."
Theodore joked, "If he keeps being so modest, that's a sign of pride." He avoided discussing Dominic further.
Fortunately, Atticus and his family arrived at the hall at that moment.
"Welcome, Mr. Atticus Everhart," Theodore greeted.
Atticus, accompanied by his wife Magnolia and their children Seraphina, Sebastian, and Dashiell, exchanged pleasantries with Caspian.
The Whitaker family was currently led by the eldest son, Christopher, so people rarely had the opportunity to see Caspian in person. His presence at the birthday party was quite surprising.
Cecilia, standing at the top of the staircase, observed the guests in the party hall.
As she watched Dominic among the influential officials and nobles, she couldn't understand why she had been so devoted to helping him reach heights he could never achieve on his own. However, this time, Dominic had no chance of developing into a noble family.
Cecilia controlled her emotions, tightly holding Genevieve's arm.
Suddenly, the lights in the hall dimmed, and a dazzling spotlight illuminated them on the second floor.
Dressed in radiant black and pure white, they appeared angelic, captivating everyone in a dreamlike moment.
With the melodious music playing, Cecilia led Genevieve down the red carpet from the second floor, becoming the center of attention and causing Genevieve to feel nervous.
Genevieve couldn't believe what she was seeing. ’Isn't I supposed to be having a simple dinner celebration with Theodore? What happened behind this grand birthday party?’
Nervously, she followed Cecilia's steps, guided by the bright lights that followed their every move.
Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, Theodore appeared.
He stood tall and gentlemanly in his well-fitted suit, showing no signs of aging despite being over fifty.
He bent down, extending his hand with the utmost courtesy to welcome the most important woman in his life.
Genevieve stared at Theodore in astonishment, overwhelmed by the unexpected surprise that left her momentarily speechless.
Cecilia placed Genevieve's hand in Theodore's, and as the symphony orchestra played a beautiful dance tune, Theodore led Genevieve to the center of the dance floor.
They began their first dance of the evening, a magnificent and romantic duet that left everyone in awe.
From speechless astonishment to lively discussions, the guests were captivated by the scene before them.
"Oh my, is that Genevieve? She looks like a completely different person! I can't believe it's her without Theodore by her side."
"That crown on her head is simply stunning. Is that the 420,000-dollar sapphire from the charity gala? So extravagant!"
"What a perfect figure! Genevieve's dancing is exquisite."
"Theodore's birthday celebration for Genevieve has truly amazed me."
In the hall, some people were driven to jealousy by the spectacle unfolding before them.