Chapter 456 Stay with Me for a Lifetime
"Michael can't stand Danielle being next to me for even a minute. She's my great-granddaughter, too." Seraphina grumbled, glancing back to see Michael leading Danielle into the crowd for more introductions. She turned to her old friends and vented.
Jessica had just been pulled aside for a quick chat by a relative she barely remembered from a Harriman family birthday party. After some small talk, she turned to see the scene and thought it wasn't the right time to compete with Michael and Seraphina for Danielle's attention.
Danielle, like a little butterfly, was being led around by Michael. She looked a bit lost but went along with it, greeting everyone politely.
The few old men who always competed with Michael over whose great-grandchild was born first and whose kid was cuter. They stood there, looking a bit miffed, talking to Michael, who was all smiles and in a great mood.
For some, tonight wasn't entirely boring.
Gabriel's parents had flown back from the Country Y just for this family gathering. They came to see Jessica and Danielle. And of course, their adopted daughter Kimberly was with them.
Kimberly didn't really stand out among the Harriman family's relatives and friends. As an adopted daughter who spent most of her time abroad, she rarely came back to Country Y. Even when she studied domestically for a year, she hadn't made many close friends, so only a few people remembered her.
But recently, Kimberly had stirred up some trouble for Jessica online, and rumors had spread. This made the Harriman family view Kimberly differently.
In such a setting, with Gabriel's parents bringing Kimberly to the party, who knew what might happen?
At 7:30, the car carrying Gabriel's parents finally pulled up at the Harriman Estate.
Jessica, standing in the main hall, was about to go greet them, but Michael signaled her to stay put instead of going out of her way to welcome them.
Even though Michael might not have the best attitude towards his son and daughter-in-law, Jessica was still their daughter-in-law. Since it was her first time meeting Gabriel's father, wouldn't it be rude not to greet them?
She looked at Gabriel, who glanced at the car that had just arrived and then gave her a calm look.
Jessica got the message. His parents had returned, but they clearly weren't ready to meet their daughter-in-law right away. Normally, as a daughter-in-law, Jessica would have to make a good impression on Gabriel's parents, but at this family gathering, everyone was watching her. Any small gesture would be noticed and magnified, showing whether Jessica was favored or neglected by her in-laws.
She saw the three people in the crowd: Gabriel's parents and Kimberly. They hadn't changed clothes for the grand event, looking travel-worn as if they had just rushed from the airport.
"The flight was delayed for over two hours, and we barely made it back. We didn't even have time to change clothes," Brooklyn said, greeting old acquaintances with a smile, not mentioning the purpose of their return.
The implication was clear: they didn't come back specifically to see anyone.
Fred and Sarah went to greet them, and other Harriman family members took care of the luggage and other tasks.
Everyone was watching Jessica's reaction, but just then, Danielle ran over from Michael's side to Jessica and Gabriel, holding their hands. The family of three stood at the entrance, showing no signs of being disturbed by the newly arrived.
Jessica had seen Brooklyn and Kimberly before, but Benjamin was new to her.
Benjamin's gaze briefly swept over Jessica before he looked coldly at Gabriel.
Danielle, standing in front of Gabriel and Jessica, curiously asked, "Mommy, Daddy, who is that?"
Hearing Danielle's voice, Benjamin glanced at her. His initially cold expression softened slightly at the sight of her cute face, but he still looked displeased as he walked into the main hall. Brooklyn and Kimberly followed, their eyes only briefly resting on Danielle.
Danielle looked at Benjamin and Brooklyn, not understanding their expressions. She hugged Gabriel's leg, curiously tilting her head to watch them.
Benjamin and Brooklyn greeted Michael and Seraphina respectfully. After exchanging a few words, other relatives and guests also came forward, complaining how long it had been since they had seen the couple.
Finally, Benjamin and Brooklyn turned their attention to Gabriel and Jessica.
"Mom, Dad," Gabriel said calmly, his tone neutral.
Jessica pulled Danielle closer, nodding politely. She hesitated to call them "Mom" and "Dad," glancing at Gabriel. The two of them, in perfect sync, pulled Danielle behind them, not intending to introduce her to her grandparents just yet.
Benjamin's stern expression showed his displeasure as he looked at Jessica, clearly waiting for her to speak.
But even if Jessica called them "Mom" and "Dad," she might not receive their approval.
Seeing Jessica's silence, Benjamin's displeasure grew.
"Are you waiting for Jessica to greet you?" Michael suddenly interjected, his tone seemingly cheerful but with an underlying message. "You haven't given her a gift yet. It's not appropriate for her to call you two Mom and Dad now. What do you think, Gabriel?"
Gabriel, standing beside Jessica, ignored the meaningful looks from Benjamin and Brooklyn. He held Jessica's hand and glanced at Danielle, agreeing with Michael. "If we're going to receive gifts, it's only right to formally introduce her to my parents."
Tall and handsome, Gabriel held his wife and daughter's hands. In front of everyone in the main hall, he looked at Benjamin and Brooklyn with a serious expression that brooked no argument. "This is Jessica, my wife, the woman who will be with me for life. This is Danielle, our daughter."
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