Chapter 68

Peter approached Lilly with a smile, enveloping her in a warm hug. "I've missed you so much, my child," he said, his voice thick with emotion. Lilly had thought she would be angry when she saw him again, maybe even lash out at him for abandoning her instead of seeking forgiveness. But here she was, feeling nothing but happiness at his return.

She wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly. "Father," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

Caleb watched the scene with a satisfied smile. He had orchestrated his son's return, ensuring that Peter would be there for this momentous occasion.

Around them, guests at the banquet paused to observe the father-daughter reunion. Those who knew the backstory began to whisper among themselves.

"It looks like the old master has asked his son to come back."

"Yes, that's how it appears."

"Do you think she'll forgive him?"

"Judging by the look of things, she might."

Meanwhile, little Viola, who had been enjoying her cookies, stopped eating when she noticed tears in her mother's eyes. Confused by the man standing with her mother, she assumed he was the reason for her tears. She looked up at her uncle Richard, seeking answers.

"Put me down, Uncle Richard."

"Why? Where are you going?"

"To see Mommy," she said, pointing towards her mother.

Richard followed her gaze and was surprised to see Lilly's father. "He's back."

Viola, still curious, asked, "Uncle, do you know that man?"

"Yes, Viola, he's your grandfather."

Her brow furrowed in confusion. "Grandfather?"

Richard nodded. "Yes."

"Why is he making Mommy cry?"

"I think those are tears of joy."

"Hmmm," she said thoughtfully.

"Do you want to go meet him?"

She nodded.

Richard stood up from their seat and walked towards Lilly. He gently placed Viola on the ground, and she walked over to the man and her mother.

"Mommy, who is this?" she asked, pointing at Peter, who looked down at her with a wide smile, clearly filled with pain from missing her early years.

Though Uncle Richard had already told her who he was, she still wanted her mother to confirm it.

Lilly picked her up, holding her close. "This is your grandfather, Mommy's father."

Little Viola blinked, trying to process the new information. She had always known about her great-grandfather, but she hadn't realized she also had a grandfather.

Peter smiled at her warmly. "Do you want me to carry you?" he asked gently.

Viola nodded, and Peter lifted her into his arms. "You're so big already and so adorable. Grandfather regrets not being here when you were born," he said, his voice tinged with sadness.

Lilly smiled sadly, recalling how her father had been disowned by her grandfather, forcing him to leave. Now that he was back, it meant her grandfather had accepted him again. Lilly glanced towards Caleb, who smiled and nodded encouragingly.

Seeing her father and Viola getting along, she decided to step away and use the opportunity to call Alexander, who had not yet arrived.

"Are you ready to forgive him?" Richard asked as she approached.

"I think so. I didn't realize how much I missed him until now," she admitted.

Richard smiled. "It's good you are. You need him."

"I do," she agreed.

"I'll go meet Sophia. You should call Alexander," Richard said, walking away.

Lilly went to the spacious balcony near the pool to call Alexander. The calm and quiet atmosphere, coupled with the fresh air, provided a serene backdrop. She closed her eyes, taking deep breaths, feeling grateful that her father was back. She took out her phone to call Alexander.

"Looking for me?" came Alexander's voice. He had just entered the banquet hall and scanned for her, paying no heed to the now-silent hall.

Lilly turned and smiled, running to hug him. "Alexander," she said, her arms wrapped around him.

Alexander looked at her face. "Did you cry?"

She nodded.

Alexander frowned. "Why?"

"I'm just being emotional. I'm actually happy that my father is back."

"Your father is back?"

She nodded. "Yes, and I didn't know I would miss him this much."

"Are you glad he is back?"

She nodded again. "Yes."

"Are you ready to forgive him?"

"Yes, I am."

Alexander wiped her tears and kissed her forehead. "Don't ruin your makeup. It looks good on you."

She laughed and nodded.

"Where is Viola?"

"She's with my father. They're already getting along," Lilly said with a smile.

Alexander nodded. "I don't even know if your grandma and Sandra are here yet."

"They are. They arrived at the same time as I did."

"Okay," she said, relaxing her head on his chest.

Alexander wrapped his arm around her. "The view here is nice. Do you want to stay longer before they start serving meals?"

"We should go inside. Don't you plan on giving your grandfather his gift?"

"No."

"Why?" Lilly raised her head to look at him.

"Because his gift hasn't arrived yet. It will come in a few weeks."

"What is it?"

"I can't tell you yet, but it's something he'll like," Alexander smiled.

Lilly gazed at him suspiciously. "Okay, if you say so. We should go inside now."

Alexander held her hand, and they both went inside.

The banquet continued with everyone eating, drinking, and dancing. The air was filled with laughter and music as the guests celebrated the joyous occasion. The clinking of glasses and the harmonious tunes of the orchestra added to the festive atmosphere. Not far from the Blake estate, an old car was parked by the road. A woman in a nose mask and hoodie sat inside, watching the banquet live on her cell phone. She had an inside man secretly filming the event.

She frowned as she saw Lilly dancing happily with Alexander and their daughter. Her eyes narrowed, and her grip on the phone tightened, revealing the bitterness she held within. "Let's see how long this happy family will last," she said, clenching her fist, her voice barely a whisper but filled with malice.

The celebration continued inside, oblivious to the ominous presence lurking outside. The guests enjoyed themselves, indulging in the exquisite dishes served by the renowned chefs hired for the occasion. Caleb, the patriarch of the family, moved from table to table, engaging with his friends and family, his heart full of joy at having his family reunited.

Peter, still holding Viola, approached Caleb with Lilly by his side. The three generations together was a sight that warmed many hearts in the room. Caleb's eyes shone with unshed tears as he looked at his son and granddaughter. "It's good to have you back, Peter," he said, his voice choked with emotion.

"It's good to be back, Father," Peter replied, his voice steady but filled with gratitude.

Viola, perched on her grandfather's shoulder, looked between the two men, sensing the weight of their words. She didn't fully understand the complexities of their past, but she felt the love and reconciliation in the air.

As the night wore on, Lilly and Alexander moved to the dance floor, swaying gently to the soft melody. Viola, now with Richard and Sophia, watched them with a smile. Her small heart was content, surrounded by family and love.

"Look at them," Sophia said, nodding towards Lilly and Alexander. "They're perfect together."

Richard agreed, his arm around Sophia. "They deserve this happiness."

Meanwhile, Peter stood with Caleb, both men observing the scene with pride. "Thank you for bringing me back," Peter said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Caleb placed a hand on his shoulder. "We all make mistakes, son. It's how we make amends that matters."

Peter nodded, his eyes on Lilly, who laughed as Alexander spun her around. "I won't leave again. I promise."

Caleb smiled, squeezing his son's shoulder. "I know you won't."

The night continued with laughter and joy, each moment building on the last, creating memories that would last a lifetime. As the clock struck midnight, the guests gathered around Caleb, raising their glasses in a toast to the man who had brought them all together.

"To Caleb," Alexander said, his voice carrying over the crowd. "A man who has taught us the true meaning of family."

"To Caleb!" the guests echoed, their voices mingling with the music and laughter.

Not far from the Blake estate, an old car was parked by the road. A woman in a nose mask and hoodie sat inside, watching the banquet live on her cell phone. She had an inside man secretly filming the event.

She frowned as she saw Lilly dancing happily with Alexander and their daughter. “Let’s see how long this happy family will last,” she said, clenching her fist.