Chapter 318
""It's been days since your last visit; seeing you is quite an accomplishment,"" Mildred quipped.
""But Luna comes every day to keep you company,"" Joseph teased as he sat beside Grandma, his deep blue vest and shirt only accentuating his dark, penetrating eyes that seemed to see through everything.
""I'm aware,"" Mildred grumbled, ""you know she's not just here for me. She wants to see you. After all, ever since that illegitimate child popped up, Leo is hell-bent on divorce. I think he's lost his mind; you can't just throw away a marriage like that.""
Joseph stroked his chin. ""Seems like Luna has her ways. She is charming enough to manipulate you to take her side.""
""Do I need charming? I've seen my share of dirty deeds in high society,"" Mildred sighed, ""like your parents' divorce—something I opposed from start to finish.""
Joseph fished out a cigarette from his pocket. He was not in a hurry to light it. He was just turning it over in his hands with a brooding expression shadowing his features.
Mildred sighed. ""Luna mentioned to me today that next week is Chapman's birthday. She's planning a dinner with friends and family and wants you there. If you cut her off now, her mom might end up going through with the divorce.""
It was as if Joseph didn't hear a word. He pulled out a matchbox and, with deliberate attention, struck a match and lit his cigarette.
""What's it going to be? Are you going or what?"" Mildred raised her voice, obviously irritated. ""If you're not into Luna, return to the dating scene. But make no mistake. You'll get married this year.""
""I'll go. With how you've laid it out, how can I not?"" Joseph said with a wry smile as he stood up. ""It's late, Mom. You should get some sleep.""
""That's more like it,"" said Mildred. She was finally satisfied. She smiled and retreated to her room for the night.
Soon enough, Chapman's birthday arrived.
He turned sixty-eight this year, but he didn't go for extravagance. Instead, he invited people at a local hotel for dinner.
The guests were longstanding business associates and a mix of family and friends.
Leo arrived with Cassie and David at eleven and made a grand introduction. ""This is my daughter's fiancé, David, and he's also the CEO of Wit Group.""
""Wit Group? What's that? Never heard of it,"" Lilian remarked with a hint of disdain.
David replied with a composed and graceful smile, ""Wit Group is an integrated pharmaceutical conglomerate that spans industry, technology, and trade. We have international branches and ventured into New York this year. We've just constructed a new 5,000 square foot facility in the economic zone and recently secured financing of five billion to expand along the coast officially.""
The crowd was taken aback. New York's economic zone was booming, and David's ability to plan and successfully establish a foothold there spoke volumes about his capabilities despite his young age.
Mr. Gabriel commented, ""Chapman, your future grandson-in-law is a real up-and-comer. The medical field will only grow in importance, and he's got a promising future ahead of him.""
Grandpa Chapman, who had reservations about David being from Madison before this, was now satisfied. ""Yes, my granddaughter has quite the eye for talent. And when they get married, you all will be invited for a drink.""
Cassie rolled her eyes at her grandfather's opportunism.
Yet, even she hadn't anticipated David's swift rise, establishing himself in New York before she had.
""By the way, Chapman,"" another guest, Adrian, said with anticipation, ""I heard you have another granddaughter dating Joseph. How come we haven't seen her? Joseph's going to be here today, right?""
Chapman's face stiffened—he wasn't quite sure himself.
Right then, a commotion at the door turned all heads.
Everyone's gaze shifted as the tall and handsome Joseph entered, dressed in an emerald green pinstripe suit tailored by a top international designer, exuding an aura of elite authority. By his side, Luna clung to Joseph's arm, nestled like a gentle bird, wearing a striking red dress.
The pair seemed as though they were strutting down a red carpet.
Behind them followed Vera and Clark, beaming so broadly they could hardly contain their smiles.
The siblings wore their pride unmistakably; originally, Joseph had been somewhat indifferent toward Luna, but to their delight, he had agreed to attend Chapman's birthday celebration."
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