Chapter 455 Patricia Commits Murder
Aside from the grand New Year's Eve celebration at the Langley family home, where Martin and his family joined Mr. and Mrs. Langley for a festive dinner, their days were spent cherishing the close bond within their family of five. For Martin, such leisure time with his loved ones was a cherished rarity.
They explored the myriad attractions of Ivara City, immersing themselves in its vibrant offerings. Patricia, ever cautious about the children's safety during the more daring escapades, opted instead for a more tranquil lunch with her friend Jade Williams. Juggling the children's needs was hardly a chore for the trio; instead, it brought them closer, enveloping the family in a bubble of joy and unity.
Yet, as swiftly as it arrived, the holiday season ebbed away, ushering in the routine of school and the impending celebration of Shane's significant birthday. With school commitments beckoning the children and the young Maria not suited for travel due to her tender age and the chilly weather, Martin arranged for Mr. and Mrs. Langley to assist the nanny at home, ensuring Maria was in familiar company. With Maria's bubbly and outgoing personality, she warmed up to the couple in no time.
Upon their arrival in Country Y, Patricia and Martin chose not to immediately visit the Koch family. Instead, they settled into a hotel, biding their time to spring a surprise on Shane for his birthday.
The day dawned with a flurry of activity in Shane's household, contradicting his preference for a subdued celebration. Riley, however, believed a 90th birthday warranted a grand affair, a sentiment Shane eventually adopted, especially with the prospect of formally recognizing Patricia as his granddaughter.
The guest list read like a directory of Country Y's social elite, with arrivals commencing by noon, each bearing thoughtful gifts.
Grace, aiming for a blend of elegance and simplicity, donned a white strapless mermaid gown, its simplicity offset by a delicate diamond necklace.
With the celebration underway yet the guest of honor absent, Grace sought Shane in his study. Nearing the door, she caught snippets of Shane's conversation.
"Patricia, the birthday feast is about to start. Why haven't you arrived yet? I've missed you dearly these past few months."
Overhearing this, Grace's fists clenched, her eagerness to knock dissipating. Instead, she leaned closer, pressing her ear against the door to catch every word.
Although Patricia's responses were inaudible, Shane's next words, laden with disappointment, were clear. "Ah! You can't make it? But you promised me you'd be here."
Patricia's absence? To Grace, this was unexpectedly welcome news, a moment that brought a sigh of relief.
Was it possible Shane would withhold any formal acknowledgment for the time being?
Despite no explicit declaration from Shane, Grace sensed the significance of the event. It was meant to be the platform where Shane would formally recognize Patricia as his granddaughter, casting Grace into an embarrassing spotlight.
Yet, with Patricia's absence, might there still linger a chance for Grace?
Jolted from her reverie by Shane's voice, Grace remained outside the study, listening as he concluded his call with a resigned acceptance of Patricia's absence, yet urging her to visit soon for an important discussion.
After a brief pause, ensuring Shane's conversation had ended, Grace knocked softly on the door.
"Come in!" came Shane's prompt response.
With a gentle push, Grace entered the study, carefully closing the door behind her. Shane's gaze met hers, devoid of warmth, and he said, "Oh, it's you," laden with indifference, piercing Grace's heart with its coldness.
Suppressing her anger, she managed to force a smile. "Grandpa, almost all the guests have arrived. Big brother asked me to accompany you downstairs."
Shane, reclining in his chair with eyes closed, waved her off, expressing his disdain for the bustling crowd below. "Too many people, too noisy. I don't want to go down!"
A flicker of scorn crossed Grace's eyes.
Was it really the noise and the crowd he objected to, or was it because Patricia wasn't coming that he didn't want to go downstairs?
Yet, she masked her feelings, maintaining a courteous demeanor. "Grandpa, today's celebration is in your honor. You must be there. Allow me to assist you."
Offering her hand, she helped Shane to his feet. However, he quickly disengaged, leaning on his cane, and made his way to the door independently, his pride intact. "I can still walk; I don't need any assistance."
Grace's fists tightened, her nails biting into her skin, a testament to her simmering frustration. Shane's once affectionate and appreciative attitude towards her had vanished, leaving a chasm between them ever since the truth of her lineage had come to light.
Lowering her eyes to hide the resentment flickering within, Grace followed Shane with a smile.
Across town, Patricia had just picked up a specially designed birthday gift for Shane—a pocket watch she had designed herself but had commissioned from a boutique due to time constraints. This unique watch, capable of holding a photograph, was intended for Shane to keep a cherished memory of his daughter close.
Earlier, Shane had called to inquire about her arrival time. Patricia, hoping to surprise him, fabricated a last-minute emergency to justify her absence.
Upon their arrival at the Silver Birch Sanctuary, Jeremy, who was greeting guests at the entrance, warmly welcomed Patricia and Martin. "I was starting to wonder when you'd arrive! Grandpa seemed quite disappointed when he heard you couldn't make it," he shared.
Patricia, barely concealing her amusement, replied, "I thought a surprise would be more memorable!"
"A surprise, huh?" Jeremy looked thoughtful for a moment, then a spark of mischief lit up his eyes, and he whispered to Patricia, "What about we give him an even bigger surprise?"
Patricia blinked in confusion, looking at him with curiosity. Jeremy chuckled playfully and gave her a secretive wink.
As dusk settled, the Silver Birch Sanctuary was abuzz with activity as the final guests made their entrance. Jeremy, having warmly greeted each arrival at the gate, signaled for the staff to secure the entrance before joining the festivities inside.
The first floor was bustling, filled to the brim with guests adorned in their finest attire, the men in crisp suits and the women in graceful dresses.
Riley, navigating through the crowd, noticed Martin almost immediately. With a swift motion, he procured a glass of red wine from a server's tray and approached. "Mr. Langley, you seem to be on your own. Where might Patricia be?"
The departure of Hunter and the dissolution of Martin's engagement with Grace had set the stage for whispers and speculation. Yet, despite the lack of formal acknowledgment, the bond between Martin and Patricia was an open secret, accepted by all without question.
Martin took a light sip of red wine and chuckled, shaking his head. Patricia had vanished after a brief chat with Jeremy, keeping her whereabouts a mystery.
Suddenly, a scream pierced the stillness from upstairs.
"Ah… murder! Patricia has committed a murder…"
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