Only then did Arthur release the breath he’d been holding, a knot of tension quietly unraveling in his chest.

Edgar’s laughter rang out, cutting through the air like a reassuring pat on the back.

Back when Edgar still believed Amilia was his daughter, he had long given up hope of ever gaining a respectable son-in-law. Amilia had been married and divorced five times, with a trail of lovers in between, and she had so many scandals that she’d practically become the punchline of every joke in high society. But today, discovering that Rita was his real daughter and that she had married a man of such caliber filled Edgar with uncontainable joy.

Elsie was glowing just as brightly. “Arthur, we’re truly happy to meet you!”

Rita’s cheeks burned an even deeper shade of red. She hadn’t even adjusted to the idea of Arthur being her husband, yet her parents had already welcomed him as if the matter were decided. It felt like the universe itself was pushing her toward accepting him.

Elliana leaned in, whispering with playful mischief, “Mom, look at Dad. He’s so nervous meeting his in-laws that he’s practically tripping over his own manners. He’s really smitten with you!”

“Oh, you!” Rita pinched Elliana’s arm in gentle reprimand.

Elliana clutched the spot dramatically, wincing in mock pain, though her grin stretched from ear to ear.

Milton observed them with a softened gaze, a quiet warmth settling across his features.

At that moment, Cole stepped forward. He offered Edgar and Elsie a respectful greeting and then shifted seamlessly to Kaleb and Jenifer, his manner equally courteous and polished. Cole lived by one simple rule: he could not risk a single misstep with Elliana’s family. In fact, he had every intention of surpassing Arthur in sincerity, effort, and flawless manners.

Rita’s cheeks were still flushed from Elliana’s earlier teasing, but spotting a perfect chance for payback, she couldn’t resist. “Elliana, take a look at your husband; he’s being extra sweet today!”

: gν?

Elliana arched an eyebrow in disbelief. Who would have guessed her own mother, even with her memory loss, would tease her back just to get even?

Milton chimed in with a soft laugh. “Honestly, Dad and Cole just showed real devotion and the mark of a refined gentleman.”

Milton then moved forward to greet the Thompson family, eager to show his respect.

Edgar’s and Elsie’s faces glowed with happiness, their delight plain for all to see. Their eldest grandson, so tall, striking, and gifted, had quickly won their hearts. Once devastated by Karlee’s misdeeds and convinced they’d never see worthy successors, they now felt blessed beyond measure. Not only did they have a wonderful granddaughter, but they’d gained an equally outstanding grandson. Their fortune seemed almost unreal, as though good luck kept finding them again and again.

“Why don’t we continue this conversation at home since we’re all family?” Kaleb suggested, his smile gentle and welcoming.

The whole group made their way to the Thompson residence. Following breakfast, everyone gathered in the spacious drawing room.

Getting to the bottom of Rita’s past was the Thompson family’s top priority. After a bit of polite conversation, Kaleb smoothly turned the topic to her, prompting Elliana to recount the entire ordeal from start to finish.

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