Chapter 6 He's Supporting the Milligan Family

• Taken aback, Lance looked down at River. "Why do you want to go there?"
• "There must be lots of delicious food and fun things at the banquet. Daddy, can you take me there, please?" River gazed expectantly at his father.
• Lance's heart fluttered. The way the little guy constantly called him 'Daddy' was simply heart-melting.
• Seeing that, Sandra quickly chimed in, "See, even the little one wants to go. Just take him to experience it!"
• Lance snapped back to reality, dismissing the impractical thought, and firmly refused, "It's not a place for children. Whatever you want, the Jardel Estate can provide."
• River pursed his lips, his large eyes misting with tears. "But River really wants to go to the banquet… Does Daddy think River is a big trouble? If Daddy doesn't like River, then I… I won't bother Daddy anymore."
• With a dejected expression, he released Lance's hand and turned to leave.
• Lance's eyes twitched. He swiftly grabbed River by the collar and lifted him into his arms, scolding him, "You can only stay for a little while, then you have to come home with me obediently, understand?"
• River's eyes immediately lit up as he hugged Lance's neck and rubbed his face against it. "Got it, thank you, Daddy."
• Lance's heart fluttered again, and he took a deep breath. "One more condition: no more calling me Daddy!"
• He didn't want people at the banquet to misunderstand and think he had an illegitimate child.
• "Okay…" River pouted.
• Oh, dummy daddy failed to recognize his own child, but to be able to attend the banquet, I'll refrain from calling him Daddy.
• Declan could see through his boss' thoughts and his lips twitched. With this child's looks alone, anyone with eyes would think he's your son. Only you think otherwise… Oh, whatever floats his boat. Why should I worry about his personal affairs?
• Sandra, seeing Lance's agreement, immediately cheered, "Come on, let's go!"
• River glanced at her and snorted disdainfully inwardly. As if I care about some lousy banquet! Mommy's going to be there later. The Milligans are all big meanies; if they dare to bully Mommy, River will make sure they regret it!
• …
• After settling Crystal and Stella, Yvette checked the time and hailed a cab. The Milligan Family had deceived her for over twenty years, and on this day, she intended to put an end to it.
• The celebration banquet for Milligan Enterprises was held at the Sovereign Grand Hotel.
• Trevor Milligan moved graciously among the celebrities from various fields, and his wife, Grace Quiver, adorned in a high-end gown, clung to his arm with a refined smile.
• Taking a moment, Trevor whispered, "How is Sandra doing? Quickly, give her a call!"
• Grace smirked triumphantly. "Sandra just sent a message a moment ago. She and Lance are on their way. Don't worry."
• Trevor finally felt at ease and proud of his daughter, who managed to win over the extremely aloof and distant heir of the Jardel Family. At this rate, he would become Lance's father-in-law sooner or later! Weren't all these high and mighty figures in the business world flattering him now?!
• "Mr. Milligan, it's about time for you to take the stage and give a speech," reminded an assistant behind him.
• Trevor nodded, lifted a glass of red wine, and, after the grand introduction by the host, took the stage with a smiling face and a high spirit.
• In the past two years, the Milligan Family had flourished due to Sandra's closeness to the Jardel Family. This celebration was ostensibly to mark their success but practically served as an opportunity to attract investments leveraging the influence of the Jardel Family. Seizing this moment, they aimed to secure commitments from several top investors who had been observing from the sidelines. If successful, the Milligan Family would elevate from a nouveau riche family to a first-class elite in Hadleigh.
• After an eloquent speech, the guests enthusiastically applauded. Trevor acknowledged their applause with a satisfied nod and raised his wine glass, proclaiming, "I hope for more opportunities for collaboration with everyone here in the future to create brilliance together!"
• Just then, a commotion came from the entrance.
• "Miss, you can't go in!"
• "Out of the way!"
• "Quick, stop her!"
• Everyone turned around in surprise to see a woman striding in, slender and delicately featured, her appearance and temperament shining, but dressed in jeans and a casual T-shirt, completely inappropriate for the banquet.
• Two security guards followed her in a flustered manner. "Mr. Milligan, this woman forced her way in without an invitation, and we couldn't stop her…"
• Grace, recognizing the newcomer, turned grimly instantly and admonished, "Yvette Milligan! You have some nerve coming back! Can't you see the occasion?!"
• Her words drew the attention of the crowd, and many began to murmur.
• "Is she Yvette, the one who was engaged to the second young sir of the Jourdain Family but later ran away?"
• "That's her. I heard she was expelled from the Milligan Family for running away. I didn't expect her to suddenly appear today!"
• "Tsk tsk, I've heard that the eldest daughter of the Milligan Family is worthless. For her to return after disappearing for a few years, I bet she can no longer survive out there on her own."
• Yvette listened closely to the discussions, then looked at Grace with sarcasm. "Expelled from the family? So that's what you've been telling the others, huh? Have you no shame for making blatant lies?"
• "What are you talking about?!" Grace became infuriated and pointed at her nose. "You're an absolute disgrace! We do not have a daughter like you. Get out!"
• "You want to talk about disgrace with me?" Yvette's gaze turned icy. "Who do you think you are?"
• "Enough!" Trevor, seeing the situation getting out of control, interrupted sternly. "We have many distinguished guests with us today. This is not a place for you to behave atrociously! Security, get her out!"
• Yvette sneered, tightened her fist, and fearlessly awaited the approaching security. Since she had come, she was already prepared not to play nice. If they dared to stop her from speaking, she would fight until they listened obediently!
• But before the security could take action, a woman's voice suddenly shouted from the entrance. "What's going on? How can you make a commotion in front of Mr. Jardel!"
• Like a signal, everyone immediately gazed toward the entrance, and the security guards no longer dared to act recklessly.
• Sandra, standing outside the door, heard the commotion inside. Seeing Lance frowning, she quickly shouted the halt, concerned that he might leave a negative impression of the Milligan Family's banquet. At the same time, it provided her with a grand entrance, letting everyone know that Lance had come with her.
• Seeing that the situation indeed quieted down, she breathed a sigh of relief and strode confidently into the banquet hall beside Lance, enjoying the feeling of being the center of attention.
• Yvette, however, felt a chill running down her spine upon seeing Lance, whom she was surprised to find at the Milligan Family's banquet.
• Sandra, on the other hand, became shocked after taking a few steps, for she caught sight of Yvette. That said, the shock only lasted for a brief moment, and she adjusted her emotions, feigning shock and concern as she said, "Yvie? Where have you been all these years? Do you know the great loss you caused to Milligan Enterprises when you ran away from the wedding? Mom fell seriously ill because you left home, yet she still worried about you being mistreated out there…
• "Oh, either way, it's good that you're back. Mom and Dad were only strict to you for your own sake. Just apologize to them sincerely, and they will certainly forgive you and welcome you home with open arms."
• She knew that given Grace's temper, she must have scolded Yvette harshly just now, which might have damaged their image. However, Sandra's words would immediately explain Grace's actions as being deeply hurt by the disobedient daughter, hence the careless words.
• The surrounding guests became even more sympathetic to the Milligan Family, casting disdainful glances at Yvette.
• Yvette, however, focused her attention on Lance, meeting his cold gaze. Any worry about being recognized disappeared instantly.
• Huh, has this b*stard showed up with Sandra to support the Milligans? Very well, don't blame me for being merciless!