LOVE IN PARIS: Married To My Brother-in-law-Chapter 64: Grandmother Lorenzo

Later in the evening.

The banquet hall was a sight to behold, each and every corner of the hall was bathed in warm light from grand chandeliers, with elegant flower arrangements on every table, and gilded decorations casting a glow that seemed to reflect the stature of the family gathered here.

Tonight was Grandfather’s Lorenzo eightieth birthday, and the room was filled with family, friends, and esteemed business partners, all of whom had come to celebrate his life and legacy.

Grandfather Lorenzo sat at the high table, his posture regal and dominant, the perfect picture of a family patriarch. Everyone greeted him with reverence, admiration shining in their eyes.

The celebration had just begun when Grandfather started introducing his children and grandchildren to some of his business partners and allies, hoping to create bonds.

He radiated with pride as he began to introduce each of his children and grandchildren even mentioning the names of those that were late, recounting their successes and achievements in turn.

"First, my late eldest son, Edward". Grandfather said, gesturing toward the tall picture frame hung on the wall nearby. "The previous head of our family’s business empire, a man who’s expanded our holdings and taken our name to new heights."

Grandfather’s voice was laced with admiration as he continued, "And next to him, his younger brother, James our family’s brilliant lawyer, always ready to defend our interests."

Uncle James and his wife who were seated at the front table nodded slightly in acknowledgement.

Then Grandfather Lorenzo moved to the next row, pausing before each grandchild in turn, lauding one as a "skilled financier," another as a "medical researcher advancing our family’s name into the field of science," and yet another as a "business mind beyond his years, a manager on trial, soon to be the CEO."

Each introduction was met with applause, and the guests nodded approvingly, murmuring amongst themselves.

But as Grandfather Lorenzo reached Ezekiel’s turn, he faltered. His gaze lingered on him for a moment, and then he simply moved on to the next grandchild, pretending as if Zeke hadn’t been there at all.

An awkward silence fell over the hall. Several guests exchanged surprised glances, while others whispered to one another, astonished by the blatant snub.

For all they know, Zeke was a well-known and successful businessmen even better and successful than most of his grandkids that he’d just introduced but Grandfather Lorenzo just snubbed him blatantly as though he was invincible.

The most reason some of the business mens attended the party was to make connections but now things became awkward. Should they still approach Ezekiel at dinner or would it incurr Grandfather Lorenzo wrath.

Zeke instantly became the center of attention with everyone wondering what was possibly wrong between the grandfather and grandson but who were they to interfere in family matters.

Even the family members were stunned at grandfather’s actions except two people who had smug looks on their face and of course that was Manuel and his mother who was brimming with pride.

Even as a mere manager, grandfather had introduced him nicely and he had evn made new connection, seeing the way Zeke was treated made him happy.

However, Zeke simply leaned closer to Yvette who was sitting beside him, giving her a reassuring smile and it was only then that others noticed the lady beside him or more likely in his embrace.

They looked way to intimate than business partners and it got them wondering who she was because Zeke was knowñ to keep distance from women.

"It’s alright, Yvie". He murmured, his tone calm. "Just bear with me a little longer, and we’ll be out of here soon."

Yvette watching the tension in the room with a mixture of concern and calm, smiled faintly and squeezed his hand. "You know you didn’t have to say such words to him. He’s holding a grudge and acting like this because of it."

Zeke shrugged, a hint of defiance in his eyes. "I was only however stating the truth, Yvie. If he doesn’t like hearing it, that’s on him and not my fault".

Just as he finished speaking, a soft commotion by the entrance caught everyone’s attention.

An elegant woman who had her white hair meticulously styled, stood by the door. She wore a dark blue dress adorned with a string of pearls, and her presence alone seemed to command respect.

Well it was Grandmother Lorenzo who had just arrived. She moved with admirable dignity , her sharp eyes scanning through the crowds and when it landed on Yvette, she was stunned and the lines of her stern face softened into a smile rarely seen by others as she recognized Yvette as her savior and immediately walked over .

"Hey". She called out, moving swiftly through the crowd towards her. Yvette’s eyes widened in recognition, and she quickly stood up not expecting to see the elderly woman here. Now she looked more healthy unlike the other day at the subway where she looked frail.

"Grandmother? I didn’t expect to see you here!" Yvette greeted her with a respectful nod, surprised yet warm.

"Ah, yes, I wasn’t planning to come". Grandmother Lorenzo admitted, smiling as she took Yvette’s hands. "But fate is a strange thing, isn’t it? And to think, here you are the very kind young woman who helped me at the subway last week. What a small world."

"I initially didn’t plan on coming but when I heared that my good grandson brought a woman home seemingly his wife I knew I couldn’t miss this for anything in the world and surprisingly it’s you" . Her gaze then shifted to Zeke who glanced between the two women curiously and confused. "You married this wonderful woman, Ezekiel. You have good taste."

Zeke’s eyebrows rose in surprise and he asked. "You met Yvette before tonight, Grandmother?"

Grandmother Lorenzo chuckled. "Yes, and I couldn’t have asked for a kinder, more capable granddaughter-in-law. I’m proud of you, darling and all thanks to you I’m still standing alive here today."

"This calls for double celebration". Grandmother Lorenzo giggled and embraced Yvette, then taking her seat beside the couple.

The guests around them could only exchange curious glances, whispering in amazement.

Everyone knew Grandmother Lorenzo as a strict, demanding woman, respected and feared, even by Grandfather himself.

She and Grandfather had separated years ago, after a tragic family loss had driven a wedge between them. Yet here she was, attending his birthday celebration, showing open warmth towards the couple he had cast aside.

The guests murmured in awe. It was so surreal that Grandmother had chosen to praise someone and even approved her. This only made them curious who this woman was.

Grandmother looked to Zeke with an approving smile. "You’ve chosen well, child. I am proud to have such a fine granddaughter-in-law in the family."

The murmurs intensified, some filled with jealousy, others with admiration.

"Imagine Grandmother saying that". Someone whispered. "She barely ever approves of anyone."

Watching the family dynamics shift, some of the other relatives began whispering to each other enviously.

"Look at how Grandmother dotes on her". One muttered. "She must be someone special for both Grandmother and Zeke to adore her."

"Yes and somehow I feel like she looks really familiar but I just can’t seem to remember".

"Really?".

As Grandmother Lorenzo finished speaking, Grandfather Lorenzo himself approached. He greeted her with a huge grin and small nod but did not even glance at Ezekiel and Yvette, his jaw tight with unspoken words.

Grandmother Lorenzo noticed the tension immediately and her sharp gaze flicked between Ezekiel and his Grandfather and she seemed to grasp the entire situation in an instant.

Turning to Grandfather, her voice was soft but filled with resolve.

"What’s done is done. Holding onto resentment only weakens us, can’t you let bygones be bygones or should you ruin everyone all because of your stupid ego". She said sternly in a voice that only those close to them could hear. "Let go of the past, and accept Ezekiel and Yvette as they are or you can forget about getting back with me."

As she said that, Grandfather Lorenzo expression changed and Uncle James laughed. Indeed, only she could handle the stubborn , old man.

Grandfather’s face darkened, but Grandmother was not finished. "And I have made my decision". She announced to the room, loudly this time, pulling a delicate bracelet from her wrist, one set with an heirloom sapphire.

She clasped it onto Yvette’s wrist, sealing it with a gentle touch. "Darling, this has been passed down in our family for generations. I want you to have it as a symbol of my respect and acceptance."

"If anyone dares to disrespect you, just shove it in their face. Even he including". Grandmother concluded, pointing at Grandfather Lorenzo and everyone in the room could only hold their laughter, gazing at her in admiration and Yvette in envy.

The room was filled with mixed expressions , all eyes fixed on Yvette as she accepted the bracelet, bowing respectfully. "Thank you, Grandmother. This... means more to me than I can say."

The guests were still murmuring in surprise when suddenly, a loud commotion erupted at the entrance.

The heavy double doors burst open, and a disheveled looking woman stumbled in, her face flushed and eyes wild.

Her hair was loose and her dress slightly wrinkled. Yvette’s eyes went wide with shock as she recognized the woman instantly.