The Mafia Lord's Secret Lover-Chapter 419: Centre Of Attention

"I miss you too, Granny..." Oliver circles his hands around Amanda’s shoulders and whispers in a low voice, "But can you please stop hugging me so tight and carrying me like a baby? As you said, I’m a young man. I can walk."

Though his voice carried a mild protest, there was no real resistance as he seemed to enjoy being carried by his Grandma. He simply endured the affection with the quiet embarrassment of a child trying very hard to appear mature.

Amanda laughed warmly but did not immediately let him go.

From nearby, the elderly couple approached, their faces glowing with happiness.

"Oh my, little baby looks taller now...He will be taller than me, soon." Eleanor Knight whispered softly.

"Yes, yes, he is. And become more handsome and smarter too," Andrew Knight added, his voice filled with pride.

Within seconds, Oliver became the undeniable center of attention. Amanda continued hugging him.

While Eleanor and Andrew Knight gently touched his cheek, they studied him with visible delight.

Meanwhile—

Axel and Evelyn stood a few steps behind, completely forgotten.

Evelyn can’t help but smile as she looks at Axel, who sighs bitterly.

"Well," Axel muttered under his breath, "it seems we’ve been replaced."

Evelyn smiled faintly. "I think we lost our importance."

They watched the scene with quiet amusement, neither offended nor surprised.

Oliver, still trapped in Amanda’s arms, looked mildly overwhelmed by the sudden flood of affection.

Axel finally cleared his throat. Loud enough to catch the elder’s attention.

"Ahem."

The elders’ eyes slowly shifted toward Axel.

His expression remained calm, though his raised eyebrow spoke clearly. "Are we going to stay outside all day?"

Amanda gasped, "Oh—"

Eleanor laughed softly. "Of course, of course not..."

Andrew Knight agree woth them. "Yes, yes, come inside."

Only then did they begin moving toward the entrance, Amanda still carrying Oliver as if there were absolutely no intention of letting him walk anytime soon.

Oliver sighed, looking at his parents as they asked for help.

But Axel and Evelyn simply smiled while following behind the elders as they stepped into the lively, welcoming chaos of the Knight household.

...

The Knight mansion’s living room was already alive with voices, laughter, and the subtle clinking of porcelain when Axel and Evelyn stepped inside.

Every seat appeared occupied.

Axel’s uncles, their wives, and cousins had gathered for the New Year celebration.

And yet—

Despite the impressive crowd, Oliver immediately became the undisputed center of gravity.

It happened with remarkable speed.

They barely had time to exchange polite greetings before Oliver was gently pulled away like a tiny celebrity entering a press conference. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

"Happy New Year, Axel."

"Happy New Year, Evelyn."

Brief smiles. Quick nods.

Then—

"Oh my goodness, Oliver, you are so handsome."

"Come here, sweetheart!"

"Let Uncle see how big you’ve grown!"

Within seconds, Oliver was surrounded.

Axel watched the scene unfold with an amused expression.

Evelyn blinked. "Well," she murmured softly, "that was fast."

Oliver stood proudly in the middle of the attention storm, his eyes beaming with confidence. He seemed completely unfazed by the sudden flood of adults crouching, leaning, and competing for his attention.

Amanda Knight remained strategically close, as if guarding priceless treasure.

The room erupted in gentle laughter as Oliver shared a humorous story about his pony and horse. They gasped in surprise when he revealed his ability to play the piano.

"He’s absolutely Axel’s son," Erick Knight said, amazed.

Axel smirked from across the room.

Eleanor gently stroked Oliver’s hair. "You’ve grown even more handsome."

Oliver nodded, entirely accepting the compliment. "Thank you, great grandma, I already know that..."

Axel nearly choked.

Evelyn covered her mouth, trying not to laugh too loudly.

Andrew Knight raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You know?"

Oliver nodded again. "Mommy tells me."

Evelyn can’t help but smile.

Amanda burst into delighted laughter. "That’s right, my dear grandson. Confidence is important."

Another uncle leaned forward. "So, Oliver, what’s your New Year wish?"

Oliver thought for exactly two seconds. "I want a bigger robot."

"Bigger?"

"Yes."

"How big?"

Oliver stretched his arms as wide as they could go. "This is big."

"Alright, uncle will look for it and send it to your house..."

Oliver gasped in surprise. His eyes shone as if there were stars in them. "Really, uncle?"

"Of course..."

Axel sighed.

Evelyn shook her head, smiling.

After several minutes of cheerful chaos, Axel gently guided Evelyn toward one of the sofas slightly removed from the crowd.

They watched Oliver continue his charming conquest of the Knight family.

Evelyn leaned closer. Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Is Oliver the only great-grandson of the Knight family?"

Axel nodded.

"Hm. My cousin is already married, but they don’t have children yet."

Evelyn’s eyes softened as she observed the affectionate scene.

"Ah... no wonder Oliver is the favorite of this house."

Axel chuckled quietly.

"My grandpa even thought our family wouldn’t have another successor besides Oliver—" The words stopped. Abruptly.

The humor in his voice faded. For a split second, silence slipped between them.

Evelyn knew exactly why.

Axel’s hand tightened slightly around hers.

"Sorry, Eve..." His voice was softer now, threaded with quiet regret.

Evelyn’s expression remained calm, though something tender flickered behind her eyes.

"It’s fine. I’m alright." She gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Hoping God will trust us for another child."

Axel’s gaze softened instantly. "He will."

There was no hesitation in his voice. Only certainty.

Then, deliberately shifting the mood, Axel straightened slightly.

"Alright. Let’s sit properly before someone steals this seat too."

Evelyn laughed softly.

They settled comfortably onto the sofa just as one of the household staff approached with a tray of warm tea.

Axel accepted his cup.

Evelyn did the same.

Steam curled gently upward.

For a brief moment, everything felt peaceful.

Until—

Evelyn’s fingers stilled around her cup.

Her eyes shifted toward the hallway.

Axel followed her gaze.

Alexander Knight had just stepped into the living room. He appears tall, composed, and commanding. Even in a relaxed family setting, his presence carried undeniable authority. His gaze swept calmly across the room. He appears intimidating without effort.

Evelyn’s shoulders subtly stiffened. Despite meeting her father-in-law several times before, the tension never truly disappeared.