Who Cares About Him When I'm Married to the Richest Man?-Chapter 73: Birthday Banquet

So, the elder and the young one avoided the crowd and hid in this corner, quietly devouring cake, then nuts, and then juice.

As Mason rounded the corner, he happened to witness this scene.

She ate with great immersion, sitting there sweetly, intently biting into the little cake, her face carrying a satisfied smile. Occasionally, she’d say something to the old lady beside her, looking both simple and relaxed.

He hadn’t seen such an Elara in a long time. In his memory, she only showed such an expression before their marriage. After marrying, she became silent and distant, forcing smiles daily, which made him increasingly weary.

Mason couldn’t quite describe his feelings. It was as if he’d been rinsed by a cup of warm water, creating an unspeakable warmth inside him.

Just then, a cheerful call came from nearby, "Elara!"

Two figures quickly approached Elara.

Elara turned to see them, her smile blossoming even more. She got up to greet them.

She was like a flower blooming at its most beautiful. It seemed since the divorce, her smiles had increased, and she had become more diligent yet relaxed in front of friends, at work, and in life.

Mason didn’t want to admit it, but he had to. Elara, post-divorce, seemed much better than when she was married.

Her smiles, her relaxation, her enjoyment, and satisfaction were states absent during their two-year marriage.

Were those two years of marriage so unhappy for her?

Somehow, Mason felt a little angry, as he coldly glanced at Elara, who was chatting and laughing with her friends, and then turned to leave, showing no reluctance.

Upon seeing Zara and Esther in such a setting, Elara felt like she was seeing family, pulling them to sit beside Grandma Fitzwilliam, handing them small cakes while saying, "Let’s eat a bit before too many people come."

She was well acquainted with these two mischievous friends, knowing they definitely hadn’t eaten breakfast when they got up this morning.

Upon seeing Grandma Fitzwilliam, Esther and Zara were momentarily reserved, obediently accepting the cakes and nibbling them quietly, not daring to joke around.

Grandma Fitzwilliam chuckled, "Eat more, eat more, don’t go hungry."

Esther and Zara immediately reached for more cake, accelerating their pace, stuffing their mouths eagerly.

Seeing this, Grandma Fitzwilliam quickly added, "Eat slowly, don’t choke. Ah, you young people, not knowing how to care for your stomachs now, will suffer when you’re older!"

Esther and Zara immediately put their cakes down, their faces contorting as they worked to swallow the cream-filled cake in their mouths.

They regretted not assessing the situation before Elara dragged them over there.

They should have anticipated that Elara must have been brought in by Grandma Fitzwilliam as she held an invitation.

Yet they had foolishly walked right into it... Boohoo, Grandma Fitzwilliam is so intimidating; they don’t want to deal with her!

Still smiling warmly, Grandma Fitzwilliam, without any airs, handed them juice, affectionately saying, "Have some water, ease your throats. Choking is uncomfortable."

As someone who had lived many more years, Grandma Fitzwilliam could easily see the nervousness of Esther and Zara around her.

But she felt, firstly, they were Elara’s friends and respected Elara, so naturally, she had to respect her friends. Secondly, she thought they’d overcome their unease if they spent more time together and got to know her.

Since Elara had become her granddaughter-in-law, she certainly wanted to love her circle and take care of these young ones.

In the friendly atmosphere created by Grandma Fitzwilliam, Esther and Zara finally started to relax. It wasn’t their fault for being timid; after all, who wouldn’t be daunted by the mysterious identity of the Fitzwilliam Family?

If they accidentally upset someone important, the entire family might have to pay for it.

They couldn’t help but be cautious!

Yet Grandma Fitzwilliam was so approachable. Even as Esther and Zara tried to maintain their distance, before long, they were getting along effortlessly.

After a while, Elara’s colleagues arrived. These people, unfamiliar with Grandma Fitzwilliam, saw such an elegant old lady and felt a sense of admiration and envy. For a moment, this little corner was lively with chatter and laughter.

Just before the banquet began, Cecilia arrived fashionably late. She had dressed meticulously today, wearing last year’s Chanel haute couture, her hair in a wavy blonde style, simply adorned with a delicate crown.

Upon her entrance, many turned to look at her, exclaiming in wonder.

She seemed like an angel mistakenly descending to earth, indescribably beautiful.

As Cecilia entered, she exchanged a glance with Zayne Warner, then shyly looked away, pretending not to know him as she gracefully walked inside.

Zayne immediately felt a rush of emotions, not daring to let his father notice; he quickly lowered his head to conceal it.

But what kind of person was Walter Warner? To have reached such a political height, he must have a sharp eye for people. He immediately saw through Cecilia’s intentions and frowned, asking Zayne, "Is this the woman captured being intimate with you?"

Zayne hurriedly said, "Dad, she was implicated by me..."

Before he could finish, Walter interrupted sternly, "Do you hear what nonsense you’re talking about? What do you think you are? A tragic fool in love? That woman clearly has deep schemes; stay away from her from now on!"

Zayne was reluctant. Cecilia was so kind and simple; how could his father understand her goodness?

Yet he didn’t dare confront his father, unwillingly agreeing.

Walter’s anger flared looking at him, "Useless thing!"

Meanwhile, Cecilia walked into the banquet, embodying the elegance of high society, moving gracefully and beautifully towards the center.

The revered matriarch was undoubtedly in the most dazzling spot among the crowd, perhaps already surrounded by people vying for favor.

But it didn’t matter. She believed in her ability to push forward and catch the matriarch’s eye.

As long as she impressed the matriarch, acting all sweet and pleasant, she was sure the matriarch would take to her.

Maybe she’d even be acknowledged as a goddaughter.

Thinking about it made Cecilia more excited. She’d nearly gone crazy with anxiety these past few days since being photographed with Zayne Warner; her status within the Jacobs Family had remained mediocre at best.

Kylie Dalton mocked her relentlessly, and at first, even Rosalind stood up for her. But later, whether believing Kylie or for some other reason, she stopped defending her, leaving Cecilia victim to Kylie’s sharp tongue.

As for Mason, he said he was busy with work and hadn’t been home for two or three days. Who knew if he was truly busy or simply avoiding her?

She had begged to get an invitation with Zayne’s help, and today was her chance to turn things around. As long as she won over the matriarch, all her problems would resolve themselves.

She would become that star-studded Cecilia Quincy again. What could Elara Hale compete with her for Mason Jacobs?

Cecilia Quincy wore a dreamy smile as she walked step by step toward the center of the crowd.

She was dressed too grandly today, attracting many gazes. Not far away, Rosalind Jacobs and Haylie Sommers also noticed this scene.

"Why is Cece here?" Rosalind Jacobs frowned.

She only got two invitation cards; one for her brother, accompanied by their mother, and the other she brought Haylie Sommers along.

Cecilia Quincy didn’t have an invitation. How did she get in? What was she doing here?

Rosalind Jacobs felt a bit unhappy but still restrained herself, walked over with large strides, and called out to Cecilia Quincy, "Sister-in-law, why are you here?"

At the sound of "sister-in-law," the young talents surrounding Cecilia Quincy immediately dispersed. Cecilia Quincy secretly blamed Rosalind Jacobs in her heart but still wore a gentle smile on her face.

"Rosalind, are you here too? My former roommate invited me. She said she was bored attending the banquet by herself, so she asked me to accompany her."

Saying this, Cecilia Quincy shrugged her shoulders, somewhat helplessly said, "Unfortunately, as soon as she entered, she was captivated by handsome guys. Now, who knows where she’s gone."

This was an excuse Cecilia Quincy had thought of long ago. She knew she couldn’t escape the Jacobs Family’s notice here, so she preemptively concocted a reason.

Rosalind Jacobs looked at her with suspicion, "Your roommate? You have such a capable roommate?"

It wasn’t that she looked down on Cecilia Quincy, but Cecilia Quincy didn’t have a good family background. Could she really make friends with affluent kids?

Despite being looked down upon by Rosalind Jacobs, Cecilia Quincy wasn’t angry. She smiled, "Yeah, we got along well before, coming and going together in the same dormitory. She’s really nice. I’ll introduce you another day."

Hearing this, Rosalind Jacobs reluctantly dispelled her doubts and asked, "Then where were you planning to go just now?"

Cecilia Quincy didn’t hide it, pointing to the center of the crowd, "I heard there’s a distinguished guest over there. I wanted to see for myself!"

"A distinguished guest? Could it be that Fitzwilliam Matriarch?" Haylie Sommers suddenly chimed in.

Having close ties with Zayne Warner, she knew more about the Fitzwilliam Matriarch, having heard it was foreign capital with strong capabilities, recently landing in Northgarde and acquiring several enterprises aggressively.

So upon hearing "distinguished guest," she immediately thought of the Fitzwilliam Matriarch.

She immediately tugged Rosalind Jacobs with enthusiasm, "Rosalind, let’s go over too!"

Cecilia Quincy felt a bit annoyed. If she had known they would follow, she wouldn’t have mentioned the Fitzwilliam Matriarch. Now, there were two little tails, making it hard to please the Matriarch without being noticed by Rosalind Jacobs.

Luckily, Rosalind was naive enough not to discern her purpose.

Thinking this, Cecilia Quincy felt relieved again.

The group headed towards the center of the crowd, each harboring their own thoughts.

Unexpectedly, when they managed to squeeze in, they only saw a musician playing the guitar.

Rosalind Jacobs frowned, unhappy, "Where’s the Matriarch, just a guitarist and so many people gathered around? Are they nuts?"

Haylie Sommers was also a bit disappointed, "Probably because he’s handsome, a group of shallow people, is such a riffraff worth the fuss?"

Although Cecilia Quincy didn’t speak, she also felt a bit disappointed, looking around without finding any sign of the Matriarch.

Could it be the Matriarch hadn’t entered yet?

Yes, that’s possible. An important guest won’t just arrive early like ordinary people. They’d surely make a grand entrance as the highlight of the event.

Meanwhile, Grandma Fitzwilliam had visited the restroom and ran into Elder Warner on her way back.

Elder Warner, who had just turned seventy this year, appeared energetic. Seeing Grandma Fitzwilliam, he looked somewhat emotional and pleasantly surprised, his voice choked with emotion as he respectfully greeted, "Madam!"

If there were others present, they would surely be shocked because Elder Warner was a well-respected figure in Northgarde. There were few he would speak to seriously, yet in front of this elderly lady with gray hair, his attitude was exceedingly humble.

Grandma Fitzwilliam smiled, "Oh my, Little Warner, it’s been so many years, you’ve aged quite a bit!"

Elder Warner replied shyly, "Time shows no mercy, not everyone can remain as remarkably graceful as you—how’s Old Mr. Fitzwilliam?"

Grandma Fitzwilliam waved her hand, "He passed away three years ago!"

Elder Warner was stunned, scarcely able to believe it. His eyes turned red instantly. Pressing hard at the corners of his eyes, he managed to compose himself, asking with a trembling voice, "He didn’t suffer, did he?"

Northgarde only knew The Warner Family suddenly rose in prominence during his generation, advancing far in the political realm and later firmly establishing themselves, expanding and extending their influence.

But no one knew, before returning to Northgarde, he was just a driver for the Fitzwilliam Family.

Every day he picked up and dropped off Old Mr. Fitzwilliam, occasionally receiving some guidance, later returning to Northgarde with Old Mr. Fitzwilliam’s staunch support.

It could be said that without Old Mr. Fitzwilliam, he wouldn’t be where he is today.

He had hoped to see him again in his lifetime, not expecting his benefactor to leave so soon.

Grandma Fitzwilliam shook her head with a smile, "He didn’t suffer, passed away peacefully, just slept and didn’t wake up."

She and her husband had a great relationship. If she hadn’t been concerned about her beloved grandson’s future life, she wouldn’t have held on for those two years.

But now she wasn’t being senseless anymore; she had such a good granddaughter-in-law, wealth, and leisure, enjoying herself greatly!

Elder Warner was relieved upon hearing Grandma Fitzwilliam, choking, "That’s good, that’s good."

Pausing, he eagerly suggested, "Madam, why don’t you go upstairs and rest in a private room? I’m just grateful you decided to come; I can’t have you getting tired!"

Grandma Fitzwilliam waved it off with a gentle refusal, "No, no, I’m here with the kids, just playing for a while before leaving. Don’t make a fuss about it; you know I like solitude."

Elder Warner quickly promised, "Yes, yes, I assure you no one will disturb you."

Watching Grandma Fitzwilliam leave, Elder Warner sighed softly, turning back to continue preparing for the birthday banquet.

Returning to her corner, Elara Hale curiously asked, "Grandma, who were you talking to for so long? An old friend?"

Just now, Grandma Fitzwilliam had blocked Elara Hale’s view of Elder Warner, so she didn’t see the distinguished Elder Warner conversing with her.