Chapter 12-1
When the sun started to set, the hustle and bustle of the day began to die down. By evening, after the last guest had left, the Lavien Mansion finally settled into a peaceful quiet.
For a big–shot family like the Laviens, having guests come and go was just part of the deal. The daytime party was for the guests, but dinner was strictly family time.
Only Lavien family members could stick around, and this was when the Laviens really came together–a tradition they always kept.
As usual, Alex and Harper were staying at the mansion to celebrate Holden’s birthday.
The butler, Ron Barnes, had already set up a fancy dinner.
Ron had been with the Lavien family for decades and was more like family, a brother to Holden than just an employee.
Ron smiled and said, “Mr. Alex Lavien, Mrs. Lavien, you are usually so busy and rarely come back, so make sure to spend some quality time with Mr. Holden
Lavien today.”
Alex gave a slight nod.
The room has also been prepared according to Mr. Holden Lavien’s instructions.”
Normally, the servants would clean up the room to make it comfortable for Alex and Harper to stay overnight.
Harper paused for a moment.
They didn’t know she and Alex were getting a divorce, and from Ron’s mention of ‘room,‘ it was clear they had only prepared one. Would she have to share a bed with Alex tonight?
But if she spilled the beans now, Holden would definitely blow a fuse.
She decided to find another time to break the news to Holden. Today was his birthday, and she wanted to keep him happy.
“This cake looks delicious,” Emily’s voice suddenly chimed in from outside.
Harper looked over in surprise and saw Emily strolling in.
Why hadn’t she left yet? She wasn’t a Lavien, at least not yet, and had no right to stay for dinner.
Did Alex let her stay?
Harper’s smile turned a bit sour as she looked away.
It must be, right? He doted on her so much and would do anything for her.
Besides, they were about to get a divorce, and Emily would soon be Mrs. Lavien.
Seeing Emily come in, Alex’s eyes also showed a hint of surprise. He thought she had already left, but here she was, staying without permission.
Emily walked up, looking at Alex with a cute and charming expression. “Alex, I want to stay and eat cake, okay?”
“Didn’t you already have some during the day?”
Emily gently took his hand, her voice even sweeter, “Alex, the daytime was a business event, not a family gathering. The cake tastes different when eaten with family.”
She glanced at the cake on the table and put on a coy smile. “Can I join you as a family member to share the cake?”
Before Alex could respond, Holden had already come out. Seeing Emily, he was furious.
This woman hadn’t left yet and wanted to stay for dinner at the Lavien Mansion? Dream on!
You shameless woman! What kind of family member are you? Get out!” Holden, in a fit of rage, ordered Ron to throw her out.
Unexpectedly, Emily didn’t care about Holden’s fury. She pouted and said, “Why am I not a member of the Lavien family? Mr. Lavien, I will soon be Alex’s wife.
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Her tone was calm, and her innocent eyes looked lively at Holden.
Holden was shocked. What did she mean by that? How could she be Alex’s wife? Alex’s wife was Harper.
“Emily!” Alex wanted to stop her.
Emily, however, looked up at Alex, acting like a spoiled girl. “Alex, how long are you going to keep this from your grandfather? He will find out sooner or
later.”
Holden’s voice trembled as he scolded, “Alex, what nonsense is she talking about?”
Alex lowered his eyes, unable to look him in the eye.
The air was thick with tension.
Harper was blindsided by the chaos unfolding in front of her. She never thought Emily would stir up trouble right now.
