C16 Stepping on the Ground

To avoid stirring up trouble, Halden nodded in agreement as soon as Old Madame Munro finished speaking. "Mom, you're wise! Considering how Big Brother just now didn't want you to see Ilyana, you should definitely question him thoroughly."

Halden had successfully diverted Old Madame Munro's attention. Upon hearing Ilyana's name, a glint of ruthlessness flashed in the Old Madame's eyes. "Daxton, if you don't give me a good explanation today, don't even think about..."

"Grandma!"

Ilyana's crisp voice cut through the silence, drawing everyone's gaze to the graceful and radiant girl.

"Grandma, please don't be upset! The birthday celebration is still underway. We can't keep the guests waiting! Have you forgotten that today is your special day? If there's something to discuss, we can do so later in private. Look, the cake has been out here for a while now. How about we make a wish and blow out the candles first?"

"Today is your birthday, and you shouldn't be anything but happy. Being unhappy today could mean a whole year of unhappiness. Ilyana doesn't want to see you upset. I hope you're always filled with joy."

After speaking, Ilyana gently held Old Madame Munro's arm, tenderly shaking her head. She bit her lip, a look of heartfelt reluctance in her eyes. Her pale complexion made her seem as delicate as a white flower trembling in the breeze.

Ilyana's intervention wasn't out of pity for Daxton, but rather because Halden had inadvertently redirected the Old Madame's anger towards himself, a situation she didn't want to see unfold.

Furthermore, if the issue escalated, she would become a target, drawing all attention to herself.

Being new to the scene and not yet a match for the Slater family's mother and daughter, she couldn't afford to be the focus before establishing a solid position within the Munro family.

She was well aware that by winning over Old Madame Munro, she would have plenty of opportunities to handle such matters in the future.

And indeed, Ilyana's heartfelt words, coupled with her endearing expression, had clearly won the Old Madame's favor.

Listening to Ilyana's words, Old Madame Munro's face lit up with delight. Tenderly stroking Ilyana's hand, she smiled with affection.

"Very good, very good. Grandma isn't upset. I'm quite pleased. My Ilyana knows just how to cheer me up, unlike your father, who only manages to irritate me."

With that, Old Madame Munro didn't spare Daxton a glance, scolding him with a stern face.

"Why are you still standing here? Don't you see I'm about to make my wishes? Off with you to the side, and stop being an eyesore."

Though she lowered her voice to spare Daxton some dignity, the guests at the birthday celebration were shrewd enough to read between the lines.

Confronted by the old lady's piercing gaze, Daxton found himself without the energy to argue, dejectedly leaving the main event with Ondine in tow.

Watching the so-called family trio depart, Ilyana's lips curled into a subtle smile. Her eyes, dark and unfathomable, radiated a cold, intimidating darkness that sent shivers down the spine.

Like a ripple swiftly crossing the water's surface, a flicker of emotion passed over her lips, igniting into twin sparks within her eyes, only to vanish into their depths.

Today, she was determined not to be as meek and submissive as she had been in her past life. She vowed to crush all those who had bullied and harmed her, leaving them beneath her feet.