C17 It Was Already Destined

"Come, come, come! Ilyana, join Grandma in making a wish!"

Old Madame Munro gripped Ilyana's hand firmly and led her toward the cake, fearful that she might slip away unnoticed.

"Of course, Grandma!" Ilyana replied, her eyes twinkling with joy.

As the birthday celebration reached its peak, guests around them raised their glasses with genuine smiles, converging from all directions to offer their congratulations, accompanied by a round of applause.

Despite not being fully satisfied with the entertainment, the Munro family hadn't lost sight of their reason for being there.

Supported by Ilyana, Old Madame Munro stood before the towering cake, waiting for the server to ignite the candles, her smile deepening in the warm glow.

The flames burst to life, banishing the darkness of the hall and casting a soft light on the many cheerful faces.

The wavering candlelight flickered across Ilyana's smiling face. Just as she was instructing Old Madame Munro on how to make a wish, she looked up to catch Halden nodding at her.

She understood that Halden's gesture was in thanks for her earlier assistance, ultimately benefiting her as well. Thus, she was well aware there was no need to entangle herself with someone like him.

Ilyana had already experienced Halden's character in her past life. Furthermore, when she had been the subject of ridicule, it was Halden who had led the charge, leaving her to face scolding and mockery from all sides.

So, it was out of the question for her to suddenly find Halden endearing.

Nonetheless, out of politeness, Ilyana promptly returned the smile, acknowledging his gesture, before turning her attention back to Old Madame Munro.

Halden's eyes sparkled with mischief, and a sly grin curled at the corners of his mouth.

This young lady, favored by the old lady, was neither haughty nor condescending, but rather showed remarkable insight.

She didn't fit the mold of a country-raised child; there was something about her that was simply inexplicable.

How could Daxton, with his old-fashioned views, have fathered such a sharp-witted daughter?

Life was indeed full of surprises, and this was intriguing!

After the candles were blown out, applause filled the room once more. Everyone toasted to Old Madame Munro's health. Ilyana navigated the birthday banquet with ease, her face always adorned with a poised and serene smile.

Lurking in a secluded corner, just outside the crowd, a pair of malicious eyes fixated intently on the scene unfolding before them. The eyes seethed with barely concealed fury, like a volcano on the verge of eruption.

"Mom, didn't you say that country bumpkin wouldn't be able to find the Munro Mansion? So how did she get here? She's stolen all the attention, making me lose face at such an event. How can I possibly let this go?" Ines's heart felt like it was being clawed at whenever she pictured Ilyana, sitting beside Old Madame Munro, smiling smugly.

She was itching to confront her and tear her apart.

Yet, there was someone else who appeared completely content, without a hint of anger.

Ines, persistent, pressed on, "Mom, why are you silent? She's using Old Madame Munro to get at us, and you're not even upset? Now everyone knows you're not Dad's legal wife. What are we going to do?"

Ondine, unconcerned, casually wiped her hands and gracefully lifted her hand to admire the ten-carat diamond ring on her finger, smiling, "Silly child! Even if I'm not legally the Munro family's matriarch yet, it's a foregone conclusion in Vethrin. No one can take that away from us."

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