C7 A Good Show Was about to be Put on the Stage

As Ilyana descended the staircase, curious guests were already murmuring among themselves, covertly inquiring about her identity.

Even as Ilyana approached the crowd, they still wore expressions of disbelief, as if they were in a dream.

When her gaze met Ondine's eyes, filled with astonishment and an extremely unnatural expression, Ilyana stood tall, a slight smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

Perfect! This was exactly the reaction she had hoped for.

"Sorry for being late!"

Hearing Ilyana's crisp voice, Ondine's face subtly shifted, her jaw clenching until it ached.

Worried that others might detect her facade, Ondine stepped forward with feigned concern, "Ilyana, why have you come?"

In Daxton's presence, she dared not say too much, but her eyes sent a clear warning. Ilyana was not oblivious to it, yet she chose to overlook it and responded,

"Auntie, I know today is Grandma's birthday celebration. She wanted to see me, so here I am!"

Without waiting for Ondine to reply, Ilyana turned to Daxton and asked, "Dad, should I not have come?"

"Why not? Grandma has been looking forward to seeing you. Go and greet her!"

Daxton's smile grew warmer, his impression of his daughter improving as she gracefully navigated the awkward situation.

Skillfully sidestepping Ondine, he led Ilyana towards Old Madame Munro, oblivious to the twisted scowl forming on Ondine's face.

"Mother! This is Ilyana!"

Old Madame Munro was visibly taken aback by the young woman before her, momentarily at a loss for words.

Surprise flickered across her typically composed and serene face; though outwardly calm, her heart was a maelstrom of emotion.

"You, you're Ilyana?"

"Yes, this is Ilyana!"

Daxton interjected warmly, then turned to Ilyana, instructing, "Ilyana, don't keep Grandma waiting, greet her!"

Reassured by Daxton's affirmation, Old Madame Munro gazed at Ilyana's refined features, her eyes brimming with tears, meticulously scanning every detail as if memorizing her face.

She remained silent throughout, her gaze fixed intently on Ilyana, as though fearing she might vanish at any moment.

While the reason for her scrutiny might have been lost on the others, Ilyana understood perfectly.

She approached and crouched beside Old Madame Munro, her face nestled against the older woman's knee, her eyes shining with genuine warmth.

"Grandma, Ilyana wishes you health and endless joy."

Her voice, soft and melodious, was reminiscent of the person she had longed for in her heart!

The aura she radiated further enhanced her already delicate features, making them even more striking. The beauty mark at the corner of her left eye added an astonishingly captivating charm.

Upon hearing her words, Old Madame Munro's composure wavered. She reached out with trembling hands to stroke Ilyana's cheek, her eyes tightly closed, brimming with tears.

Yes, it was her, Ivana!

What was there left to doubt?

Was this not the cherished daughter she had yearned for in her dreams?

"She's back, she's back! My precious child has finally returned..." Old Madame Munro managed to say through her tears, her voice choked with emotion.

God alone knew how long she had waited for this moment.

The onlookers were baffled by the scene, unsure of what had transpired, and resorted to murmuring among themselves.

Witnessing this poignant reunion, Ondine felt a growing sense of unease. She couldn't fathom why Old Madame Munro was so overwhelmed at the sight of Ilyana.

This was not the formidable matriarch of the Munro family she knew.

Her heart was a tumult of feelings, yet her instincts warned her that this might be an ominous sign.