Third Person's POV
The grand ballroom was packed by eleven o'clock with guests of honor and celebrities, creating a dazzling scene.
Blake held Catherine's hand, with two small figures trailing behind.
The guests marveled at the genetic luck of this family of four.
Noah had clearly inherited Blake's best features. At a young age, he had deep-set, serious eyes and exuded an innate air of nobility.
He remained calm and collected in the face of the grand occasion, his delicate and handsome appearance drawing admiring glances.
Hedwig, on the other hand, took after Catherine. Her round, chubby face was framed by crystal-like big eyes, and her well-defined little mouth, whether pouted or pressed, looked sweet and cute.
It was evident that she would grow up to be a remarkable beauty.
Emerson's ruddy complexion during his speech betrayed his joy and satisfaction.
Leo and Abigail chose a different table to avoid Richard.
Abigail engaged Leo in a conversation about the day's event.
"Why isn't Sunny here? Did you two really break up?" Abigail asked.
She was out of the loop on Sunny's heroic deed and injury but knew about the breakup rumor from the press.
"She couldn't make it." Leo glanced at his mom, feeling a pang of guilt.
He was concerned about Abigail, as Olivia's actions had deeply hurt her.
"Have you two not broken up?" Abigail asked with a knowing smile.
Leo was taken aback. "How did you know, Mom?"
"I can tell," Abigail said cheerfully. "You truly like her."
Leo's face flushed slightly, like a shy young man in front of his mother.
"Stop bringing up breakups in public media. It only leads to gossip," Abigail, worried about her son and Sunny's relationship due to online comments, advised.
Leo nodded. "Alright, I won't do it again."
After Emerson's speech, Blake took Catherine's hand and stepped onto the stage.
His handsome face beamed with joy and contentment as he spoke in a deep, gentle voice, "Thank you all for coming to our engagement party amidst your busy schedules. We truly appreciate it!"
The audience erupted in applause. Some men in the crowd playfully asked, "Mr. Chavez, could you share how you and Miss Wyatt met? Everyone's curious about this romantic story."
Catherine's face turned slightly pink at the question.
Blake cast a cold glance at Richard before calmly responding, "Many media outlets have speculated about our relationship. Today, I can openly say that Catherine and I fell in love at first sight. I hope the media will refrain from fabricating our love story."
The guests chuckled at Blake's humorous remark.
Catherine gazed affectionately at her outstanding partner, feeling reassured by his protective words.
The two children giggled beside Patricia, thinking their parents looked stunning. This was their favorite scene.
Patricia and Emerson smiled warmly, looking proudly at their grandson and his fiancée.
"I want to thank my grandparents and my mom!" Blake said, his eyes meeting Abigail's, "Mom has done so much for Leo and me. I used to overlook her care and love. Today, I apologize. We've had misunderstandings, but moving forward, I'll fulfill my filial duties, take good care of her, and ensure she's no longer wronged or lonely."
Blake's words left Abigail stunned.
She hadn't expected Blake to acknowledge their bond publicly. When it hit her, she covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face.
This was pure bliss.
Emerson and Patricia exchanged relieved glances, delighted that their grandson had reconciled with his mother, restoring family harmony.
The guests fell silent, especially the women who had once eyed Blake as a potential husband. They lamented losing out on such a good man.
Catherine hadn't anticipated Blake's public acknowledgment of Abigail.
She was happy for their reunion but felt a twinge of guilt and sadness.
She missed her father dearly. How perfect it would be if he were here on stage.
Alas, life isn't without imperfections, Catherine sighed softly.
As Blake finished his speech and prepared to mingle with the guests, an astonished cry pierced the air.
"Mr. Chavez, you should check this," someone urged urgently.
Blake's expression turned rigid, his body tensing.
Had his fear come true?
"What's going on? Why is Catherine said to be the biological daughter of Abigail's current husband?"
"This is too confusing. Is it true?"
"There are pictures too. That's Halsey, acting very familiar with Catherine and giving her a bracelet."
Rumors swirled as everyone received the shocking news.
It included photos of Abigail and Halsey being affectionate in public.
If Catherine were Halsey's biological daughter, she'd be Blake's stepsister.