Third Person's POV
Leo's fingers whitened around the crystal glass as Nick probed, "Seems like you brothers do have similar tastes?"
The Leo's face darkened.
In his younger days, he would have thrown a punch, but now he mastered his emotions, recognizing it as Nick's provocation.
A scuffle now would only turn the engagement party into a social farce.
"Our common ground is disliking certain people," Leo coldly replied before leaving.
Nick, frustrated by his failed attempt, chose to leave early, unable to bear watching Blake and Catherine's affectionate moments.
At 3 p.m., guests began to leave. Despite the earlier uproar, the celebration remained joyful.
Catherine left with the two children.
In the car's backseat, Hedwig slept on Catherine's arm, while Noah, wide awake, pondered the family secret revealed at the banquet—his grandmother and grandfather were once legal partners. Though too young to fully grasp adult complexities, he sensed the family upheaval and worried about his grandparents' post-divorce feelings.
Catherine gently stroked her children's soft blonde hair, her exquisite face showing fatigue.
The chaos Richard caused still haunted her. His scheme was clearly meant to humiliate Blake publicly.
Such ruthless rivalry within the family was deeply hurtful.
Thinking of Blake facing his grandfather's anger alone, her heart ached.
After medical treatment, Emerson regained consciousness.
The patriarch, enraged, demanded a thorough investigation, vowing not to let the culprits go unpunished.
At 4 p.m., Blake returned to the mansion and went straight to his grandfather's study, promising to investigate, though he knew Richard and his son were behind it.
Entering his bedroom, he saw Catherine lying on the bed in her evening gown, her makeup flawless but weary.
She had stayed up late last night, gotten up early to prepare for the ceremony, and endured emotional turmoil at the banquet.
"I scared you," he whispered, brushing her rose-colored lips with his fingertips and kissing her softly.
Catherine woke with a flutter of her lashes and smiled at him.
Their kiss, initially gentle, deepened, and they became lost in each other's embrace.
After their passionate kiss, both were breathless.
Blake, with a teasing smile, said, "You're so high right after our engagement. I should have done this sooner."
Catherine, dazed, snapped back to reality and blushed.
"Was it Richard who did this today?" Catherine changed the subject.
Usually, when teased by Blake, she struggled to retort, but this time she focused on the issue.
"Yes, no one else dares to oppose me openly!" Blake's expression turned serious.
Upon confirmation, Catherine's face flushed with anger. "You shouldn't let him get away with this. Why not tell your grandfather? He'd definitely hold back if he knew."
Blake understood her intention to use his grandfather to restrain Richard.
Five years ago, when Emerson was still strong, he could have sought help.
But now, he was the one protecting his grandfather.
To ensure his grandfather's peace and longevity, he had endured and avoided a complete fallout with Richard.
"Catherine, I'll handle this. Don't get upset and harm your health," Blake gently stroked her golden hair, trying to change the subject.
But Catherine thought he was still lenient towards Richard and urged, "Are you going to let him off just because he's out of prison? He's gone too far! Using my dad and your mom's past against us. Those photos were clearly staged. He must have had someone follow us that day to get those shots. It's outrageous."
Blake understood her anger, as he was also furious but had to stay calm.
"Catherine, as your fiancé, there's something I no longer want to hide from you," Blake gently massaged her slender arm, his voice tinged with sorrow.
Catherine knew he had been troubled lately and was eager to ask but held back out of fear of touching his sensitivities.
Hearing his sorrowful tone, she was moved.
"What is it?" Catherine asked softly.
"My grandfather doesn't have much time left." Blake looked at her, seeing her shock, he lowered his head, a flash of pain in his eyes, "I'm not joking—it's true."