15

Hazel sat quietly to the side, feeling that she had no right to speak at this point.

In contrast, Benjamin was furious. However, since his grandmother was also there, he was unable to provoke a confrontation with Christian.

They have to settle any disagreements amicably. They would be embarrassed to act in such a way in front of so many people.

Christian must have assumed Benjamin would make this choice, which is why he decided to make a concert today of all days.

Mrs. Lucas no longer had a smile on her face. Her head came up to meet Christian's. Finally, with a sigh, she extended her hand to accept his gift. She was never fond of Anthony's undocumented family.

She recognized only one daughter-in-law, Winnie. She could not, however, refuse Christian's status as her grandchild, even if she had no desire to recognize Christian as her mother. He was, after all, a product of the Lucas family lineage.

The more cynical cousins chuckled under their breath at Mrs. Lucas's reply. Anthony