chapter1017

"Connor, Caspian, come over here and say hi," Kylie called out, waving them forward.

Elliot pulled a face, leaning in to whisper to Blake and Garrett, Those two totally stole the show."

Garrett grinned. Just bring a girlfriend home next time. Trust me, no one will outshine you then."

Elliot rolled his eyes. "Why don't you two try that instead?"

Blake shrugged. "We like to keep things low-key. Not really fans of the spotlight."

Garrett nodded in agreement. "Exactly."

Elliot could only shake his head.

When Connor and Caspian greeted the elders, Mr. Robinson gave Connor a quick nod but turned all his attention to Caspian, even calling Lucinda over to join them.

"What a sweet, lovely girl you are. It's your first time here, right? Don't be shy. Make yourself at home, okay?"

Lucinda felt a rush of surprise and excitement. She hadn't expected Mr. Robinson to be so warm toward her, especially knowing she wasn't the Norwoods' biological daughter.

"Thank you, Grandpa," she said softly.

"Good, you're all wonderful kids. Don't just stand outside, come on in and chat," Mrs. Robinson added with a warm smile, glancing at her husband as if to smooth things over.

She knew he had just ignored Connor on purpose. Honestly, the old man could be so stubborn.

Caspian and Lucinda both walked a little taller, feeling like they had finally outshone Connor and Lydia. Their pride was written all over their faces.

Lucinda especially felt a quiet satisfaction. Her grandpa obviously had good taste. He could see she was better than Lydia.

But just as she was basking in that thought, Mr. Robinson, who was walking ahead, suddenly stopped and called out, Lydia, come here to Grandpa.

Lydia slipped through the crowd and joined him.

"Hi Grandpa," she greeted softly.

Mr. Robinson smiled at her, his eyes gentle. He walked on with Lydia by his side, chatting with her in low voices Mrs Robinson joined them chiming in now and then. The three of them looked so close and happy together.

Lucinda's mood plummeted. Lydia just had to steal her thunder again.

They finally arrived at the main

courtyard. In the center stood a big banquet table, ready for the evening's dinner. A fresh gingham tablecloth was spread overit and the table was loaded with all kinds of classic treats.

"Let's go have some tea in the main hall. William will be home in about half an hour," Mabel said, guiding everyone inside.

Once they were seated, Kylie found out that Damien's family had also come back from overseas.

Uncle Damien's family is here too? she asked, surprised.

Mrs. Robinson nodded. Yes, it's been years since they last visited. Your uncle wanted to come back and see everyone, so we're having a big family celebration tonight."

Damien was Mr. Robinson's older brother. He'd moved abroad a long time ago for work and hardly ever returned.

Kylie vaguely remembered that, back when she was a kid, Damien and her own family had fallen out over the inheritance. She hadn't been back in years so she had no idea where things stood between the families now.

Nathaniel overheard and snorted softly. "They're not here for the festival. They just want to show off now that their granddaughter married into royalty and became a princess."