Sylvia was taken aback and couldn’t help but shake her head helplessly. She quickly took a photo of the dinner and sent it to Franklin.
“Having dinner, have you eaten?” she texted.
“Grandma’s food looks so delicious,” Franklin replied in a tone that was almost playful.
“I’ll bring you here once you’re free,” Sylvia responded.
“I’m at the door.”
The next second, Sylvia saw Franklin’s message and almost spat out the soup she had just sipped. She stood up abruptly, a hint of embarrassment on her face. “Grandma, Uncle, you continue eating, I need to step out for a moment.”
Old Mrs. Hipps gave her a curious look. “What’s wrong, Sylvia? Did something happen?”
“Oh, nothing. I’ll be right back,” Sylvia said as she left the dining room and headed straight for the courtyard.
The Hipps Residence was quite large, and walking out would take too much time. Since it was dinner time, the family’s golf cart driver was also eating. Sylvia had to grab the keys and drive the small golf cart to the gate herself.
From a distance, she saw a black car quietly parked there. Sylvia got off the golf cart and looked helplessly at the handsome face behind the slowly descending car window.
“Are you crazy? You came all the way here? Wait, did the President let you out?”
She glanced suspiciously at Franklin. “Is he that lenient?”
“I came to visit Old Mrs. Hipps and Old Mr. Hipps,” Franklin said softly.
Sylvia was stunned, a look of disbelief flashing across her face. “What did you say?”
“It’s almost Mid-Autumn Festival. As the grandson-in-law of the Hipps family, it’s only right for me to visit the elders. So… dear Miss Andrews, take me inside.”
Franklin got out of the car and sat directly in the golf cart Sylvia had driven over.
The golf cart had several seats and was open-air. With his tall stature, Franklin looked somewhat comical sitting in it. His attire didn’t quite match the golf cart.
But Sylvia had no choice. “Fine, we are legally married after all. There’s no reason to stop you from visiting relatives.”
She turned the golf cart around and drove Franklin deeper into the estate.
Jasper also drove into the estate.
So…
The Hipps family, who were still eating, were shocked!
Upon hearing that Franklin had arrived, they felt too embarrassed to continue eating and hurried to greet him.
They saw servants moving in and out, carrying one high-end gift after another into the living room. A certain man held Sylvia’s small hand as they approached.
“Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle, Aunt. I’m sorry I couldn’t visit sooner. These are some Mid-Autumn Festival gifts; I hope you’ll accept them.”
The man wore a black suit, his already handsome face softened by Sylvia’s presence beside him, his usual sternness and severity subdued.
The Hipps family was once again stunned.
After a while, Old Mrs. Hipps smiled and said, “We’re all family; there’s no need to be so formal. Come in quickly. We were just having dinner; have you eaten?”
Franklin shook his head. “I left in a hurry and haven’t eaten.”
“That’s perfect then; it’s just a matter of adding a fork and a chair. Sit next to Sylvia,” Old Mrs. Hipps said warmly. “Next time, don’t bring so many gifts; it’s too formal.”
“I understand, Grandma,” Franklin replied softly.
Seeing him so obedient made the old lady even happier.
“Come on, let’s eat,” she said, thinking to herself how fortunate it was that today’s meal was decent; otherwise, it would have been embarrassing.
After all, he was now the President’s son. But as for him and Sylvia… sigh!
Forget it, she thought.
The atmosphere at dinner became somewhat awkward with Franklin’s presence. Everyone was somewhat restrained due to his status.
Especially the three sisters of the Hipps family, who were seeing Franklin up close for the first time and couldn’t help but marvel at his looks.
This man was incredibly handsome!
His features were sharp and deep-set, almost flawless-a perfect creation of nature.
Especially his commanding presence; it was impossible to ignore.
But thinking about Sylvia’s formidable personality, they quickly felt balanced.
Only someone as strong as Sylvia could handle such an impressive man.
Throughout dinner, Franklin spoke softly and occasionally helped Sylvia peel shrimp or serve her food.
After dinner, he chatted with Old Mrs. Hipps and Old Mr. Hipps for a while longer.
When Old Mr. Hipps invited him to play chess, Franklin gladly accepted.
Old Mrs. Hipps was thoroughly satisfied with this grandson-in-law.
But the President’s attitude towards their family… sigh! She looked at Franklin and Old Mr. Hipps playing chess not far away and sighed. “The President still doesn’t agree?”
“It doesn’t matter if he disagrees; he will eventually,” Sylvia said, holding her hand. “Don’t worry.”
Compared to what she and Franklin had been through, this was nothing.
As night fell, Franklin stood up. “Grandma, Grandpa, I’ll visit again another day. I should go now.”
“Why don’t you stay here tonight?” Old Mrs. Hipps warmly invited him.
Franklin looked deeply at Sylvia. “No need; you should rest early. Sylvia can see me out.”
Old Mr. Hipps quickly agreed. “Yes, Sylvia, see Franklin out.”
So the two of them left the living room and walked towards the courtyard.
As soon as they stepped outside, Franklin took her hand, walking like conjoined twins in the moonlit garden.
Moonlight cast a gentle glow over everything, adding a touch of tranquility.
This time Sylvia didn’t drive the golf cart but walked with him instead. Although the path to the gate was long, she didn’t feel tired at all.
She didn’t want to part or let go.
“Wait for me,” Franklin said softly as he looked into her delicate eyes. He was determined to succeed in his quest for power and control his own life freely.
“I believe in you; you can do it,” Sylvia smiled at him. “I’ve never been nervous or worried because I’ve always believed in your abilities.”
Unable to resist, Franklin pulled her into his arms. “Thank you.”
Their temporary separation was for a better future together.
His breath drew closer until his familiar scent enveloped her slender figure.
Sylvia felt his lips gently press against hers.
Jasper had wisely retreated to the car ahead of time, giving them this rare moment alone.
Who knows how long it lasted before Franklin reluctantly let go of Sylvia, his voice hoarse and sexy. “Wife, one day we will win.”
“I know… you should go now,” Sylvia said, worried that if he didn’t leave soon, his body might explode on the spot. When she looked up into his dark eyes filled with barely restrained desire, she saw a fire that seemed ready to consume her.
Full of intense possessiveness and aggression.
After watching him get into the car, Sylvia slowly turned back towards the estate.
The night was cool as water; moonlight draped everything in a soft veil.
She raised her hand to touch her lips, swollen from his kiss.
That man… couldn’t he be gentler?
The fashion week opening ceremony arrived quickly. Sylvia and Mollie Clare shared a car while the three sisters of the Hipps family took another car.
The whole family headed towards the fashion week venue in grand style.
“I heard the opening show is X Brand’s Gaia Legend Series,” Mollie said excitedly as she leaned towards Sylvia. “Is it true that the show is beautifully arranged?”
Sylvia nodded. “Yes, I designed the venue myself.”
Mollie was amazed. “You’re incredible!”
Knowing that Sylvia had personally designed the venue made her even more excited.
Soon they arrived at the venue and went directly to the opening show hall.
Mollie was stunned when she saw it.
“This is too beautiful!”
Unlike a simple runway show, X Brand seamlessly blended classical aesthetics with Western fashion design.
From meticulously chosen venues to grand set designs, thematic music selection, model makeup, and outfit coordination-everything was harmoniously integrated to present an artistic fashion show that connected fashion with culture through storytelling, achieving international top-tier artistic standards.
This show took inspiration from nature, presenting an ideal way of Eastern living.
The venue design transitioned from ocean to land to restore things to their most natural state and celebrate life itself.
Even the set design and stage effects were innovative and groundbreaking, presenting grand scenic designs that brought natural wonders like mountains, rivers, flowers, birds, butterflies, rainforests, ancient trees-all into the venue. The scenes were magnificent and conveyed a longing for nature and peace.
Not only Mollie but almost all guests present showed expressions of admiration-the opening show was indeed impressive!
The three sisters of the Hipps family also looked around eagerly in anticipation of the models’ performances.
Since it was the opening show, almost all guests made this their first stop.
Jocelyn didn’t dare show up with her ruined face, so Cassandra and Madam Virginia represented the Sweeney family publicly.
From afar, they saw the Hipps family group and their faces turned sour immediately.
Cassandra glared hatefully at Sylvia’s graceful back. “Mom, they really came.”
“Don’t worry; they’ll regret it soon,” Madam Virginia sneered coldly. “I’ll make arrangements right away.”
She stepped aside to make a phone call and returned after a few minutes with a satisfied look on her face. “Everything is set.”