Oswaldo initially did not want to attend such an occasion, but the more he thought about it at home, the more upset he became, especially considering how a perfectly good romance was ruined by Susan. He had intended to come and confront Hayden but unexpectedly encountered Aurora. His presence served as the best answer to Aurora’s identity.
When Oswaldo was called “Grandpa” by Aurora, Joaquin’s expression changed several times. Even Julian had not seen such an expression on his face for a long time.
“Aurora, why are you mingling with these shameless people from the Alvarez family? Haven’t they hurt you enough?” Oswaldo was never one to mince words, and he was fiercely protective. If he had heard what Joaquin said to Aurora, he would have exploded in anger. Aurora quickly steadied him and said, “Grandpa, I came here sincerely to bless the newlyweds.”
“Oswaldo is your grandpa? So, your surname is Montgomery. You are Magnus’s eldest daughter.” Joaquin quickly pieced together, finally recognizing Aurora’s identity.
“Joaquin, your grandson has mistreated my granddaughter. This isn’t over.” Oswaldo, known for his fiery temper, had made things difficult for the Alvarez family in business dealings over the years because of what Hayden did to Aurora.
Aurora smiled, pressing her lips together. “Grandpa, that’s all in the past now. Don’t dwell on it and give others a reason to laugh. Let’s go sit over there.” With her beloved grandfather present, Aurora naturally sought to calm him first to prevent any public outburst.
She couldn’t bother provoking Susan any further and directly guided Oswaldo aside. “Grandpa, what brought you here today?”
“It’s just that I can’t get over it. Every time I think about what they did, my blood boils, but you, my girl, have such a big heart.” Oswaldo was still unaware of her recent dealings with Hayden.
“Grandpa, it’s been many years, and I’ve moved on. I’ve met someone better now. I should even thank them. Without their actions, I wouldn’t be who I am today.” Aurora’s entire demeanor radiated confidence, as if no one could defeat her.
“Someone better? Who is it this time? Bring him to meet me. I’ll check him out myself. Anyone is fine, as long as it’s not someone from the Alvarez family.” Thinking of what he had just said, Aurora had yet to tell him that she was involved with someone from the Alvarez family again.
“I’ll tell you another time,” Aurora said, supporting him as they walked towards the Montgomery family.
Magnus was accompanied by Genevieve, who looked strikingly beautiful. Ivy and Zachary were also well-dressed, unbeknownst to others that they were illegitimate children.
“Aurora really has a big heart to attend such an event,” Genevieve commented with a forced smile.
“Should a bad romance lead one to despair? I came with a sincere heart to their engagement party,” Aurora replied softly.
“That’s good to hear, Aurora. With our family background, I’ll find you someone even better,” Magnus said, his tone filled with newfound respect and affection.
Aurora did not elaborate further, knowing some things were better kept to herself.
Joaquin watched them leave, still shocked by Aurora’s identity. Reflecting on his earlier words, he struggled to maintain his composure.
It seemed as though every word he spoke was a slap to his own face. He lashed out at Julian. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier that she is from the Montgomery family?”
“Must liking someone be linked to their family background? I’m sorry, but I’ve never held that view. No matter who she is, the only person I love is her. Miss Gilpin, our engagement was never valid since I never agreed to it. I hope you will no longer refer to yourself as my fiancee. Mrs. Barnet will always be her alone.”
Julian lazily sat down on a chair, while everyone else, out of respect for Joaquin’s authority, stood respectfully, except for Julian, who appeared utterly indifferent.
“Nonsense! In the Alvarez family, marriage is always arranged by parents. I just like Lindsay, not that girl.” Joaquin had just made a fool of himself in front of Aurora, and seeing that Aurora was not at all afraid of him, he was very angry now.
“If you like her, just marry her. It’s not like it’s the first time you’ve done this.” Julian’s every word seemed to stab Joaquin’s heart.
This matter had always been a skeleton in the closet of the Alvarez family, which no one dared to mention, except for Julian, who fearlessly wore a mocking smile.
“You bastard!” Joaquin roared, hurling the dishes and cutlery beside him to the ground, silencing everyone around him.
Julian didn’t take him seriously, his lips curling into a wicked smile, crossing his legs, and even leisurely lighting a cigarette.
As he exhaled a puff of white smoke, he said, “Since you know I’m a bastard, why did you bother having me? Did you think I wanted to come into this world?” Julian gave a cold laugh.
Although Aurora had been sitting with the Montgomery family, she kept her attention on the Alvarez family’s situation. Seeing everyone with serious faces except for Julian, who was irreverent, she realized she had never seen Julian like this before. Although he seemed to be smiling, she knew he actually harbored deep hatred.
What deep vendetta existed between father and son? She once thought she was the most unfortunate person in the world, having faced so many melodramatic incidents.
Seeing Julian like this, she felt an inexplicable sympathy for him. He had never spoken about his past. Thinking of the boy who had fallen into the sea wearing only a thin white shirt years ago, yet with a determined look in his eyes, she assumed his past must have been even more bitter than hers.
At that moment, Aurora wanted to be by his side, to hold him and help him through.
“What are you looking at, Aurora?” Oswaldo thought she was still hung up on Hayden and asked immediately.
“Grandpa, it’s nothing.”
Just as she spoke, Joaquin swept the dishes to the floor with a loud clatter. Aurora quickly looked over, wondering what Julian had said made him furiously red-faced. Stubbing out his cigarette, Julian got up and left abruptly.
“Hmph, Joaquin was known for his bad temper when he was young. I didn’t expect him to get even worse with age. He doesn’t care about the occasion at all or give any respect to the younger generation,” Oswaldo scoffed.
Magnus was speechless. Oswaldo had quite the temper too, and it seemed he had forgotten himself now.
Julian approached Aurora and simply said, “Let’s go.”