"Don''t worry about it now."


    ncing at the clock, Be boasted with pride: "Time to get ready. Tonight, my darling daughter will be the belle of the ball."


    ...


    The celebration was set in a six-star hotel in Vista Town.


    The ballroom wasvish and spacious, glittering with lights, a high-ss affair indeed, attended by the who''s who of society.


    By this time, guests had begun to arrive, entering in small groups with their invitations in hand.


    Just as we reached the entrance of the ballroom, Gregory called to say he was on his way.


    I hung up with augh, and Be, seeing right through me, teased, "My future son-inw is done with work?"


    "Mom!" I blushed, protesting, "You just said you needed to vet him more."


    Be chuckled softly. "With how pleased you are, what''s there to vet? I trust your choice. I believe the man you bring home is one in a million." "Be, one in a million? Future son-inw?" Suddenly, a crisp voice came from behind.


    Turning around, I saw Edith, arm in arm with Herbert, and holding Ike''s hand,ing from the direction of the elevator. They made a striking pair, hard to believe they were a divorced couple.


    Seeing Herbert arrive with Edith caught Be by surprise. Before she could speak, Ike rushed towards me, eximing, "Auntie, I''ve missed you!" "There, there."


    My dress for today, chosen by Be, departed from my usual simple style, incorporating floral elements and a one-shoulder neckline that bloomed like a flower, adorned with exquisite embroidery. It was too delicate to hug Ike, but he obediently held my hand, standing quietly by my side.N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    Herbert, reserved and impably dressed in a suit, seemed a bit stiff and formal.


    He seemed nervous addressing Be, "Sis, I came uninvited, but there are things I need to say to you in person."


    Without waiting for Be to reply, and ignoring the passing guests, he dered, "You don''t have to worry about dragging me down anymore. The Taylor family is under my charge now. I can take care of you!"


    Touched by his deration, knowing this man was my uncle and the woman beside me was my mother, their familial bond moved me deeply.


    Turning to see Be struggling to hold back tears, she mockingly retorted, "Back when you couldn''t even change your diapers without crying for me, and now you''re protecting me?"


    Edith burst intoughter, almost choking on her drink.


    Herbert coughed slightly, not embarrassed by the mention of his past, but instead looked earnestly at Be, "Are you still mad at me?"


    As Be and I shifted our gaze back to Herbert, I smiled. "Uncle, mom has never been mad at you."


    Herbert was taken aback, "What did you call me?"


    Seeing his confused expression, Edith couldn''t help butugh again, "Let''s go to the lounge to talk. It''s too crowded here."


    With the guests still sparse, many who wished towork with Be hesitated upon seeing Herbert, a figure of authority, and did not dare to interrupt. We headed straight to the lounge.


    Edith quickly exined mine and Be''s rtionship to Herbert.


    Herbert, upon understanding, the formidable head of the Taylor family, was overwhelmed with emotion and handed me a ck card, "I didn''t prepare a wee gift for you; feel free to use this card as you wish."


    Holding the card, I was speechless.


    Even though he''s a bit old-fashioned... he sure knows how to give a gift. This ck card alone could easily cover a luxury vi in Cloud Vis. Seeing Be nod at me, I smiled, "Then... thank you, Uncle?"


    "What are you thanking me for?"


    Herbert cleared his throat, his voice firm, "The Taylor family was always meant to include your mother and you. This is nothing. From now on, the Taylor family will be you support."


    The atmosphere in the lounge was warm and congenial.


    It was clear that Herbert and Be had a strong bond; as they opened up, any sense of distance vanished.


    "Knock, knock-"


    The door was suddenly rapped on.


    As I made to get up, Herbert gestured for me to stay seated and went to open the door, nodding slightly to the person outside, "You''re here?"


    "Mr. Taylor," Gregory''sid-back voice came through the slightly ajar door. He paused, ncing at Edith. "You''ve cleared up those rumors with my sister?"


    "All cleared."


    "That''s good."


    Leaning against the doorframe,


    Gregory looked exhausted, as if he hadn''t slept in days, "If you''re serious about getting back together, you better treat her right. Otherwise, I won''t approve as her little brother."


    "Okay." Herbert nodded, then suddenly added, "And you better treat my niece right, too. Otherwise, I won''t let her marry into the Ford family pit."


    Gregory frowned, slightly amused. "Me? Marry your niece?"