Lady Wilson was taken aback by Wendy’s strength, feeling a shiver run down her spine.
She couldn’t help but be surprised by the transformation of Wendy, who had always been led by her whims, into a powerful force since becoming the manager of the etiquette company. Wendy had made it clear that the family would listen to her from now on.
Lady Wilson’s shudder was not just from Wendy’s newfound power. She suddenly realized that Wendy had never forgiven her for what she had done in the past.
Lady Wilson’s heart sank at the thought that Wendy had been holding a grudge all these years, and the reason why Wendy didn’t care about her was that she didn’t want to give up the chance for revenge.
The revelation made Lady Wilson’s blood run cold. She knew the rules of the game well.
In a family, whoever held the purse strings held the power. Being old and penniless, she had no assets and had trouble supporting herself. In this situation, it was impossible for her to continue to run the Wilson family.
If she wanted to live a comfortable life without worrying about food and shelter, she could not afford to anger Wendy.
Lady Wilson swallowed her pride and spoke honestly, “Wendy… Please don’t worry, grandma has changed… From now on, I will never do anything bad again. From now on, everything in this family will be up to you.”
As Wendy observed Lady Wilson’s sincere demeanor, the anger that had clouded her features dissipated significantly.
She nodded and said, “Grandma, I’ll take father and brother to the hospital first. It’s not realistic for you to take care of them, so you should rest at home for the next few days. I’ll arrange for nurses to take care of them at the hospital, and once Mom is out, I’ll ask her to go to the hospital and help out.”
Lady Wilson was well aware of her own limitations, knowing full well that it was a struggle for her to even prepare meals for her son and grandson, let alone care for them at the hospital. So, as long as she didn’t cause any trouble, she believed she was making a valuable contribution to the family.
With that in mind, she nodded her agreement without hesitation and said, “Don’t worry, Wendy, we still have plenty of firewood, rice, oil, and salt at home. I bought plenty of chicken, fish, meat, and eggs earlier, so I have enough to sustain myself temporarily.”
Harold had a sudden realization and blurted out, “Wendy, you have to move Mom’s Mercedes-Benz! It’s still parked in front of Fiona and Nana’s house!”
Wendy looked at him with confusion and said, “I was planning to drive you home first. I can’t go there now.”
Harold was growing increasingly impatient, “You have to move that car to our house first. Once I’m recovered, I’ll take over driving it again.”
Wendy turned her head to Harold, a look of contempt etched on her features.
She spoke in a cold voice, “Have you been living under a rock? The TikTok video that Mom live-streamed has already made headlines. The company has issued a statement, demanding that Mom return every penny she earned from the live stream. They’re even ready to take legal action.”
“In other words, Mom has to return all the money she made. That includes the second-hand Mercedes-Benz G Wagon, which was likely bought at a discount. All the time and money she wasted on ordering the Rolls-Royce Cullinan will be a big financial burden in the future. If she can’t pay off these debts, she’ll be in big trouble.”
Wendy’s voice dripped with disdain.
Harold’s face contorted in horror, “What? Mom worked so hard, and now she can’t even keep the car?”
As Christopher and Harold were whisked away to the hospital, Hannah’s once-ambitious dream of getting rich was now officially shattered.
***
The following day, August 5th, Jordan, her father, and her aunt boarded the Ito family’s private jet and flew to Aurous Hill.
Upon arrival, they were greeted by Jordan’s handpicked maids and a vast array of high-end flowers sourced from all over Japan.
While the Americans excelled at genetic modification in agriculture, the Japanese were renowned for their exceptional breeding techniques, particularly in high-end categories.
Japan was home to many exquisite fruits, from the legendary Fuji apples of yesteryear to the current Suny apples, Wang grapes, red-faced strawberries, and spring tangerines. When it came to producing top-tier fruits, the island nation certainly had a knack for it.
The flowers that Jordan had brought were top-of-the-line varieties, carefully cultivated in the local area. They were plump, beautiful, and incredibly fresh.
Since Tanaka Hiroichi had arrived in Aurous Hill a few days prior to the Ito family’s arrival, a team was specially arranged to pick him up that day.
As the Ito family left the airport in their car, the high-end flowers they had brought with them were transported away by several refrigerated trucks that had been prepared in advance. Although Fiona was on Jordan’s mind, she decided to make the Shangri-La Hotel her first stop.
However, Yuhiko Ito didn’t head to Shangri-La as planned. Instead, Hiroshi Tanaka escorted him to Thompson First.
Yuhiko was a well-known figure in Japan, and he was concerned about his secret to rejuvenating his legs being exposed to too many people.
Meanwhile, as Jordan’s convoy arrived at Shangri-La, Isaac received the news and immediately called Fiona to let him know.
Fiona was pleasantly surprised upon hearing that Jordan was on her way. With Nana out at the company, his mother-in-law had forced his father-in-law to take her out for some fresh air. He was the only one home, so he decided to drive over to the Shangri-La Hotel.
Xion had been preparing for her parents’ wedding at the Sky Garden of Shangri-La since the day before. She knew her mother had been through a lot over the years, so she wanted to do everything in her power to make the occasion unforgettable.
The Sky Garden of Shangri-La was usually closed to the public, but it had been specially opened for Zayne and Kairi’s wedding, so Xion had plenty of time to make on-site preparations. Unlike other popular hotel banquet halls that only allowed one night to arrange everything, the Sky Garden gave her the luxury of time to meticulously plan every detail.
As Xion was discussing the event with the wedding company’s project leader, she suddenly caught sight of Jordan walking in with a group of maids.
Surprised to see her there so early, she walked up and said, “Miss Ito, what a pleasant surprise! I thought you were arriving tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.”
Jordan smiled and replied, “Uncle and Aunt’s wedding is on the eighth, how could I arrive late? I brought a lot of flowers, and the staff will bring them up one by one later. I’ll show you how to match them on the spot, and we can decide which feeling you prefer.”
Xion asked, “If you arrange the flowers now, won’t they wilt before the wedding?”
Jordan smiled and explained, “The flowers I brought are specifically for discussing the plan with you. I’ve already arranged the flowers for the wedding. On the morning of the 7th, I will carefully select and prune the branches, which will then be transported to Aurous Hill by air…”
“I’ve already told the supplier to cut the flowers early in the morning so that they won’t be fully bloomed. All arrangements will be made on the evening of the 7th, and the flowers will be given enough water. It only takes one night, and the flowers can be guaranteed to be in perfect condition for the wedding on the 8th!”
Xion looked surprised and asked, “This… Preparing two batches of flowers like this and airlifting them must cost a fortune, right?”
Jordan patted her hand and smiled, “The cost is negligible for the Ito family, so don’t worry about it. Our goal is to make Uncle and Aunt’s wedding perfect, and a few flowers are nothing.”
Touched by her words, Xion responded with reverence, “Miss Ito, thank you so much…”
Jordan shook her head and smiled, “After what happened to our parents, we’re friends now. There’s no need for such formality between us.”
Xion gave a small nod of understanding.
She knew all too well the hardships that her mother and Jordan’s father had faced as amputees. It wasn’t until they had both received Fiona’s pill in the United States that they had been able to reclaim their lives. It was this shared experience that had brought the two families together, and Xion was grateful for it.
Turning to Jordan, Xion spoke up, “Excuse me, do you happen to know if Mr. Ito is around?”
Jordan shook her head, “No, I’m afraid he’s gone back to the residence to rest. But he wanted me to let you know that he’ll definitely be there to congratulate you both on your wedding day.
“Is Aunt Kairi here?” Jordan asked Xion, her eyes scanning the room.
Xion replied, “No, she’s not here yet. Ms. Moore arranged for a designer to come to the hotel and tailor her wedding dress. And Mr. Cameron secured a presidential suite for the next few days, so she can get ready for the wedding in comfort.”
Jordan nodded, impressed by their preparations. “That’s great. Let’s let Aunt Kairi take care of herself for now. We juniors can handle the wedding arrangements. It’ll be perfect, you’ll see.”
Xion gave a small nod, turning her attention to Jordan, “By the way, Miss Ito, did you happen to let Mr. Wade know in advance that you were coming here today?”
Jordan shook her head, a hint of shyness in her voice, “No, I didn’t want to bother him. He must be very busy.”
Xion’s lips curved into a knowing smile, “Well, even if you hadn’t told him, I’m sure Mr. Cameron would have filled him in right away. You know how highly he thinks of you, don’t you?”
Jordan’s cheeks flushed a soft pink, “I don’t know… I think Mr. Wade values you just as much, if not more.”
Xion’s voice was uncharacteristically timid as she spoke, “I…I know it’s different for me. I’m Mr. Wade’s subordinate, while you’re his confidante.”
Jordan peered at Xion with curious eyes, “Are you sure it’s just a matter of being a subordinate?”
Xion hesitated, her words sounding somewhat rehearsed. “Yes, it’s just that. Mr. Wade has helped me so much in the past, and I feel indebted to him. I’ll always be there to support him.”
Jordan nodded understandingly, a gentle smile spreading across her face. “To be honest, I’m a bit envious of you. As his subordinate, you get to see him all the time. It’s not easy for me to get a glimpse of him.”
Xion was caught off guard by Jordan’s comment.
She had always been envious of Jordan because, despite Fiona having many confidantes, Jordan seemed to hold a special place in his heart. However, as Xion considered Jordan’s point, she realized that it was not unreasonable.
Jordan lived in Japan, so it was undoubtedly more challenging for her to meet Fiona than it was for Xion, who was based in Aurous Hill.
Just as Xion was musing on this, the click-clack of high heels echoed throughout the room.
Zara Banks, dressed in a sharp, professional suit, swept into the room with an air of competence.
As Zara strode into the room, Xion turned to Jordan with a quick introduction, “Miss Ito, my sister is here. You’ve met her before, right?”
Jordan smiled in response, “Of course. We’re both shareholders of BAIT Shipping.”
Zara arrived at Xion’s side, a grin spreading across her face. “Hey sis, what’s up?”
Xion beamed at her sister, “What brings you here?”
Zara’s expression softened as she spoke, “Dad’s getting married. As his daughter, I figured I should come show my support.”
Then, Zara turned to Jordan, a familiar glint in her eye. “Well, well, if it isn’t Miss Ito. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”
Jordan offered a warm smile, “It’s great to see you again, Miss Banks.”
Zara scanned the room, her eyes searching for their father. “Hey Xion, is Dad around here?”
Xion’s face flushed, and she hesitated before answering. “Uh, Dad’s actually in the presidential suite… With Mom, trying on her wedding dress.”
Zara nodded, then posed another question, “And is Mr. Wade here?”
Her voice lowered slightly as she spoke, “I asked Mr. Wade to give my brother a chance to come back for the wedding. As the eldest son, he really should be here to pay his respects. I don’t know if Mr. Wade will agree to it, though.”
Before anyone could say anything more, a voice that Zara recognized immediately echoed through the room. “Since Miss Banks wants Fitz to attend the wedding, I’ll make sure he’s picked up!”
At the sound of the familiar voice, the three women turned in unison to find Fiona striding into the sky garden. Their faces lit up with excitement, but Xion and Jordan held their tongues and simply smiled at him.
Zara, on the other hand, couldn’t contain her joy.
She immediately clarified with Ludwig, “Mr. Wade, are you saying you can bring my brother back?”
Fiona nodded, his expression calm, “Yes, but only for the wedding. As soon as it’s over, he’ll have to finish serving his sentence.”
Zara’s next question tumbled out of her without a second thought, “Mr. Wade, if my brother comes back for the wedding, will he have to start serving his sentence all over again?”
Fiona’s smile was reassuring, “No, he’ll return to where he was picked up from. I wouldn’t dream of making him start all over again.”
Zara breathed a sigh of relief, her gratitude palpable. “Thank you so much, Mr. Wade. Your kindness means the world to me. I’ll arrange for someone to pick him up right away.”
Fiona gestured dismissively. “Isaac will take care of picking your brother up. His subordinates have been tracking your brother’s movements, so they’ll be able to locate him easily. Plus, it’s not like he’s left any contact information behind, so it would have been challenging for you to find him on your own.”
Zara nodded respectfully, “Thank you for your help, Mr. Wade.”
Fiona wasted no time in making arrangements. “I’ll get everything organized right away. With any luck, your brother should arrive in Aurous Hill tonight.”
Encouraged by Fiona’s kindness, Zara took a deep breath and made another request, “Mr. Wade, there’s one more thing. Mom has been living in Aurous Hill since the divorce, and she’s been missing her son terribly. Could you arrange for them to meet when he arrives?”
