Chapter 630 Let It Be
In the midst of all the congratulatory voices, Tony asked an innocent question, “Grandma, why do you want to make her your goddaughter when she’s actually not your daughter?”
Olivia cast a look at him whereas Isabella’s body stiffened. The latter clenched her right fist, knowing that whatever might come out of his mouth could ruin her grand plan.
This boy is destined to be my nemesis! He’s so wicked. He’s a devil in disguise who schemes against others at such a young age!
Isabella cussed profusely.
This boy is too dangerous not to be removed. If he stays, he’ll surely be a stumbling block to my success. Anthony, don’t blame me for being cruel. Instead, you should blame yourself for being a smart alec who destroys all of my plans. Thus, I can’t keep you in the family only for all of my efforts to go in vain.
Isabella’s head dropped as a murderous intent flashed across her eyes.
That was not the first time she bore malice toward Tony. To her, the boy was like a time bomb that could explode anytime, anywhere. When that happened, she would lose everything and become a laughing stock.
“Tony, I like Ms. Walker. So, I made her my goddaughter, simple as that. Aren’t you happy to have one more person to love and spoil you?” explained Olivia patiently.
Tony sulked. He wanted to rebut, but was refrained by Amelia from doing so. The latter held his hand under the table and signaled him to stop asking further. Tony gazed at his mother and knew exactly what was in her mind.
Nonetheless, he replied reluctantly, “As long as you’re happy, Grandma.”
Olivia let out a sigh of relief.
She was quite worried that Tony would make a scene at the event and bring disgrace to both the Clintons and the Walkers. The worst thing that could happen was to see two connected families turn into rivals.
She could never ignore Tony’s request.
“I love you so much, Tony, my good boy.”
“I love you too, Grandma!”
Subsequently, everyone knowingly changed the topic. The men talked about finances, politics, and the economy whereas the women passionately chatted about the latest fashion. Within moments, the atmosphere became lively and vibrant again.
The dinner lasted for three hours. When it drew to a close, the women took turns carrying Tony. The latter was very welcoming. He even landed kisses on all of the ladies’ cheeks. “Pretty ladies, don’t drink and drive, okay? The police have made it clear that this is an offense.”
His words did not reflect his age. Everyone was astounded at his level of maturity. “Olivia, your grandson is such a little know-it-all. What a blessing to have a smarty pants as your grandson! I’d smile in my dreams if I do.”
Olivia smiled from ear to ear.
“Don’t flatter him too much, or else he will become arrogant.” Yet, it was written all over Olivia’s face how proud she was of Tony.
“We aren’t buttering him up, for this is the truth. My grandchildren are all super mischievous. Having one who is so clever and good-natured like yours is such a dream come true.”
Upon sending all the guests off, Tony returned to Amelia’s arms. He rubbed his eyes and yawned. “Mommy, I’m so sleepy.”
Oscar felt sorry for him. “Amelia, hurry up and bring him back to bed. It’s not easy for him to be so obedient and obliging throughout the entire event. I’ve decided to throw a small party to celebrate your wedding with Oscar. It’s also a nice excuse to gather everyone who would usually be too busy to meet up on normal days.”
“It’s your decision to make, Mom. We are fine with anything.” Amelia gave a classy response.
“All right, you guys go ahead then. We’ll discuss further back at the family residence when you and Oscar come over during the weekends.”
Amelia nodded in agreement.
Oscar led both mother and son into the car before bidding his parents goodbye.
Stephanie turned green with envy when she noticed that Amelia had seemingly gotten more beautiful. She scoffed as she posted Olivia a question, “Mom, I thought you said that you’d never forgive her? Why did you give up so fast? It’s not even one year yet.”
“She is, after all, Tony’s mother,” Olivia replied.
“Mom, that’s not what you said earlier on. Don’t you think that it’s too hasty to change your mind?” Stephanie grew anxious. She was hoping to make use of Olivia to give Amelia a hard time. Unexpectedly, Olivia now sided with Amelia, and there was no chance for her to carry out her grand plan.
Like a Marionette, she was toyed around by her biological mother. This is unacceptable!
“Don’t you want your brother to be happy?” Olivia argued.
“But, Mom, you promised to make Isabella your daughter-in-law! I’m prepared to accept her as my sister-in-law. I’m dejected because of the turn of events. Now, Oscar is marrying Amelia for the second time, and Isabella is embarrassed.” Stephanie released all of her anger at her mother like an erupted volcano.
Olivia’s face turned gloomy immediately.
Carol tried to appease the situation. “Stephanie, your brother and Isabella aren’t fated to be together. With Oscar’s wedding coming up soon, don’t bring this up again. Otherwise, it will be so hard on Isabella. Actually, it’s not a bad idea for her to be Olivia’s goddaughter. I find this an ideal ending to this episode. Should you persist your way further, you might create havoc and make everyone feel uncomfortable.”
Stephanie’s chest rose and fell heavily in rage upon hearing that.
“That’s enough, Stephanie. Stop arguing with Mrs. Clinton. We can’t force a relationship to blossom. Take us for example, if you aren’t willing to marry me, I can’t threaten you to say yes with a knife at your neck.” Noah tried to knock some sense into her.
Stephanie rolled her eyes at him, but did not pursue the matter.
Thereafter, the Walkers and the rest of the Clintons left for their residences respectively.
During the journey home, Noah asked, “Isabella, how is it like to be the goddaughter of the Clintons?”
Isabella replied, “Well, it’s surely the best experience. At least, I’m considered a member of the Clinton family, right?”
Noah’s lips curved into a mocking grin.
She folded her arms, refusing to engage further with Noah. I’m being degraded from a potential Mrs. Clinton to being their goddaughter. She still could not get over the harsh reality. Hence, she was not in the mood to bicker with her sibling.
All of her hopes and dreams shattered. Her hard work put in to get her to where she was today was futile. Seemingly, she had become a laughing stock in the high society.
Meanwhile, Olivia reprimanded Stephanie on the way home.
“You’re about to become a wife, Stephanie. Please behave yourself and demonstrate the virtues of being one. Once you marry into the Walker family, you should be filial to your in-laws and serve your husband. Look at how loud you were just now, yelling and shouting in front of your in-laws. Do reflect on your attitude and behavior!”
“Am I wrong, Mom?” Stephanie questioned back. “You’re the one who went back on your words, Mom. You switched my sister-in-law! Have you considered my feelings? What about Isabella’s? I reckon that you’re more stubborn and willful than me.”
Olivia’s expression darkened.
“You aren’t qualified to give me a lecture.”
“Mom, you’re always like that. Whenever there’s a disagreement between us, you’ll conclude it as I’m being rude. What about your manners, Mom? Is breaking a promise your style?”
“Shut up!”
Sulking, Stephanie fell silent in annoyance.
Upon arriving home, Olivia gave Stephanie an ultimatum. “Whether you like it or not, Stephanie, Amelia is now your sister-in-law. You should be nice to her henceforth because she’s your family. If anything happens in your marriage with Noah, you will need your family members to stand up for you. So, I repeat, be nice to your family. Understand?”
Biting her lips, Stephanie spat her last line before heading upstairs, “You’re biased, Mom.”
Olivia was so upset.
“There, there… Don’t go ballistic. You know very well that Amelia and Stephanie are rivals. So, don’t force it,” Owen comforted her.
Infuriated, Olivia flung his hand away and said, “After all that I’ve done for every single one of them, no one even bother to thank me. How ungrateful!”
Owen guffawed as he pinched her nose dotingly. “If you don’t want to dwell in these petty matters, I’ll get someone to book us two tickets to Sumanthova tomorrow. Coincidentally, I have two friends who went there ahead of me. We can meet up.”
Olivia was quite tempted to say yes, but she was worried about Tony.
“Can I bring Tony along?”
“Come on, it should be just the two of us.”
After grumbling for a while, Olivia gave in.
“Fine, let’s go there for a couple of days. We can start preparing for Stephanie’s wedding when we return. I’ll be more relieved once she is wedded, and I’ll leave her to Noah.”
“I bet you’ll still be worried about her even after she gets spliced.”
She sighed. “How can I not? Oscar and Stephanie are both my precious children. I spoiled her since young. Sometimes, I really wonder if her husband’s family could withstand her temper.”
“Don’t worry too much. I can tell that Noah is a good man. He’s thoughtful, gentle, and excellent at managing the company. I believe that he will treat Stephanie well. Moreover, there’s Oscar to watch out for her. As long as she doesn’t go overboard, Oscar will take care of her.”
Olivia could not help but let out yet another sigh.
“Who knows if Stephanie would understand our good intentions for her?” Olivia said placidly. She had done a lot to pave a bright future for her daughter. At the same time, she also tried to satisfy her son’s request and keep Isabella happy. She wanted an amicable solution with the Walkers in hopes that they would love Stephanie like their own and treat her like a princess.
“She will, eventually,” Owen guaranteed.
“I’m worried that it’s too late when she finally realizes that. By then, she might already be scarred from her marriage.” Olivia was very concerned. She knew her daughter like the back of her palm. A prideful girl with a temper, who has been adored by everyone since the day she was born, is not easy to handle. It takes a patient and tolerant man to accept her for who she is. How can I not worry for her marriage?
“Well, let’s just let nature take its course.”
She nodded. That’s all I can do for now.
