Chapter 506: 504 Grand Finale (1)

William Hale couldn’t stand the mere thought of his daughter falling in love with another man and marrying someone else. Little Vera seemed to sense her father’s displeasure and cuddled closer to him.

Rubbing against his face, the normally stern Mr. Hale melted instantly.

The little girl loved to act cute and adored being held by her father.

She clung to him like a little accessory, always demanding kisses, hugs, and snuggles.

One day, Isaac Shea saw this scene and went home to pick up Ivy, wanting to snuggle with her too. And then…

Ivy slapped him several times!

She then looked at Hannah Johnson with a face full of grievance, as if she was the one being bullied.

Isaac Shea explained, “He hit me first!”

Hannah said helplessly, “You’re arguing with a little kid?”

It wasn’t that he was being petty; those slaps genuinely hurt!

——

Quickly, it was time for Tim Payne and Cressida Jones’ wedding, held at a private estate in the suburbs with very tight security. Most guests arrived a day in advance.

Ivy liked Vera, and the two little ones played together for most of the day before falling asleep in the same bed.

By the time Vera was six or seven months old, she could sleep through the night without any fuss.

Zoe Payne felt like she had given birth to an angel.

Ivy, on the other hand, liked to grunt a few times in the middle of the night and spin 360 degrees in bed. She had even once fallen asleep on Isaac Shea’s face.

Isaac was annoyed by her and wanted her to sleep alone, but she refused, insisting on staying close to her mother.

Hannah could only look at Isaac and say, “How about… you sleep in the guest room?”

That was his wife!

Isaac Shea wouldn’t allow it, and had to endure the “torment” instead.

The wedding venue was decorated with various flowers, creating a romantic and beautiful scene like Monet’s garden. While the staff were setting up, the two little ones were playing nearby.

The staff found Vera adorable, even weaving a little wreath for her to wear on her head, telling her, “This is a wreath only for little princesses.”

Then,

Vera turned around and gave the wreath to her mom, babbling as if to say:

“I’m the little princess, mommy is the big princess.”

“Thank you, darling.” Zoe Payne kissed her little face.

Standing nearby, Hannah Johnson felt her heart melt from the cuteness.

But when she turned around, she saw her child tearing apart a flower and smiling at her proudly.

“Ivy Shea, the staff are working, you’re not allowed to cause trouble.” Hannah frowned and called her.

Ivy ignored her.

When he was about eight or nine months old, Hannah discovered that he often ignored what she said.

Thinking it might be a hearing issue, she even took him for a checkup.

But was told everything was normal, the doctor just laughed and said, “The child is developing faster than his peers in every aspect. Not listening to you is probably because…”

“He simply doesn’t want to pay attention to you.”

Hannah realized then that her son had intermittent selective hearing.

Vera seemed to follow her brother’s lead with the flowers, but after a reminder from Zoe, she obediently moved next to her mother.

Hannah looked at her son and sighed silently.

She used to think her son was obedient and sensible, here to repay her kindness.

Until Ivy learned to walk and started causing trouble everywhere, Hannah realized:

Repay? More like it’s retribution.

——

Before the wedding started, after Cressida Jones finished her makeup, the makeup artist dressed up the two little ones, changing their clothes and styling their hair.

Vera was very well-behaved, letting the makeup artist braid her hair.

Ivy, on the other hand, squirmed around like a slippery eel, making it difficult to keep him still.

As the ceremony was about to begin, Zoe Payne and Hannah Johnson both worried that their children might cause some disruption at the wedding.

Cressida Jones only had her grandma as a relative. For a Western wedding, it should be the father leading her down the aisle. Her grandma thought about asking Martin Yates to replace her, as he had once wanted to be her godfather.

But Martin Yates refused.

“There’s no rule that says it must be a male elder. You raised her, no one is more qualified than you to walk her down the aisle.”

“You have never missed a moment in her growing up, this important occasion should be witnessed by you personally.”

“I can guarantee no one here would dare say a word.”

Only then did her grandma nod in agreement.

She had a surgery a couple of years ago and recovered quite well, but age had caught up with her. When she saw Cressida Jones in a white gown, all dressed up, her eyes reddened.

“This is a wedding gift from grandma, wishing our Cressida everlasting happiness.”

When Cressida’s mother had cancer, it nearly drained the family’s savings. The Old Lady hadn’t saved much money, but she kept the gold earrings from her own wedding. She melted them and had a pendant made for her.

Wishing her a lifetime of peace and everything she desires.

“You and Tim have been together for a long time and it’s clear he’s a good man. But hearts can change. If things don’t work out, don’t let yourself suffer, don’t be like your mother…”

Stubborn, in pain,

Caught in her own struggles all her life.

The doctor said that, if not for her constant worries and overthinking, she might not have gotten cancer.

At this moment, the staff reminded the two it was time to enter.

Her grandma took a deep breath and led Cressida into the venue, greeted by colorful flowers, dreamy fountains, and crystal arches.

Tim Payne stood not far away, in a white suit, as genteel and elegant as when they first met.”Cressida Jones’ wedding gown was adorned with countless tiny diamonds. Under the sunlight, it sparkled like a flowing galaxy.

Today, she was the most dazzling presence.

“Miss Jones looks absolutely stunning today,” Michael Shaw said, taking continuous photos with his camera.

Seated next to him was Young Master Carter from the Carter Family. The Carter Family had closely collaborated with Payne Corps in recent years, so naturally he was invited to the wedding.

He just glanced sideways at Michael Shaw, “I heard you used to like Miss Jones.”

Michael Shaw was stunned for a few seconds, “Who said that?”

“Nonsense! We were totally innocent. Besides, she’s not even my type!”

Young Master Carter nodded, “I get it, you like women like Mr. Jones.”

Mr. Jones referred to Hannah Johnson.

Michael Shaw’s brow furrowed slightly:

What kind of women I like has nothing to do with him?

But hearing this, he got interested and turned to scrutinize him, “Young Master Carter, they say you have countless close female friends, none lasting more than three months. What’s your type?”

Although Michael Shaw often acted impulsively, he had a handsome face.

Today, dressed to impress, he rested his chin in his hand, staring at you, making it hard to resist.

Young Master Carter just gave him a casual glance, “As long as they look good and have a good figure, I’m fine with them.”

Michael Shaw clicked his tongue:

What a playboy!

The Carter Family business was huge, he should be busy every day. Yet, he still had time to spend with his close female friends, a true master of time management.