As they were led inside, Vanessa noticed that she and Aria had fallen behind the others. Her expression darkened immediately. She reached out, grabbed Aria's arm, and pulled her back to her side.
She leaned in and whispered into Aria's ear, her voice low and threatening.
"I don't care what has been wrong with you all week," Vanessa said coldly. "But look around you. These people are not a simple family. If you try to mess up this marriage deal, you're done for. Now smile"
Aria's throat tightened. She swallowed hard and forced her lips into a shaky smile, her heart pounding wildly in her chest.
"Good," Vanessa said, satisfied.
She pushed Aria gently forward, her face instantly calm and pleasant again. Thankfully, no one seemed to notice what had just happened. Vanessa only frowned inwardly.
'Aria hadn't smiled properly all week, and that her useless, gloomy behavior could ruin everything' Vanessa thought
In the living room, Old Man Sterling was already seated. The moment he saw them, he rose slowly with the support of his walking stick. A smile spread across his face, though his sharp, authoritative aura remained unchanged.
The Dawsons bowed slightly in respect.
"Sit, sit," Old Man Sterling said.
Once they were seated, Aria found herself unconsciously taking in her surroundings , the grandeur of the living room, the heavy silence, the air of power that filled the space. Her fingers clenched the fabric of her dress tightly. She was nervous. So nervous that she forgot to smile again.
All she could think about was one thing.
I'm going to see him today.
"As you already know," Mr. Dawson began, "this is my wife, Vanessa. This is my second daughter, Tiffany, my youngest son, Noah… and this is my first daughter, Aria."
Old Man Sterling's gaze slowly shifted to Aria. He studied her carefully, his sharp eyes missing nothing.
So this is the first daughter of the Dawson family, he thought.
"Young lady," he said, "Aria Dawson?"
Aria quickly lifted her head, nodded, and smiled politely.
Old Man Sterling glanced briefly at Butler Ian, his expression clearly saying, She's not bad.
Butler Ian gave a subtle nod in response.
Clearing his throat, Old Man Sterling spoke again.
"Mr. Dawson," he said thoughtfully, "I wasn't aware you had a daughter with your first wife, especially considering your marriage only lasted half a year."
The words hit the room like a stone.
Mr. Dawson's expression stiffened slightly. He hated that part of his past being mentioned.
Aria froze.
'Half a year?
My parents were only married for six months?
What exactly happened between them'
Her chest tightened as questions flooded her mind.
Sensing the sudden tension, Vanessa smiled warmly and spoke up.
"Yes," she said smoothly. "She did have a daughter. But due to some current situation she's in right now, we decided to bring Aria home and take care of her properly, as our own."
The lie slipped from her lips effortlessly.
Aria looked at her and wondered why she didn't tell him, her mom was dead.
Old man sterling smiled at her words
"You're a good family," he said. "And I'm sure she was raised well."
"Yes, Grandpa," Tiffany chimed in sweetly. "My sister is the kindest person I know."
Her voice was innocent, but her eyes flickered toward Aria, who didn't react, didn't smile, didn't even look at her.
What is wrong withher? Tiffany thought irritably.
Is she trying to sabotage this by acting smoothness of it.
Old Man Sterling nodded approvingly.
"That's good," Old Man Sterling said with satisfaction. "She's perfect for my grandson. I like her already"
Vanessa, Richard, and Tiffany exchanged pleased smiles.
Only Aria and Noah remained quiet.
Noah kept staring at Aria, his small brows slightly furrowed.
Vanessa suddenly glanced around, her smile stiffening. "But… I don't see..."
"You mean Adrian?" Old Man Sterling cut in calmly.
Vanessa nodded.
"There's a small issue at the moment," Old Man Sterling said slowly.
The room fell silent.