Chapter 189
Victoria's heart didn't waver much. She said calmly, "He's himself, and Jude is Jude. They're two different people."
"You're right." Evie nodded. "Jude has your genes, too. With the right upbringing, he'll grow into a handsome and gentlemanly young man."
Victoria smiled faintly and turned to Jude. "Come on, buddy. It's time to go home."
He gave a slight nod, stood up, and politely said to Evie, "Goodbye, Ms. Clarke."
"Goodbye," Evie replied with a warm smile.
Emma rushed over and threw her arms around Victoria. "Can't you stay, Ms. Victoria? I missed you so much!"
Victoria's heart softened instantly. She gently pinched Emma's cheek and said with a warm smile, "Come with me, then. I'll make you some delicious late–night snacks."
Emma's eyes lit up with excitement, and she turned to Evie, asking, "Mom, can I go?"
Evie's eyes sparkled as she glanced at Victoria. "Can I go, too?"
Seeing their identical expressions, Victoria couldn't help but think how alike the mother and daughter were. Even so, she relented and said, "Sure, let's go."
"Yay!" Emma and Evie cheered in unison.
Once they stepped out of Night Club, Henry noticed the group of people exiting together. His sharp, handsome brows furrowed immediately. "What's going on here?"
Emma, holding Victoria's hand in one and her mom's in the other, grinned cheekily. "We're going to Ms. Victoria's house for late–night snacks!"
Henry withdrew his gaze coldly and instructed the driver flatly, "Let's go."
Evie then had someone bring the car over, and it was a perfect fit for all of them. As she fastened her seatbelt, she said casually, "Victoria, don't you think Mr. Jerk has changed a lot? So, are you having second thoughts?"
Victoria's expression remained calm, replying, "Not at all."
Evie nodded approvingly. "Good. Stick to your guns. That jerk's finally realized what he lost and now he won't let go. Ha!"
Victoria stayed silent. She couldn't care less about Henry's thoughts. Her focus was on her career and raising Jude. If possible, she'd fight for full custody. She believed things would only improve for the two of them.
Two days later, under a bright blue sky with perfect weather, the entrance to the studio was adorned with a vibrant balloon arch and pre–ordered floral arrangements. Inside, Tina buzzed around energetically, her face lit up with excitement as she put the finishing touches in place.
Victoria wore a sharp white suit paired with a brilliant, jeweled butterfly brooch on her chest. Her long, wavy hair exuded sophistication, while her impeccable makeup enhanced her radiant and bold presence. She looked like a red rose in full bloom.
By nine o'clock, people started trickling in, bringing gifts, and taking a look around. Many stopped to chat with Victoria, and as time passed, more and more guests arrived. She was surprised as she noticed quite a few unfamiliar faces among the crowd.
Tina, barely able to keep up with everything, ran over to her and but grinned cheekily. "Vika, I knew you had a big name, this is next level! Some of these people I've only ever seen on Lanceser's wealth List.
"They're all crazy rich, and there are even political big–shots here! This is incredible!"
Victoria was taken aback as well. She had only sent invitations to people she knew under the name Vika, yet influential figures from both the business and political worlds showed up.
Meanwhile, at Hardwick Villa, the courtyard was decked out in stunning and luxurious decor. Sarah, dressed in a custom–made gown, stood tall and poised beside Camille, her eyes fixed with anticipation on the entrance.
It was already ten o'clock. The guests should have arrived by now, yet not a single car was in sight. As Sarah stared, her bright smile began to fade.
Camille hadn't expected this turn of events, either. She called Luke over to double–check the guest list. He then explained, "All the invitations were delivered, Mrs. Camille Hardwick. When they received them, everyone was all smiles and assured me they'd attend."
Camille's expression was slightly solemn as she looked at Luke and said, "Go out and have a look."
"Yes, Ma'am." He hurriedly went to the front door.
The Hardwick family placed great importance on this family reunion banquet, especially Camille. She had found her biological daughter, and one she really liked at that. She was eager to let the whole world know.
She held Sarah's hand and gently reassured her. "Sarah, don't worry. People will come. Perhaps they're stuck in traffic."
A faint sense of unease crossed Sarah's heart.
She smiled and nodded. "I understand, Mom."
James sat in the living room, his face looking rather grim. He immediately called Sebastian. "What's going on? Today is our family reunion banquet. Why aren't you back yet?"
On the other end of the phone, Sebastian's tone was indifferent. "I've already told you. She's not my sister. You asked me to organize this banquet, so I did. But I'm dealing with some matters at the company. I'm hanging up now."
With that, he hung up the phone directly.
James' face darkened even further. He felt utterly humiliated.
The Hardwick family had been in Lanceser for many years, and they had many friends. Even if the higher–ups didn't come, those who were on good terms with him should have.
Yet, time had passed, and not a single person had arrived.
James' face was unpleasant, and he couldn't help but wonder if someone was deliberately creating trouble for him.
"Victoria?" The name flashed through his mind, but he quickly dismissed it.
Henry didn't like Victoria, and the Harrison family didn't hold her in high regard as part of the family. She wasn't capable of pulling off something like this.
So, what was going on?
The butler had already checked outside several times, but still, no car had arrived.
Camille paced anxiously back and forth in the room while Sarah's face was pale, and she didn't look well at all.
"Damn it, it must be that damn girl who is causing trouble!" Camille suddenly stopped in her tracks, standing still, gritting her teeth as she spoke through clenched jaws.
Sarah's eyes flickered, her delicate face growing paler, and her eyes reddened as she said softly, "Mom, maybe you're overthinking it. Mrs. Harrison isn't that kind of person. Even though she isn't your biological daughter, you still accepted her".
"She's probably just holding a grudge against me. After all, I took her position as your precious daughter, and I also took away Henry's affection for her. It's all my fault. Maybe I shouldn't have come back."
As she spoke, tears welled up, and she began to cry.
Camille couldn't bear to see Sarah cry and immediately stepped forward to hug her. "Don't cry. It's her incompetence. It has nothing to do with you. If she did cause all this today, I will never acknowledge her!"
Sarah buried her face in Camille's arms, sobbing quietly. In her heart, a deep sense of hatred boiled over. There was no doubt about it. She was sure that today's incident was undoubtedly the work of that woman.
Who else, besides her, would go against her?
"They're here! They're here!" At that moment, Luke cheered, and a car slowly came to a stop at the front gate.
Camille hurriedly said, "Sarah, stop crying. The guests have arrived. We need to greet them in the best possible way so they can see that someone as beautiful and exceptional as you is our daughter!"
"Mm–hmm." Sarah nodded repeatedly, and the maid standing nearby stepped forward to help her touch up her makeup.
Camille was the first to step outside, and soon, she saw Jennifer walking gracefully toward the door. She dressed in an elegant Chanel outfit with a pearl necklace around her neck that looked particularly luxurious. However, upon seeing the empty villa, she raised an eyebrow in slight surprise.