Chapter 172


    Chapter 172


    They were eager to savor the feast before them.


    Vivien’s gaze had been fixed on Howard and Gwendolyn, watching as they lifted the lids and took their


    first


    bites.


    She then lowered her head and slowly began to taste the dish in front of her.


    It must be said, the vors of this seafood chowder surpassed any she’d experienced before. A sly and


    triumphant smile curled theers of her mouth.


    At the head table, Howard leaned toward Gwendolyn, his voice hushed. “With a dish like this, you start


    by appreciating the savory broth, then work your way down through theyers, tasting each ingredient.”


    Gwendolyn sparkled her eyes with curiosity. She mimicked Howard, sipping the clear broth before


    biting into a sulent piece of lobster.


    “Delicious,” she dered.


    Howard twitched his lips upward. “If you like it, have some more.”


    He even pushed his portion toward Gwendolyn, but she refused it.


    “One serving each, that’s the rule. I can’t be greedy,” she said. Her restraint was admirable.


    “Hey now!” Valor, having observed them for a while, couldn’t resist chiming in. “Coming to my family’s


    banquet and whispering sweet nothings to each other? Sure, we all know you’re smitten, but don’t blind


    us with your love!”


    Hisment drew a round of good–naturedughter from the table.


    Valor was probably the only one bold enough to tease Howard.


    Gwendolyn’s cheeks flushed a bing shade of pink.


    Howard merely nced at Valor, a subtle warning in his eyes.


    Valor promptly mped his mouth shut.


    Alberta reached over and yfully smacked him. “Don’t mind him, Mr. Chadwick. Valor is spoiled


    rotten. It’s wonderful that you two are so close. Let’s all toast to Mr. Chadwick for a blissful marriage


    and a lifetime of happiness,” she said, lightening the mood.


    The guests at the head table stood, raising their sses to Howard, and even Gwendolyn had to lift her


    ss.


    “To Mr. Chadwick, may you have children soon!”


    “Two within three years!”


    The toasts grew more outrageous.


    Howard obliged with three drinks, epting the well–wishes.


    Gwendolyn sipped three small sses as well, the strong spirits quickly bringing color to her cheeks,


    and she swayed just a bit.


    That was when an ident urred.


    1/2


    15:05


    Chapter 172


    A server, perhaps too eager, bumped into her, spilling some of the broth onto her dress.


    “Oh, I’m so sorry!” The server was visibly distressed.


    “It’s okay, maybe I wasn’t standing steady,” Gwendolyn said softly.


    She turned to Howard. “Mr. Chadwick, I need to visit the restroom.”


    “Alright.”


    Howard pointed towards a room on the second floor. “There’s a namete on the door. You’ll find


    everything you need there. The Peterson family was always prepared. They should have some spare


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    clothes.”


    “Thank you.”


    At the sight of Gwendolyn’s predicament, Alberta offered warmly, “Why don’t Ie with you,


    Gwendolyn? I’ve prepared spare dresses for thedies, just in case.”


    “No need, I can find it.”


    Gwendolyn was reluctant to trouble Alberta, who was also a host for the evening.


    With many guests at the table waiting to toast, her absence would be impolite.


    “Alright then, if you need anything, just call the service desk from the room’s phone. They’ll provide


    whatever you need.”


    “Got it.”


    The Peterson family had indeed thought of everything.


    Gwendolyn rose and made her way to the second floor’s rest area.


    Vivien, watching the scene, gave a subtle nod to the handsome server, signaling him to follow


    Gwendolyn.


    The server hesitated, then with gritted teeth, he followed at a discreet distance behind her.