The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 1877

Just as he was about to scoop up the little troublemaker and take him outside, the door of the room swung open and Elizabeth walked in.

"The guests have all arrived. Why don't you bring the babies out for a bit?"

Rose took Colt over, and Chloe, cradling her son, prepared to join Damon in making their entrance.

As they reached the doorway, Elizabeth caught Chloe's arm, hesitating as if torn whether to speak.

Chloe looked puzzled. "What's up?"

Elizabeth glanced at Damon, then pulled Chloe aside and whispered:d2

"The thing is that Presley is here too. I think, in this situation, if he wants to hold the babies..."

Chloe nodded. "I understand."

Elizabeth's face showed a hint of apology. "I'm sorry, Chloe, I just can't bear it. It's pitiful to see him like that."

"It's all water under the bridge. No matter what, he's their great-grandfather. I'm doing fine now. As long as the babies are healthy, I don't have room in my heart for those unhappy memories. Don't worry. A little respect for him in public is also respect for myself."

Relieved, Elizabeth nodded. "I am so sorry you have to bear this."

Chloe smiled reassuringly. "I get it a little. He wasn't exactly kind to you either, or you wouldn't have eloped with his son all those years ago. And yet, you still have a soft spot for him, don't you?"

Elizabeth gave a wry smile. "What can I say? No matter how mean he can be, I just can't bring myself to retaliate. As much as I hate him at times, I pity him too. I've come to terms with it over the years. It is what it is."

Chloe chuckled. "Well, I'm the same. No matter how much he disapproves of me, I'm determined to outlive him. I'll just indulge him for now."

The words were slightly inappropriate, but they were honest.

Elizabeth also didn't think there was anything to worry about. She gently squeezed Chloe's arm as a reassuring gesture. "Give Damon a heads-up, so he doesn't stir the pot."

--

When Damon and Chloe emerged into the banquet hall, the bubbling conversations came to an abrupt halt. All eyes were drawn to them as they approached.

Most guests were eager to catch a glimpse of the twins, but with layers of security, no one could get too close. Not only had Damon prepared, but Stanley had also mustered additional hands, ensuring that not even a fly could breach the hotel's perimeter.

The moment they appeared, Alyssa joyfully took Little Moon from Damon’s arms into hers.

Chloe glanced at Presley standing at the back and walked towards him, with baby in arms. They faced each other, expressions neutral, and it was impossible to discern what each was thinking.

Finally, almost simultaneously, their gazes fell on the Little Sun in her arms.

"This is Elio, we've chosen his name. If you're not happy with it, you can pick another," Chloe offered, extending her son towards Presley.

The gesture caught Presley off guard, his gaze fixated on her in disbelief. It wasn't until he was sure she was serious about letting him hold the baby that he nervously opened his arms and carefully cradled the baby.

It was the first time in a hundred days that he'd held the baby, the first time he'd seen his face up close. Indeed, a Harper through and through, he’s the spitting image of Damon. Especially the boy's eyes were calmly observing him. He could tell this baby would grow up wise, composed, and measured.

"I like the name Elio. Good, very good. No need for another name. And the little girl? What's her name?"

Chloe managed a smile. "Luna."

Presley's smile broadened in satisfaction. "Elio, Luna. Excellent, both excellent."

Chloe simply nodded. After all, these were her treasures. How could she give them just any names? Moreover, these names were given by Damon.

Presley, holding the baby, slowly advanced to stand beside the old lady.

Alyssa glanced at him coldly. "If I were Chloe, I wouldn't give you the chance to get anywhere near the babies."

Presley ignored her comment.

"Thank you all for attending the celebration banquet of my great-grandchildren, Elio and Luna. With your blessings, the Harper family rejoices in this joyous occasion..."

Though he didn't name names, it was clear to everyone that this was a concession, an acknowledgment, and even an olive branch to Chloe.

Chloe, standing beside Damon, wore a soft smile, subtle and unobtrusive, unaffected by Presley's words.

Later, a few close acquaintances requested to see the babies, and Chloe didn't refuse.

The celebration began in the morning, with lunch served at noon, and didn't end until the evening. However, the babies only made a brief appearance at the banquet before being whisked away. The noise and air quality weren't ideal for the babies, and they were quickly safeguarded. Damon had arranged for a car to take them home early.

The celebration banquet concluded without incident.

As they returned home early, the household staff busily fussed over the two little ones, eagerly playing with them for a while.

The news was dominated by the Harper family's celebration. The appearance of the babies wasn't publicized, but Presley's words were the talk of the town.

Because of Chloe, he had caused quite a stir in the past. He cut ties with his grandson, used the company to force an alliance marriage with the Alonso family, and even used the Global Economic Summit as a platform to exert pressure and ridicule. He had done everything, both right and wrong.

After all the commotion, he got to hold his great-grandchildren in his arms. Wasn't it all for nothing?

People sneered and gossiped, but that was that. However, the incident taught many old people a lesson.

They should interfere less in the lives of the young. Each had their own path to follow. Their ideas and beliefs were not always correct. Their way of life certainly wasn't a one-size-fits-all solution.

Forcing the younger generation to walk a path they deemed correct often backfired.

The old people didn't want defiance, but they overlooked that the young ones didn't wish for their lives to be controlled by others either.

Some still talked about it, some tried to see it from Presley's perspective, some from an outsider’s, and some couldn't help but offer an overall judgment.

As time wore on, people grew tired, the novelty faded, and the matter naturally sank into oblivion.

--

Due to the babies, Chloe's biological clock had also readjusted itself along with them.

At half-past seven each morning, the babies woke like clockwork. She'd get up at seven to prepare warm water, heat the baby bottles, and mix the formula.

After a quick wash, she filled the bottles with hot water and, out of habit, wandered over to the window.

The weather had turned chilly. Outside the manor, the rows of ginkgo trees had turned a sea of yellow; leaves twirled down even without a breeze. Overnight, the ground had become carpeted with their leaves.

And at the foot of the closest ginkgo to the manor's entrance, a solitary figure stood reliably at this hour.

The man donned a black trench coat, hands in pockets, gazing towards the manor gates. Every day, relentlessly so.