CHAPTER 156: CHAPTER 156: MEMORIES (56)

Bili Estate Hotel.

As soon as you step into this banquet hall, the sensations of the clinking of glasses and the presence of high society are overwhelming.

Michael Fuller walked ahead, Florence Fuller holding onto Laura Yates, following Michael to meet today’s host.

Old Mr. Sunworth was also entertaining other distinguished guests and came to Michael.

Michael gave his congratulations and gave Florence a look, Florence stepped forward, her soft pink gauze dress appearing gentle and charming, her voice warm and clear: "Grandfather Sunworth, congratulations on your birthday, wishing you longevity and health for many years to come."

As she spoke, she presented the gift Michael had prepared earlier.

Old Mr. Sunworth felt that this girl seemed different, frowning slightly, "Michael, I remember the girl of your family wasn’t like this."

Michael smiled wryly and said, "This is my biological daughter, Florence Fuller."

As soon as he said "biological," those around had a sudden realization, recalling the incident twenty years ago when their biological daughter was lost, and five years later, Mrs. Fuller adopted a girl.

"You’ve found her," Old Mr. Sunworth smiled, "That’s good news, seeing how this girl looks, she is as beautiful as your wife was when she was young."

"She’s been back for five years now. We wanted to throw a party to let everyone know she was back, but the girl wasn’t willing. We had to respect her wishes. She’s grown up now, and we thought it was an opportunity to introduce her since, coincidentally, she’s at the same university as your granddaughter."

Florence listened silently to Michael’s explanation.

She rolled her eyes inwardly.

"Unfortunately, we only have one granddaughter about your daughter’s age. Seeing your daughter’s demeanor and looks, it’s a pity I don’t have a grandson."

Florence listened quietly to their conversation, somewhat distracted.

Then she heard Laura say they were leaving and politely bid farewell to the elders, following Laura out.

Matthew Fuller said it was her first time attending a banquet and was worried about things going wrong, so she was to stick by Laura, who could introduce her to the ladies and wives.

"Mr. Fuller, how old is your daughter?"

Another elderly man beside Old Mr. Sunworth spoke, with gray hair and an elegant air, and Michael knew he was not from Cloudsea.

"She’s twenty this year," Michael replied.

"What’s your idea, Old Mr. Gardiner?" Old Mr. Sunworth asked in surprise at his question.

The prestigious Gardiner Family in SJ City was out of reach for many.

Others were also surprised and spoke, "I remember your grandson isn’t married yet, Old Mr. Gardiner."

Old Mr. Gardiner nodded, looking at Michael, "I’ve seen this daughter of yours."

Michael was still immersed in shock over Old Mr. Gardiner’s identity, confusedly asking, "You’ve seen her before?"

"She was in SJ a couple of years ago for a competition, serving as a bilingual and composed host. Many teachers praised her after that competition."

"You really know how to raise a daughter," someone beside him admired Michael, "Old Mr. Gardiner is praising your daughter."

Michael responded respectfully, "Not at all, not at all, Old Mr. Gardiner is too kind."

Old Mr. Gardiner said nothing further.

What he mentioned wasn’t the first meeting with Florence. It was the second, when Luke got into trouble for hitting a student at SJ University, a student who published it online, and Old Mr. Gardiner went to resolve the issue, meeting Florence that day.

Composed and unperturbed, with a gentle demeanor that could perfectly handle the situation.

Still just a university student.

He originally thought the girl must come from an extraordinary background. Unexpectedly, after some investigation, she turned out to be the biological daughter of the Fuller Family in Cloudsea, who had been lost, but the Fuller Family never made it public.

Surprisingly, seeing her again, this girl had blossomed even more radiantly.

She appeared gentle and soft, but always seemed to be hiding something.

Old Mr. Gardiner didn’t say much, and the others treated it as a joke and moved on to other topics.

However, after the banquet ended, Michael received a business card from Old Mr. Gardiner’s assistant.

Michael’s eyes showed a faint excitement, but the assistant kindly reminded him not to spread the word before any concrete progress.

Besides, your daughter is still young, there’s nothing confirmed yet.

Michael was a man who prioritized benefits. He understood that if he could ride the coattails of the Gardiner Family, the Fuller Family could reach the peak status in Cloudsea.

Patience for a big catch.

Small impatience spoils great plans.

He did indeed need to keep it under wraps for now.

Florence spent the evening with Laura, her face nearly stiff from smiling, finally waiting for the end of the banquet when Michael came to tell them to leave together.

Florence didn’t want to return to the villa: "I want to go back to Starlight Residence."

Laura, who had been playing the role of a cordial mother all evening, seemed somewhat awkward now that they were alone in the car: "Staying home for a night won’t hurt."

Florence: "I have plans tomorrow, I need to leave from there."

"We have drivers at home, it’s not like they wouldn’t take you..."

"Enough," Michael interrupted from the front, instructing the driver, "Take Florence back to her place first."

Laura: "..."

Florence: "..."

She figured they’d let her out, Ethan Harper would come to pick her up, but now they had the driver take her directly to the Starlight Residence.

Perhaps this situation would have been ordinary in another family’s scenario, but with Michael, it felt odd.

Even Laura found her usually cold and indifferent husband surprising.

Eventually reaching Starlight Residence, Florence opened the car door, and Michael looked at her, "Take it easy and have a good rest when you get back, don’t overwork."

Florence: "..."

Laura: "..."

Florence wondered if her biological father had gone mad or if he thought she had value after how well she handled tonight’s banquet.

She numbly replied and left the car.

Laura watched Michael, noticing his noticeably uplifted mood.

Could it be because Florence didn’t cause any problems tonight, and that made him happy?

The car drove toward Silk Cloud Villa, Michael turned to Laura: "You introduced her well tonight."

Laura nodded, "Everyone was surprised, but she was introduced."

Michael nodded, "Take better care of Florence in the future, after all, she’s our biological child, who suffered outside for over ten years."

Laura truly thought something was off with him.

Someone like Michael, who cares so much about reputation, wouldn’t let Florence attend such a large-scale event if he didn’t have to, but he had no choice but to let her be known.

To let others know that the Fuller Family has a biological daughter.

Could it be...

Laura realized something: "Did someone at the banquet take an interest in Florence?"

Michael stayed silent for a few seconds, "Whether or not someone did is irrelevant, what’s important is to be good to the child."