Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 969

The elder Mr. Adams, being of the same generation and somewhat familiar with him, couldn't help but speak up. "You old coot, we haven't seen each other in ages, and you show up with a long face. What's the meaning of this?" The elder Mr. Williams retorted without missing a beat, "Just looking at your old face is an offense to my eyes. If you had any self-awareness, you'd stay far away from us and save yourself the trouble of stewing in your own anger." The elder Mr. Adams sputtered, his mustache bristling. "You're the same as ever! Nothing good ever comes out of that mouth of yours!" "At least I'm not as dog-like as some old fool who's regressed with age," the elder Mr. Williams said breezily. The two old men were now in a full-blown verbal spar. Douglas Williams and Charlotte Kelly quickly stepped in to separate them. "Mr. Adams, please don't mind my father. He's just in a bad mood today," Douglas said diplomatically. Hearing this, Kimberly feigned casual concern. "Mr. Williams, did something happen to upset you today?" Charlotte gracefully intercepted the question. "It's that boy, Dennis. He had a few words with the old man before he went abroad. We were hoping he'd apologize when he got back, but the child has been completely unreachable since he landed! So, yes, he's been fuming all day and was planning to come here and drag him out by the ear." Charlotte scanned the ballroom, muttering to herself, "I wonder if Dennis is here yet. Even if he's busy with work after just returning, he shouldn't just cut off contact with his family. It's simply outrageous!" At her words, Kimberly smiled and pretended to glance around the hall. "I don't believe I've seen Dennis yet. Perhaps he hasn't arrived, or maybe I missed him." She turned to her husband and son with an air of innocence. "Have either of you seen him?" Joseph and Brian both shook their heads. "We haven't seen Dennis." Kimberly's smile remained. "Perhaps he's just running late. Why don't you all go inside and wait? I'm sure he'll be here soon." "Very well," Charlotte agreed. "We'll go in then and not keep you from your guests." "Of course." The Adams Family nodded, watching them disappear into the crowd. Once inside, the group found a quiet corner. Sarah Brown, who had been observing everything, could no longer hold back her opinion. "That stepmother of Larry's looks respectable, but her eyes are full of calculation. A wolf in sheep's clothing, she's definitely not a simple character." The elder Mr. Williams chuckled softly. "You have sharp eyes, my dear." Jarvis nodded in agreement. "But her public image has always been that of a virtuous wife and loving mother. She's highly regarded, and with the awful reputation of Larry's biological mother, she's practically seen as a saint in comparison—pure and harmless!" Audrey Williams added, "She holds a very high status in Cabinda's social circles. At gatherings, people are always fawning over her. And every time they compliment her, they make sure to denigrate Larry's mother." Audrey's tone grew indignant. "Hypocrites!" Sarah spat out in disgust. Jarvis was looking around the room. "All that aside, Larry still isn't here. What's going on?"