The Billionaire's Regret: His Secret Wife Turned Medical Genius novel Chapter 117

Holton Corp's centennial celebration shimmered beneath crystal lights and champagne toasts.

Emily wore a white gown and no makeup, yet all eyes were drawn to her quiet presence.

She walked in with Edward. He held his cane, still steady on his feet, and warmly looked at her. "Mills, don't stand on ceremony. Make yourself at home."

Emily gave him a faint smile and said nothing. After all, this place had never felt like home.

Trouble found them quickly. Soon, a woman in a burgundy evening gown walked up with a glass of champagne and looked at Emily with disdain. "Hey, Ms. Sterling. I thought you'd skip a night like this. Aren't you and Gabriel getting divorced?"

Upon hearing this, people nearby edged closer, hungry for a scene.

Emily didn't flinch. In fact, she didn't even spare the woman a glance.

Suddenly, Edward brought his cane down hard enough to thud against the marble.

Instantly, the woman's smile vanished.

"She's my granddaughter-in-law. I invited her," Edward said. He didn't raise his voice, yet no one missed the authority behind it. "If anyone has a problem with that, they're free to leave."

Silence fell in a ring around them before color returned to the woman's face, and she retreated in a hurry.

Just then, a stir moved through the entryway.

Gabriel had just arrived.

He was dressed in a black tailored suit that framed his tall figure and broad shoulders. With his sharp features and usual unreadable expression, he attracted everyone's gaze the moment he entered.

His aunt, Marlene Lawrence, immediately brightened up. She tugged a young woman along toward him and said, "Gabriel, over here."

Her niece, Vivian Lawrence, flushed to the ears as she looked at Gabriel.

"Vivian, this is Gabriel," Marlene said, smiling.

"Hi, Gabriel," Vivian softly said, her voice barely above a whisper.

But Gabriel simply looked past them until his eyes found Emily across the room.

"My grandfather's a shareholder in Holton Corp. I'm just here to make an appearance," Arthur replied, handing her one of the glasses.

Upon sensing that they knew each other, Edward gave a knowing smile. "Is he your friend, Mills?"

Emily nodded. "A colleague from the hospital."

"Good evening, Mr. Holton Senior," Arthur politely greeted him.

Edward seemed pleased with Arthur and waved them off with a smile. "No need to keep me company. Go enjoy yourselves."

Emily met his encouraging look and nodded. "Alright."

So, she walked with Arthur toward a quieter lounge.

Meanwhile, Gabriel watched from a distance as they walked side by side.

The easy harmony between them set his teeth on edge, causing him to grip his glass so hard that it seemed like it was on the verge of cracking.