Chapter 188

Sebastian's eyes widened in shock as he abruptly rose to greet Harrison.

"Father, what are you doing here?"

His gaze flickered anxiously toward the stage, barely concealed beneath a veneer of calm.

"Why shouldn't I be here when my own son is attending?" Harrison chuckled, then shot a pointed look at Sebastian. "You should have informed me. We could have arrived together."

He turned smoothly to Reginald, flashing a practiced smile. "Master Reginald, it's been too long. You look as vigorous as ever—age seems to favor you."

"Harrison!" Reginald stood immediately, clasping his hand warmly. "Had I known you were coming, I would have welcomed you personally!"

Leonard, Penelope, and their children followed suit, rising in deference.

Nathan studied Harrison with quiet curiosity, his brow furrowing slightly.

He had meticulously reviewed the guest list the night before—not once, but twice. The Kingsleys' names had been conspicuously absent. And judging by Reginald's startled reaction, it was clear the invitation hadn't come from him.

Which meant Leonard had extended it privately.

But why?

"I flew in directly from my meeting and came straight here," Harrison said smoothly, his tone light but deliberate. "Though it seems I'm fashionably late. As penance, I'll take three shots—consider it my apology."

Nathan exhaled sharply, struck by the uncanny resemblance between Harrison and Evelyn.

His chest tightened. Evelyn, how dare you play with my heart like this?

Harrison and Reginald fell into easy conversation, laughing like old friends. No one would guess their families had been locked in a bitter feud for generations.

Yet the tension between Harrison and Leonard was palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife.

The guests noticed but wisely held their tongues.

With Harrison's arrival, Julian and Nathan discreetly excused themselves, retreating to a less prominent table.

"Grandfather, Julian and I will give you space," Nathan said with a polite bow.

"Ah, it's been years since I last saw you boys!" Harrison's gaze lingered on Nathan, assessing. "Master Reginald, I hear your grandson is remarrying soon?"

Reginald's expression darkened at the mention of the wedding.

"Chairman Kingsley," Leonard interjected smoothly, "my son is engaged to Victoria Sterling, daughter of Sterling Holdings' chairman. The ceremony is next month—we'll send your invitation shortly."

"Sterling Holdings?" Harrison waved a dismissive hand. "Never heard of them."

Leonard and Penelope stiffened, humiliation flashing across their faces.

"Victoria is my niece," Penelope said tightly. "She and Nathan grew up together."

She bit back further explanation, acutely aware of the Kingsleys' past feud with the Sterlings over substandard furniture exports.

Still, Harrison's blatant disregard rankled. After all, any slight against Victoria reflected on her.

"Ah." Harrison turned back to Reginald as if they hadn't spoken. "Let me toast to your health!"

Leonard and Penelope exchanged frustrated glances.

Harrison couldn't have made it clearer—he didn’t care who Nathan married.

As long as it's not my daughter, Harrison thought smugly. My Evelyn is far too good for him.

Onstage, Evelyn bravely finished the first act of her performance. As she prepared to bow, Harrison's gaze flicked toward her.

Her pulse skyrocketed, heart hammering against her ribs.

Thankfully, the heavy stage makeup and distance obscured her features. Harrison only paused briefly before looking away.

Seizing the moment, Evelyn fled the stage, her costume damp with sweat.

Just then, her phone buzzed—a message from Sebastian.

[Evelyn, Father's here! Stay out of sight. I'll keep watch. Contact me if needed.]

[Understood.]

Harrison turned to Reginald. "Where did you find that opera singer? She was quite talented."

Reginald beamed. "I didn’t hire her—she's my god-granddaughter!"

"Is that so?" Harrison arched a brow. "She must be exceptional for you to claim her."