Chapter 442

Reginald Hawthorne's voice boomed with authority, yet his expression remained serene.

Alexander Kensington froze for a moment. His gaze flickered toward Evelyn, realization dawning, and without hesitation, he withdrew his outstretched hand. Instead, he bowed deeply, his tone dripping with reverence. "As your grandson-in-law, I wish you boundless fortune and everlasting health."

"G—Grandson-in-law?!" The Hawthorne patriarch's eyes widened in disbelief. Were the youth of today truly so brazen? One second, he was Mr. Hawthorne, and the next, he was declaring himself family?

"The Hawthorne family has yet to acknowledge you," Donovan Pierce interjected, his usual composure slipping.

Reginald, having weathered decades of political storms, merely raised a hand to silence his grandson. His voice was dry but measured. "Alexander, given your standing, it’s appropriate for you to address me as Evelyn does. But calling yourself my grandson-in-law? That’s… premature, don’t you think?" The Hawthornes hadn’t even formally recognized Evelyn’s relationship with him—let alone accepted him as kin.

Alexander’s eyes darted to Evelyn. She blinked rapidly, lips parted in silent shock. Clearly, she hadn’t briefed her family about their entanglement. He wouldn’t press her. "It’s fine. I can wait." A slow, confident smile curved his lips. "Sooner or later, I’ll be part of this family."

Reginald was speechless.

Donovan was speechless.

Evelyn was especially speechless, torn between exasperation and reluctant admiration at his audacity.

Reginald cleared his throat, eager to steer the conversation away from the awkwardness. "I’ve heard Celestia Group has expanded into over a dozen countries recently?"

"Just dipping our toes in," Alexander replied with false modesty.

A blatant understatement. Celestia Group had established subsidiaries in each market, dominating not just cosmetics but branching into film and advertising. Their overseas influence was staggering.

Donovan, despite his reservations, couldn’t help but respect Alexander’s business acumen. They were the same age, yet Alexander had propelled the Kensingtons into the elite circle of the four great families with ruthless efficiency.

But business prowess didn’t equate to being a suitable partner. If someone as unremarkable as Dominic Reeves had treated Evelyn carelessly, how could a man of Alexander’s stature be serious? His intentions remained suspect.

"I knew your father years ago," Reginald mused, shifting topics again. "Haven’t spoken to him in ages. How is he?"

Evelyn’s brows lifted in surprise. She hadn’t realized their families had prior connections—nor had she ever met Alexander’s parents, despite their long relationship.

"In excellent health," Alexander answered smoothly. "He and my mother are currently touring the world. I rarely see them."

Ah. That explained their absence. "Traveling while young and able is wise," Reginald murmured, fingers tapping idly against his wheelchair. A shadow crossed his face as he glanced at his own legs. "At my age, such adventures are… unlikely."

Alexander caught Evelyn’s eye, a silent understanding passing between them. "If you wish to travel," he offered, voice softening, "we could accompany you."

Encouraged, Evelyn stepped forward and clasped her grandfather’s hand. "Yes, Grandpa. We’ll go wherever you want."

Reginald’s breath hitched. He stared down at her small hand covering his wrinkled one, emotions swirling too complex to name.