<h4>Chapter 471: The Piercing Gaze</h4>


    On May 5th, the Nelson Group Grand Hotel was bustling with energy and excitement.


    Distinguished figures from various circles poured in steadily, while celebrities from the entertainment world made grand entrances, each offering increasingly extravagant gifts.


    After all, today was the celebration of Eric’s twin sons’ one-month milestone. Who wouldn’t seize the opportunity to curry favor with him?


    E looked radiant and well-recovered, with not a trace of excess weight. Dressed in an elegant gown, she could easily rival the stunning stars in attendance.


    She wore no makeup, yet her natural beauty was refreshing and captivating.


    Mrs. Harris and a servant each carried one of the twins, affectionately nicknamed "Big Bun" and "Little Bun." Their clear, bright eyes and tiny statures already exuded a noble air.


    Amelia and a group of others gathered around, yfully entertaining the twins.


    Perhaps sensing the significance of the day, the babies, freshly fed, stayed awake, theirrge, luminous eyes curiously observing the friendly faces surrounding them.


    "Oh my gosh, their skin is so fair! They look just like Eric and E!"


    "Exactly! They’re just too adorable! I wish I could have such cute little ones someday!"


    "Big, bright eyes, fair skin, chubby cheeks—they’re as precious as snow jade! What a pair of handsome twins!"


    "Aww, they’re so cute I could just bite them!"


    Friends crowded around the twins, chattering animatedly.


    Luke walked over, feeling a little awkward. Since the twins were born, he’d been busy and hadn’t feltfortable visiting E’s room to see them.


    He gently nudged Mia aside and craned his neck to get a good look at the twins, whose big, lively eyes darted about inquisitively.


    The babies were every bit as adorable as their friends had described. Luke froze for a moment, a surprising wave of tenderness welling up inside him.


    After all, these were her children. Even if they weren’t E’s, with their endearing looks and charm, who wouldn’t instantly fall in love with them?


    "See?" Mia teased from behind. "Who do you think they resemble more—E or Eric?"


    Luke shot her an exasperated nce. "Their features haven’t fully developed yet. How could anyone tell?"


    Mia grinned smugly. "I can tell! I think they’re equally like Eric and E, inheriting all their best features. Who knows how many hearts they’ll steal when they grow up!"


    Luke’s eyes flickered briefly. "You’re such a hopeless romantic."


    Calmly, he pulled two red envelopes from his pocket and ced them in the babies’ tiny clothes. Mrs. Harris thanked him with a smile, and in that moment, Luke felt a surge of pride in his role as an uncle.


    Meanwhile, E and Eric stood at the entrance, weing guests. With their punctuality, most of the guests had already arrived, allowing them to wrap up the greetings and take a short break after just half an hour.


    The Nelson Group Grand Hotel was closed to the public for the day, hosting over 200 banquet tables. Keeping it private avoided any unnecessaryplications.


    After all, individuals with bad intentions—like Leah and her ilk—might take the chance to sneak in and cause trouble, which would have been an unpleasant scene.


    ck-suited bodyguards were stationed around the hotel, ensuring no surprises.


    Floors six through nine were entirely reserved for the banquet, with additional security on each level to prevent any unforeseen incidents.


    Henry and Lauren had also arrived and joined the group. At that moment, E was holding Big Bun, gently teasing him. Noticing he was getting sleepy, she handed him over to Mrs. Harris. "Take him to the lounge; he needs to rest now."


    "Yes, ma’am," Mrs. Harris replied with a light smile. She carried Big Bun, while another servant carried Little Bun. Apanied by four bodyguards, they left the hall.


    "E, you’re so mean! I just got a glimpse of them, and you’ve already sent them away!" Lauren protested yfully.


    E chuckled. "You and Henry can always visit us at home. That way, you’ll have plenty of chances to see them."


    "Yay! I’ve been so boredtely. I’ll definitely take advantage of these months to have some fun before I go back to school in September," Laurenughed, her mood brightening.


    Henry, standing beside her, gave a small, soft smile. Seeing E so happy, the lingering concerns in his heart finally eased.


    No matter what, he and E would always walk on parallel paths. He had married, and so had she. Bing one family wasn’t such a bad oue.


    "By the way, when are you two nning to have kids?" E asked with a teasing smile.


    Lauren and Henry exchanged a quick nce, their faces both turning a little red.


    "Because of my earlier treatments, we won’t be having kids for a while. Maybe in a few years," Henry answered quietly.


    Lauren nodded. "Henry’s right. After all the medication he took, it’s better to wait a few years before considering children."


    "There’s no rush; you’re both still young!" E reassured her with a warm smile.


    Eric stepped onto the stage to deliver his speech, with E standing gracefully by his side. Together, they made a dazzling pair—E radiant and captivating, Eric dashing and maic. Their presence left the guests in awe.


    They truly were a golden couple, a match made in heaven. Few rtionships could boast the unwavering trust and dedication they had shown to each other over the years.


    Although some had doubted whether E was a good match for Eric, the majority believed she was simply understated. For instance, her film had yielded unexpected profits, shocking everyone at thepany. Those who had dismissed her as a mere pretty face were silenced when the film shattered box office records. They realized E had simply been hiding her talents all along.


    "Mrs. Nelson looks even more poised and beautiful now!" someone whispered.


    "Exactly! She hasn’t gained any weight after having the twins, and herplexion is better than ever."


    "She’s incredible! Managing to keep a man like Eric wrapped around her finger is an achievement no one else could match."


    "True! Just think of how many women tried to get into Eric’s bed, only to be dismissed or cklisted. Now no one dares make a move on him!"


    "Mr. Nelson is truly the best husband of the century!"


    On stage, E stood beside Eric, listening to his maic voice. A gentle, tender smile graced her face.


    "...I want to thank my wife, E," Eric began, his voice rich with emotion. "Thank you for bing my wife and for blessing me with two adorable twin sons. She endured pain and struggles she’d never faced before, and I was powerless to help..."


    E nced softly at Eric, surprised at this rare public disy of emotion. It was the first time he’d delivered such a heartfelt and sentimental speech, and his open deration of love left her a little flustered.


    Moved by his words, her eyes grew slightly misty.


    Cameras and phones clicked away as countless guests captured this picture-perfect couple.


    E squeezed Eric’s hand tightly. He thought she endured the pain of childbirth for him, but in truth, she found joy amidst the pain.


    After all, nothing hurt more than the betrayal and anguish of her previous life—pain that had shattered her into pieces.


    Yet, as she stood there, E felt a sharp, piercing gaze directed at her. Turning instinctively toward the source, she found nothing but an empty space, leaving her unsettled.