<b>Chapter </b><b>388 </b>
Caitlin turned to Carmen with a gracious smile. “As expected of you, Carmen–such an impressive gift. Everyone’s broughtvish offerings. today<b>, </b>so I thought I’d go a different route. I prepared something special for Timothy”
“Special?” Carmen scoffed, skeptical. “What kind of stunt are you pulling this time?”
Caitlin yed coy. “Let’s just say it’s something money can’t buy”
Her words piqued the curiosity of the crowd. Randall leaned forward with a teasing smi “What is it, Caitlin? Don’t tell me you’re about to
sing or dance for Grandpa.”
A few of the male guests perked up at t
“No, nothing like that
that idea.
“Then what is it?” Carmen pressed. “Come on, let’s see it.”
“I n to reveal it near the end of the banquet,” Caitlin said smoothly. “You’ll just have to wait.”
Her deliberate suspense drew all eyes her way. Carmen rolled her eyes. “Such a drama queen…”
Quill took the stage next to deliver his formal address. He thanked the many guests foring to celebrate his father’s 88th birthday and spoke briefly about the history and growth of the Yuncey family. Then he urged everyone to enjoy themselves and the food.
Timothy was next, epting the microphone with quiet dignity.
“Thank you all foring,” he said. “it’s a blessing to celebrate my 88th year with so many dear friends. I hope I’ll be lucky enough to see you all again next year… and the year after
“The Yuncey family has prepared this modest banquet–please, enjoy yourselves.”
With that, the celebration officially began, Guests raised their sses, and the hall filled with the clinking of crystal, bursts ofughter, and a warm festive hum.
As the b
e banquet neared its end, Caitlin stepped onto the stagerand picked up the microphone.
“Good afternoon, everyone. I’m Caitlin, Earlier, I mentioned I <b>had </b>a special gift for Timothy, something close to the heart. And now, it’s time to present it.
Every guest turned to the stage. Even those still finishing their meals paused<b>, </b>eager to see what she had nned.
“My gift to Timothy,” she announced clearly, “is reuniting him with his long–lost sah.”
The <b>hall </b>exploded.
A thunderous murmur swept through the room.
The Yuncey
cey family members were the most shocked of all
Had they heard her right? Caitlin just said she found Timothy’s long–lost son?
Rachel looked like she’d been <b>struck </b>by lightning. Greta exchanged a bewildered nce with her husband. What in the world was Caitlin ying at?
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19:42 Fri, 8 Aug!
The guests whispered excitedly. Most of them had heard the old rumors that Timothy had fathered a child outs of marring, st was never acknowledged. And now Caitlin was bringing him out at a birthday banquet?
“Caitlin, stop this nonsensel Get down from there” Carmen shouted. She had expected drama, but this was far beyond what
Was Caitlin really going to drag out Grandpa’s dirtyundry today of all days?
Everyone turned toward the family riders. Rachel looked murderous, cursing under her breath. “What is she talking about? A long–<b>foit </b><b>son</b>?
But Timothy’s expression… wasn’t angry. In fact, it carried a strange blend of emotion–anticipation, even
Greta nudged Quill to do something, but before he could move, Caitlin’s voice rang out again.
“Bring him in.”
Everyone turned toward the banquet hall entrance.
A momentter, a row of men in ck suits entered first, nking the red carpet with military precision,
Then came a tall figure in a white <b>suit</b>, walking confidently between them.
It was Hayden.
His <b>usual </b>white zer gleamed under the lights, and his handsome face was hidden behind oversized sunsses.
Guests gasped.
“It’s The Fixer<b>!</b>”
“The Fixer? He’s here!!”
“Why is “he” at the Yuncey family banquet<b>?</b>”
Those who didn’t know him looked around, confused. Those who did knew this was about to get good.
Hayden walked the red carpet straight toward the front. Just before reaching Timothy, he pulled off his sunsses.
His sharp features–eerily reminiscent of a younger Timothy–were on full disy.
Rachel’s eyes narrowed, her rage mounting
She recognized that face. It bore the unmistakable mark of Taylor
So this was Caitlin’s n. Use that bastard child to make a spectacle? To worm their way back into the family?
Absolutely not
That woman, Taylor, had never been allowed into the Yuncey family, and her son wouldn’t be either,
HIL
Timothy looked at Hayden with a storm of emotion behind his eyes. There was something about the way Hayden stood… it brought back memories of his youth.
<b>Hayden </b>stopped a few feet away, and the resemnce was undeniable.
Caitlin stepped down from the stage and came to stand beside them.
“Timothy,” she said clearly, “this <b>is </b>your <b>son</b>. His name is Hayden. His mother is the once–famous singer, Taylor. Do you remember her??
A heavy silence fell over the room.
Rachel mmed the table and stood up. “Mr. Klein, you must be confused. This is “not” the ce for your gamest
She turned on Caitlin, her fury palpable.
“Caitlin, are you trying to ruin your grandfather’s birthday? Have you no shame?”
“Exactly!” Greta jumped in. “This is an embarrassment. She’s making a circus out of us”
Carmen sneered. “Don’t be fooled, Grandpa. This <b>is </b>all a scam. There is no ‘lost son! She’s just trying to manipte you!
Cynthia stepped forward in support. “Caitlin didn’t do anything wrong. If Hayden is Dad’s son, he has every right to be here today
tret
“You don’t get to decide
le that!” Quill snapped. Thest thing he wanted was another heirpeting for the family fortune.
Guests looked on, riveted, if this ended badly, it wouldn’t just be Caitlin’s reputation at stake–it would be The Fixer’s as well.
Suddenly, Timothy raised his voice.
“Enough!”
The room went still.
Every eye turned to him.
What would the old man decide?
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