She was no stranger to the tumultuous past between Ariana and the Anderson Lineage.
Though she had remained silent about it all these years, deep inside, she had wished that Mitchel would distance himself from Ariana.
However, she didnât let her personal sentiments overshadow her etiquette.
âMrs.
Chadwick, itâs a pleasure,â Ariana greeted warmly.
Catalina managed a subdued smile, her tone noticeably cool.
âHello.
â
It was then that Melon piped up, âHello, Mrs.
Chadwick.
â
His voice was endearingly sweet, and he even complimented Catalina on her elegant dress, his words dripping with genuine admiration.
It wasnât until this moment that Catalina noticed the young boy by Arianaâs side.
His charming aura immediately endeared him to her.
The longing to embrace a grandchild of her own intensified at the sight of Melon.
But she held back, choosing to remain poised.
She nodded in acknowledgment to Melon and refocused on Mitchel.
Feeling the undercurrents of the impending family dialogue, Ariana discreetly excused herself, claiming sheâd take Melon for a walk, and drifted away.
With Ariana gone, Catalinaâs countenance turned more stern.
âWhatâs this all about? Are you looking to be a stepfather now?â
Mitchel, unfazed, replied, âIsnât Melon a delight?â
Exasperated yet voiceless, Catalina retorted, âDelightful or not, that doesnât answer my question.
â
Mitchel sighed.
âI merely invited her because an event like this necessitated a female companion.
Donât read too much into it.
â
Catalina scoffed.
âYou think Iâm naive? I know why youâve frequented Melcorn so often these past years.
Itâs due to.
.
â
But before she could press further, Mitchel interjected.
âThe cake-cutting is about to start.
We should head over.
â
Mitchelâs diversion tactic worked, and the tension eased.
Catalina gracefully redirected her focus, moving toward the bustling center of the banquet.
Amid the sea of attendees, Ariana found a quiet corner with Melon, savoring the delicacies presented.
Mitchel soon gravitated to them.
However, before any substantial conversation could ensue, family duties beckoned him.