SWNOVELS Chapter 1212
Before Orion could respond, the woman continued, "Look at them, doting over your sister. They haven't even looked your way." She clearly had ulterior motives.
Freya stepped in, pulling Orion aside and shooting back at the woman, "Ma'am, that's not how it is. My sister and brother-in-law adore both their children equally. Please don't spread nonsense."
The woman sneered, sizing up Freya with disdain. "You're not Mrs. York, so how would you know? It's obvious they favor the daughter more. Was there this much fuss when Orion was born? I don't recall seeing any of this."
Orion scoffed, "Just because you didn't see it doesn't mean it didn't happen. And unless you're my parents, how would you know how much they love me?"
Freya gave him a discreet thumbs-up.
The woman, still not ready to back down, opened her mouth to say more, but Orion cut her off.
Raising his chin, his eyes met hers with a defiant gleam. "I'm guessing your parents didn't care much about you, did they? That's probably why you think this way. I get it. But hey, it's a happy day today. Why not have another drink and lighten up?" With that, he took Freya's hand and led her toward Nash and Nina.
Freya quietly filled Nina in on what had just happened, and Nina couldn't help but be impressed by Orion's composure.
"He's got a bit of Nash in him," she whispered. "I can see him growing up to be just like his father."
Just then, the music began to play, signaling the start of the family's speech.
Orion set his glass down and called out to Nash, "Dad, can I do it?"
Nina gave Nash a gentle nudge, encouraging him to let Orion take the lead.
Nash agreed, leaning down to whisper, "You're really stepping up, kid."
Orion grinned, taking the microphone and stepping onto the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, today we're here to celebrate my sister's one-month celebration. Thank you all for coming..."
His opening remarks were formal and polished, prompting some murmurs among the guests about Nash possibly grooming him to be the future head of the family.
Then Orion added, "Someone
mentioned earlier that my parents don't want me now that they have my sister. But that's not true. We're family, and nothing can change that. And just so you know, I love my
sister as much as they do.
he's
adorable, and I'm sure you all love
her too."
Nash's eyes narrowed as he scanned the room, wondering who had been feeding Orion these lies.
Nina squeezed his hand and whispered, "Let him handle it. He's doing just fine."
Nash nodded, but he made a mental note to find out who had been trying to cause trouble.
Orion raised his voice, "Today is a big day for my sister, Gemma Walker. And as her brother, I want to sing a song for her."
He signaled to the sound technician, and the music started.
As Orion sang, the guests watched, enchanted by the sweet moment. When he finished, the room erupted in applause.
One guest called out, "Mr. York, it's such a joyous occasion. How about a family photo?" Nash smiled, "You're right. Let's take a family photo. It'll just take a moment, folks."
Laughter and playful banter filled the room as quests teased, "Mr. York, you're in such a good mood today. Does that mean you'll be just as agreeable about business deals?"
Swr
Nash turned to Quincy with a grin, "Work-related matters go through my assistant. Quincy, you know what to do."
Quincy raised his glass in acknowledgment, smiling as he toasted the crowd.
"Speaking of special moments," Quincy continued, "I'm going to take advantage of Mr. York's spotlight today and make a little request of my own."
Before anyone could react, Quincy pulled out a ring and got down on one knee in front of Lydia.
"Lydia Fay, will you marry me?"