It sounded feasible enough. Arthur looked again at Jethro. Jethro's face said it loud and clear, "Whatever works, Grandpa. Your call." Arthur felt a surge of anger. It's your son's recognition banquet today! How can you act like a complete outsider! After much deliberation, seeing that the guests had all arrived and the time was drawing near, Arthur, however reluctantly, had no choice but to compromise. "Fine. You may accompany Jett here," he said to Annie on the phone. Annie's lips curved into a slight smile, her voice exceptionally soft. "Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Arthur Blackwood." Twenty minutes later, Annie and Jett were dropped off by the driver at the service entrance of the Manor's estate. Annie, holding Jett, had just stepped out of the car and was about to walk in when the butler, who had hurried over, stopped her. "Ms. Roby." The butler gave a slight nod, gesturing. "I will take you there." Annie's smile faded. She pressed her lips together. "Actually, I lived here briefly as a child. I'm quite familiar with the estate." The butler smiled politely, "I've heard stories about you. However, Mr. Arthur Blackwood specifically instructed me today to ensure you are well taken care of. Please allow me to show you the way." Annie said politely, "Of course. Thank you for your trouble." She understood perfectly well. Arthur was guarding against her, fearing she might go back on her word. Annie lowered her eyes. Don't worry, Mr. Arthur Blackwood. I'm not that foolish. Even if I were to do anything, it would at least wait until after the banquet formally concludes.Her son must first return to the Blackwood family openly, gaining everyone's recognition. From the service entrance, they quickly arrived at the banquet's rear hall. It was essentially a lounge, also used for dressing and changing. The butler gestured to the coffee table. "Ms. Roby, you may rest here. Lunch has been prepared for you at the table. Please help yourself. If you need anything else, you may speak directly to the staff or have them contact me." Annie said, "Thank you, Mr. Fenn." The butler was taken aback. "How do you know my surname is Fenn?" A flicker passed through Annie's eyes. "I... I just heard a maid address you. Overheard it by accident." The butler was only momentarily surprised before letting it go. He turned and left. The main event was all in the main hall; he needed to keep an eye on things there.In the main hall, the seated guests conversed amiably. The Knight family was among them. Cedric looked around and murmured, "Strange." Jeremy said, "Indeed. On such an important day, Mrs. Blackwood and Cindy are not present." Cedric frowned slightly. "Could it be a disagreement with Mr. Arthur Blackwood? That's nuts. Ignoring his face? That's throwing the whole Blackwood family under the bus. Besides, the child is her own grandson. Refusing to acknowledge her grandson? What does that even look like?" Jeremy didn't speak but clearly agreed with his father. Originally, he had hoped to use this opportunity to speak with Cindy again, to gauge her attitude further. He hadn't expected her not attend at all. "What do you know?" Doris, sitting beside him, shot her husband a look. "Clara is the one with true integrity. She hasn't forgotten who caused her to become a widow in middle age. So what if there's a child? A child can't erase the fact that its mother is the daughter of the man who killed her husband." Cedric frowned. "Keep your voice down." Doris was displeased. "Weren't you the one who started this topic? Why blame me now?" "Dad, Mom, have some coffee. It smells amazing. Must be from Mr. Arthur Blackwood's private stash." Zephyr placed two cups of coffee in front of his parents. Jeremy looked up at him, his lips tightening slightly. Cedric fell silent, picked up his cup, gently stirred it with the spoon, took a sip, and sighed appreciatively, "Good stuff." Setting down the cup, Cedric suddenly turned his attention to his younger son. "Zephyr, you're not getting any younger. Even Jethro has a son now. What are your plans?" Zeph froze, baffled. "Dad, are you saying you want me to have an illegitimate child too?" Cedric's face instantly darkened. "I'm asking when you plan to get married!" Zephyr pressed his lips together. "Jeremy isn't married yet. Why should I be in a hurry?" Cedric said, "Your brother may not be married yet, but it's practically settled. You don't even have a girlfriend in sight. Fine. Let your mom look around for you. There are many suitable young women in our circle. Don't spend all day just writing code. Take some time to talk to them, stay in touch." Practically settled? Zephyr didn't understand. "Dad, what do you mean Jeremy's marriage is 'practically settled'?" Cedric was evasive. "You'll know in time." Beneath the table, Zephyr's hand slowly clenched into a fist. He looked up and met Jeremy's gaze. The two brothers locked eyes, each harboring their own thoughts, neither saying another word. At that moment, Arthur, holding a child's hand, appeared before the assembled guests.The banquet officially began. All eyes in the hall turned towards the front where Arthur and the child stood.