Some onlookers even took out their cell phones to snap a photo of this picture-perfect family. After all, it was not often they got to see something so pleasing to the eye.
A waiter approached them. “Have you made any reservations?”
“Yes, under Ms. Yulia Lawrence.” Natalie smiled.
Hearing the name, the waiter immediately led them to their private room courteously. As they got closer, Natalie gave Shane an encouraging look.
In the private room, Yulia heard footsteps and familiar voices approaching. Sensing their arrival, she went out to meet them.
She was caught off-guard by the onslaught of good-looking genes. Even before, Yulia had already felt that there was an uncanny resemblance between the kids and Shane. Now that she knew the truth, it all made sense. They were meant to be a family.
After the waiter left, Natalie went over and tugged on Yulia, who was lost in her thoughts. “Mom?”
“Grandma!” Both Connor and Sharon greeted her chirpily.
Only Shane failed in his attempt to greet.
Yulia came back to her senses and patted her grandchildren’s head before speaking, “You’re all here.”
“Sorry we made you wait.” Natalie smiled sheepishly.
“I’ve only arrived not so long ago as well.” Yulia then turned to Shane, some of her warmth escaped. “Do you not know how to greet?”
Shane pursed his lips. “Yulia.”
Feeling satisfied, the elder woman went back to the private room to take her seat. Meanwhile, Natalie helped Sharon down from Shane’s arms.
The siblings held hands as they, too, made their way to their seats. Only Natalie and Shane stood rooted outside the door.
Shane lowered his gaze. “Your mom doesn’t seem happy to see me.”
Natalie masked her hesitation with a smile. “How is that possible? You must have read her wrongly.”
“I’m certain of it. Her attitude toward me is even colder than before.” He lifted his head to look at her.
In front of his knowing gaze, she could not muster up a lie. She sighed before confessing, “I’ll admit that my mom does hold some grudges against you.”
Hearing her confirmed his suspicions, Shane felt his chest tightened and his face fell. “Why?” He skimmed through his memories. Did I do anything that has offended Yulia?
“Just one reason. The assassination incident with Alice.”
Hearing that, Shane’s pupil shrank and realization dawned on him. Of course, it was that. After all, I exposed her precious daughter to danger. “I’m sorry.”
Natalie smiled warmly. “It’s all in the past now! Besides, that wasn’t even your fault. It’s all because of that delirious woman.”
Just then, Yulia interrupted their conversation. She nagged, “What’re you two still doing outside? Come and take your seats.”
“Coming!” With that, Natalie held Shane’s hands. “C’mon, let’s go in!” She led him in.
Upon entering, Shane remembered the advice Silas had given him. He handed Yulia the gifts. “Here, Yulia, these are for you. I hope you like them.”
Yulia was slightly taken aback when she saw the logos on the bag; they were all high-end products. “Thank you. I’ll accept your thoughtful gifts.”
Seeing how she accepted the gifts, Shane felt a weight off his shoulders. To him, this meant one step closer toward full acceptance.
Noticing that he was still standing, Natalie pulled the chair next to her. “Shane, don’t just stand there. Take a seat.”
