Chapter 988:
Should she walk over and welcome them like any other guests?
She hadn’t expected Derek and Norma to attend this event under any circumstances.
What could possibly have motivated them to come here tonight?
Her former husband’s grandparents showing up at her company launch party was creating exactly the kind of awkward situation she had hoped to avoid. Every single person in the room was now watching this drama unfold with intense curiosity.
Norma pushed Derek’s wheelchair as they approached through the crowd, drawing stares and whispered comments from every direction.
Helga’s expression darkened with concern, and she instinctively stepped forward as if to shield Millie from potential confrontation.
But Millie gently placed her hand on Helga’s arm and gave her a reassuring pat, silently communicating that she could handle this situation on her own.
After all, she had made the deliberate decision not to restrict tonight’s guest list. Anyone who wanted to attend was welcome, and that technically included Derek and Norma.
With that thought firmly in mind, Millie took a deep breath and walked forward with a polite smile, determined to greet the elderly couple with grace and dignity.
“Derek, Norma,” Millie said warmly, as if their presence was the most natural thing in the world.
“Hello, Millie,” Norma responded, matching her smile with one of her own. Derek nodded his acknowledgment and gestured to his personal assistant, who immediately stepped forward to present an elegantly wrapped gift.
Originally, neither of them had paid much attention to news about Millie’s new business venture. But when rumors began circulating that the Watson Group might try to crush her company before it could get off the ground, they realized they needed to make a public show of support to protect their family’s reputation.
By attending tonight’s party, presenting a thoughtful gift, and staying for a reasonable amount of time, they could demonstrate to everyone in their business community that the Watson family bore no ill will toward their former granddaughter-in-law.
𝗴a𝗅⧼𝗇𝗈⧼ν⧽𝖊𝗅𝘀⧼⸳ⅽ⧼𝗈𝗆
“Millie, I wasn’t able to visit your company during business hours today, so I decided to come tonight instead,” Derek explained in a voice loud enough for nearby guests to hear clearly. “I hope you don’t mind the intrusion.”
Millie nodded to her assistant, who immediately stepped forward to accept the gift with proper ceremony.
Watching Derek deliberately make these public statements in front of so many witnesses, Millie understood exactly what he was doing. This was all about protecting the Watson family’s public image and reputation.
They were essentially defining the narrative for everyone present—whatever personal issues existed between Brandon and Millie were private matters between the couple, not something that should escalate into a corporate war or family feud.
If Millie chose to ask the elderly couple to leave, it would be seen as burning bridges completely. It would signal that she was ready for an all-out battle between the Bennett and Watson families, possibly dragging in the Elliott Group as well, since they were clearly supporting her new venture.
With her company just launching and trying to establish itself in the market, maintaining at least a surface appearance of peace with the Watson Group would be extremely beneficial for her future success.
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