Despite James' smile, no one present would think it was a reflection of his true emotions. To them, James had always been someone out of their league; how could he possibly smile at them sincerely? The people who'd been opposed to Darius quieted down and looked at James.

James' gaze swept over them. He'd only invited a little over three hundred people to the gathering. This was far from everyone in the Reid family, but he'd only picked those who were more important. His smile widened when he was sure all eyes were on him and expectantly waiting for him to speak.

"I'm pleased to welcome each and every one of you to the Reid family manor for this banquet. I'm sure we all know why this banquet is being held—to celebrate the return of my long-lost grandson! Putting aside your true thoughts about him, I believe his return is something truly worth being happy about."

No one expected James to be so blunt about this matter, and their gazes went from him to Darius, then to Patrick, and back t