Chapter 62

At Laura's question, Alec broke into a hearty laugh,the creases around his eyes deepening. "You're absolutely dazzling."

When it came to something they both cared about,they looked like newlyweds still wrapped up in the glow of their honeymoon.

Both understood that today marked a turning point for their standing in Shoildon. After all, Barrie's decision to visit their home with his family was no ordinary honor.

Word in Shoildon never stayed secret for long, and they were certain the elite circles would soon buzz with news of this visit.

The butler approached quickly, voice laced with respect. "Mr. Willis, Mrs. Willis, I've just been informed by the Lyons family's butler that Mr. Barrie Lyons and his household are already on their way."

Excitement flashed in Alec's eyes as he met Laura's gaze, and then motioned to the butler. "Quickly,make sure the refreshments are ready."

A slight furrow appeared on Laura's brow. "I'll see what's keeping Kaia. Why isn't she downstairs yet?"

Alec gave a quick nod. "Yes, bring her down right away."

They couldn't have been prouder of Kaia. Without her talent, a connection with the Lyons family-especially on such favorable terms-would have been unthinkable.

Clicking up the stairs in her heels, Laura's excitement got the better of her, and she pushed open the door without a knock.

"Kaia, why are you still dawvdling? Barrie and his family will be here any minute," Laura exclaimed.

As she approached the vanity, Laura's eyes gleamed with pride at the sight of her daughter. Kaia wore a pale blue strapless gown draped with a white fur coat, her look both graceful and striking.

"My goodness, you'd outshine anyone no matter what you wore," Laura said warmly as she smoothed Kaia's sleek hair.

Lifting a perfume bottle, Kaia spritzed her wrist and dabbed it behind her ear, a smug smile tugging at her lips. "Mom, people have admired me since I was little. Haven't you gotten used to it by now?"

Laura's eyes shone with satisfaction. "Yes, yes, your beauty is endless. But hurry now. Barrie is an elder,and it wouldn't be right to make him wait."

With her chin tipped upward, Kaia muttered,"Alright."

Still, inside, Kaia dismissed Laura's caution. Elder or not, she had saved Barrie's life. Was there any need to tremble before him?

The man struggled with long-term illnesses, and she had practically pulled him back from the brink. Even if she carried herself with a touch of arrogance, who could fault her? Yet she understood why Laura pressed for humility-their family's position still couldn't measure up.

A sleek black vehicle belonging to the Lyons family eased around the bend and rolled into the driveway of the Willis Villa.

From the entrance of the main house, the Willis butler spotted the vehicle and hurried back inside to deliver the news.

With excitement in his voice, he announced to Alec,"The Lyons' vehicle has just pulled in-our guests are here."

Springing from the sofa, Alec turned to Laura on the sofa and Kaia, who had just stepped down the staircase. "Come on, let's greet Barrie and his family properly. We have to show them respect."

Laura rose to join him, but Kaia walked to the sofa and sat down, smoothing her hair with one hand and resting the other on her lap. "You two go ahead. I'l stay here."

Laura's face showed bewilderment, while Alec assumed Kaia was growing arrogant because of Barrie's regard for her.

With a faint scowl, Alec warned, "Kaia, this won't do.Even if you treated Barrie's leg, you must stilI act with humility before someone older."

Kaia pushed out her lower lip. "That's not what I meant, Dad. I just don't want it to look like I'm desperate to butter up the Lyons family. Go on without me.I'll wait here."

Though Alec felt like continuing the lecture,he cut himself short with the Lyons family at the door."Forget it," he muttered, striding outside with Laura.

Inside the vehicle, as the driver looked for a spot to park, the Lyons family of four carried on a lively conversation.

From the inside pocket of his suit jacket,Fletcher drew out a sleek black-gold card and looked at Barrie, saying, "Dad, I wasn't around when Dr. Willis treated you, but Slater was inconsiderate and failed to thank her properly. Since we're going in person this time, I intend to do it right."

Slater immediately protested, his eyes flicking to the card. "Inconsiderate? That's unfair, Dad. If you want to thank Dr. Willis, money isn't the way. She's not like the others-she's more like those legendary doctors from novels who couldn't care less about riches.Grandpa once tried to offer her a generous sum. She turned it down, saying she'd been paid her fee and didn't need anything else."