Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 1438

Old Mrs. Blake was effortlessly gracious and approachable. Despite her age, the younger and middle-aged socialites genuinely adored orbiting her.

Beyond her natural charisma, the sheer gravity of the Blake family name was a massive draw.

With the family's influence skyrocketing, everyone was desperate to curry favor.

Even though the elder Blakes harbored deep, private anxieties about the current chaos, to the rest of Northwyn, their dynasty remained an untouchable monolith, leaving other wealthy families scrambling in their dust.

Across the lawn, Noah was surrounded by a gaggle of laughing children. When he spotted his grandparents, he didn't immediately rush over, though he did pause his game.

He was deeply reluctant to approach them. They had always been ruthlessly strict with him.

They were the ones who had banished him abroad, subjecting him to a suffocatingly dull and rigid lifestyle.

Yet, he couldn't deny that the grueling education had paid off. Standing among his peers, Noah exuded a quiet brilliance and worldly maturity that the other sheltered children completely lacked.

It wasn't that the other elite families neglected their heirs, but the elder Blakes had poured a staggering fortune and relentless effort into forging Noah into a flawless prodigy.

But now... Sebastian would undoubtedly veto any attempt to send the boy back overseas.

And Noah had made it crystal clear that he had zero desire to resume that oppressive curriculum.

The elder Blakes were sharp enough to read the room. They knew better than to force the issue. Things had spiraled too far out of their control, and they could only let nature take its course.

They had even begun to emotionally detach from micromanaging the Blake family's future.

They had exhausted every strategy and pulled every string available. Whatever disasters loomed on the horizon were completely beyond their ability to prevent.

It was agonizing. There was a time when the future looked incredibly bright—when Lillian had married into the family, injecting a powerful surge of hope and brilliance into their lineage.

What a tragic waste. Sebastian simply didn't deserve her.

In reality, he had intentionally delayed the announcements to prevent the gala from turning into a chaotic media circus.

Even with the short notice, the estate was packed with uninvited VIPs—crucial business partners and elite power players who felt entitled to attend.

Turning them away at the gates was simply not an option.

Unlike an exclusive corporate gala where security could ruthlessly enforce a guest list, a child's birthday party was meant to be a joyous, open celebration. Turning away well-wishers would be a massive social faux pas.

Deep down, Sebastian had fully anticipated the overwhelming turnout.

But to him, every billionaire and socialite on the lawn was merely an extra in his carefully orchestrated play. He was still waiting for his leading lady.

Old Mr. Blake wasted no time cutting to the chase. "Did you invite Lillian? Is she actually coming?"

Sebastian nodded confidently. "Yes. Noah hand-wrote the invitation himself. She gave him her word."