The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 301

Life Moves Forward.

Time passed again.

It was the day of VanderMed Technologies Anniversary Celebration.

Rexam Grand Hotel’s biggest ballroom was filled with employees, business partners, influential investors, and several political figures in the city. Crystal chandeliers glimmered overhead while soft music played in the background, but the entire venue gradually quieted when Sterling stepped onto the stage.

Sterling spoke about the company’s achievements, its goals for the coming years, and even his own personal plans.

“I’m not getting any younger,” Sterling said seriously. “Therefore, I’d like to take this opportunity to inform everyone that I will be retiring in two months.”

“My son, Silas, will be taking over my position as chairman of the board, while Xavier, our ever-loyal VP, will finally take over the CEO seat.”

“Noelle will fully take over the research and development division as its new director, while my daughter, Serena, will continue serving as the corporation’s lead strategic consultant and adviser on major company initiatives,” Sterling said. “It is also my pleasure to announce that Noelle will soon be giving birth to fraternal twins, both boys.”

“In total, I now have eight grandkids. Therefore,” Sterling looked everyone in the eye. “I’ll be taking on a more crucial role…”

Sterling paused and smiled. “As a full-time grandpa.”

Laughter erupted in the venue. Celine cracked up the most. She was smiling from the frontmost seats, along with Serena and Nathaniel.

“Surely, my many years in the corporate world have trained me well for grandparenthood. I’ve dealt with shareholders, investors, and politicians. How dangerous can toddlers possibly be?” Sterling added.

More laughter echoed through the ballroom. After a while, Sterling adjusted his coat and resumed speaking. “With the upcoming changes in leadership within the company, I would now like to give the floor to my son and Xavier. They will share their vision and plans once their new roles officially take effect.”

He paused briefly before smiling at the crowd. “For all the years you placed your trust in me as your chairman, thank you sincerely.”

Silas took the stage next and spoke proudly of his plans.

Xavier did the same when he took his turn, but… he did not just leave without leaving an impression.

He smiled at the Hartleys. They were all present that night. Then, he did the same to the guests.

Before he spoke again, he glanced at his mother. Claire was seated next to Alice. After Claire nodded, Xavier restarted, “Actually… there is one more partnership I’d like to secure tonight.”

Serena was smiling the entire time. She already knew what was going to happen. She helped plan it all.

All of a sudden, hotel staff walked in carrying bouquets of roses!

The crowd turned and gasped; some had their eyes widening.

Alice was completely clueless until the hotel staff surrounded her. Employees began to whisper, “Mr. Dorian is finally proposing!”

“About time,” Nathaniel hissed.

Silas chuckled in his seat while Noelle became teary-eyed.

The logo on the LED screen behind Xavier quickly changed, and it flashed words that read, “Alice, will you marry me?”

Xavier then walked down the stage and stood before the shocked Alice. He went down on one knee and held up a diamond ring. He said, “Alice, you started as my best friend. Then somehow, you became my safest place, my greatest habit, and the person I look for first in every room.”

In the succeeding days, he taught Sebastian about military aircraft. He spent afternoons telling the children stories about his years in the military.

He painted with Alisa and even planted flowers in the garden with her. Norman promised Alisa they would bloom the next spring.

In the evenings, Norman would put the younger twins to bed. Then, he’d smile, just watching them.

A few times, he would cry, as if remembering his son, Neal. Serena never asked why. She only saw the grief that surfaced in those moments… and the strange peace that seemed to follow after his tears.

Throughout their visit, Norman took dozens of photographs of the children himself, despite his unsteady hands, saying he wanted something to look at whenever the house became quiet again.

Their visit had been fruitful.

Norman did manage to get his health back under control. Perhaps it was optimism, or maybe it was the warmth surrounding him and the joy the children constantly brought into his life.

But before they left, Norman called Bianca, Serena, and Nathaniel back to the study.

The former general sat behind his desk, his posture still naturally commanding. He looked at them and smiled faintly.

“When my time comes, don’t grieve too heavily,” he said calmly. “Death is part of every soldier’s final march.”

His gaze softened afterward. “Just know that if I were to leave this world tomorrow, I would die a happy man. I feel like… I was finally given the chance to atone for my mistakes.”

He looked at Bianca, Serena, and Nathaniel one by one before adding quietly, “And for that, I thank all of you.”