?<strong>Chapter 397:</strong>


    The courtyard teemed with luxury vehicles, each arriving guest smoothly transferring their keys to the waiting hands of the Finch family’s servants.


    As Adrian pulled up, a servant hurried to his side to open the car door.


    “Mr. Miller!”


    Every member of the Finch family was taken aback by Adrian’s appearance.


    The rift between Adrian and them had widened years earlier after a carelessment from Stephen had severed their ties.


    “Mr. Miller, did you arrive by yourself?”


    The question was posed lightheartedly, but Adrian’s icy stare prompted an immediate retraction.


    “Oh, my apologies, truly. Mr. Finch has been eagerly anticipating your arrival!”


    Before stepping inside, Adrian was greeted by the boomingughter of Stephen, robust and vigorous, belying his eighty-eight years.


    “Adrian, I was sure you’d show up alone this year! Fred even bet you’d bring your family! I disagreed. Haven’t your wife and kid left you?”


    Fred covered his face, regretting that he hadn’t persuaded Stephen to choose his words more carefully.


    “Adrian, how are Joelle and the kids?” Gracie chimed in, attempting to smooth over the awkwardness.


    “They’re on their way,” Adrian replied curtly.


    Stephen burst intoughter once more.


    “Are they still holding a grudge against you? Is that why they didn’te along?”


    Adrian forced a weak smile.


    “Isn’t it a bit harsh to poke fun at someone’s sensitive spots?”


    “Harsh? Isn’t that the whole point of a good tease?” Stephen continued to chuckle, the only one amused by the exchange.


    Adrian had braced himself for this encounter, but he hadn’t fully prepared for the sharpened edge of Stephen’s biting humor, which had only intensified with time.


    The others present wore expressions of difort, silently worrying that Adrian might storm off in a fit of anger at any second.


    “Grandpa,” Fred called out.


    Stephen eventually tempered hisughter, possibly realizing he might have overstepped.


    “Come on, Adrian, you know I’m just joking!”


    He slung an arm around Adrian’s shoulders, his tone shifting to one of warmth.


    “Tell me, did you upset your wife? Maybe my grandson should offer you a few pointers?”


    The room fell silent, everyone else at a loss for words.


    Adrian felt a pulse throb angrily in his temple.


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