Love me or leave me (Rebecca and Theodore)
CHAPTER 138

Chapter 138

Meanwhile, Gary was left to wrestle with the reality that securing an invitation from the Carter family might be ant impossible task. Despite his disappointment and growing anxiety over the familial and public perception, he felt powerless to change the situation.

On the other hand, Michael had been confidently expecting an invitation and had even prepared a gift in anticipation of attending the event. However, to his dismay. Theodore informed him that despite his efforts, he had failed to secure an invitation. This news exacerbated Michael's concern about the bifting dynamics within his family, particularly the unstable relationship between his son and daughter-in-law. "Are they going to break up? They can't! This is the Carter family we're talking about! he thought.

Frustration took hold of Michael, and he found himself on the verge of losing his temper. Reflecting on old sayings, he mused, 'Indeed, dumb dogs are often the most dangerous. He had always regarded his daughter-in-law as obedient and sensible, yet now it appeared she had orchestrated a clever scheine against him. It was a testament to her Carter bloodline -cunning was apparently ingrained in her, regardless of her upbringing in the more modest Mitchell family.

"I don't think the Carter family is indispensable," Theodore declared in the office to his father. "If our family aligns with the Smith family and gains their full backing, we can still venture into overseas markets. Intrigued by this strategic shift. Michael eyed Theodore and inquired, "Do you plan to be with Jenny?" Internally, Michael considered, 'Indeed, aligning my son with Jenny from the Smith family might not be such a bad idea. Although the Smith family isn't as prominent as the Carter family, they hold their own merit.

Theodore, after a brief hesitation, shook his head and replied, "No, but I've made things clear to Jenny. She understands my position. Even if we don't marry, we can maintain our friendship and foster cooperation between the Edwards and Smith

families."

Pleased with his son's diplomatic approach, Michael clapped Theodore on the shoulder, beaming with pride. Theodore, I didn't expect you to be the most like me among your siblings. Let's collaborate to take the Edwards family business global!" Michael exclaimed, his spirits lifted by the discussih. He then fantasized about the Edwards Group expanding globally, feeling a surge of happiness. However, Theodore, more reserved merely lowered his eyes without response. Theodore lowered his eyes and didn't answer Michael,

Michael, undeterred, continued optimistically, "Since Jenny is so understanding, there's no rush to sever ties with the Carter family. After all, you and Rebecca share two children. If the opportunity arises, try to regain your control over them. Should we manage to align with both the Carter and Smith families, our family's prospects will only improve."

The following day marked the anticipated banquet. Stacey rose early and sat for makeup, a process that on this particular morning filled her with a joy akin to a child receiving candy. It took two hours just to perfect her makeup, and then it was time to prepare Lillian and Kevin. The two little ones were her precious children, and they naturally had to be dressed to the nines alongside their mother.

However, a minor hiccup occurred when Kevin, usually calm and collected, realized he was the only one in a black suit while his mother and sister donned beautiful dresses. Feeling out of place and somewhat less adorned, he became overwhelmed and started crying. The family quickly rallied around him, soothing him with turns of comfort and playful balloons, which eventually calmed him down.

Once everyone was ready, the family proceeded to the hotel where the banquet was being held. The guests, having stayed overnight, were already congregating in the lively banquet hall. Stacey, along with her parents and children, greeted the guests, many of whom brought gifts for both the adults and the children. Thankfully, waiters were on hand to manage the influx of presents, holding them at either side. Noteworthy among the attendees were Charlie's friends, Ernest and Jarvis, whose long-awaited reunion with Stacey was marked by joy and generous gifts. The guests from Alagua City, though arriving a tad later, filled the room by eleven in the morning.

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At this pivotal moment-Patrick and Debra, with a sense of ceremony and gravity, approached the microphone. The couple, with a touch of grace, escorted Stacey to the forefront of the stage. Lillian and Kevin, brimming with youthful enthusiasm, trailed behind their mother, closely watched over by their three attentive uncles.

The air grew thick with emotion as Patrick and Debra commenced a heartfelt speech that journeyed back through the decades to a time when their daughter was not yet lost to them those carefree days more than 20 years ago before the agony of separation had touched their lives. The banquet hall's large screen flickered to life, displaying numerous photographs of Stacey as a child. These images captured her innocent visage -sometimes in the embrace of her parents, sometimes frolicking with her brothers, and at times, captured In a solo portrait, her expression pensive yet endearing.

As Stacey gazed at these snapshots of her past, and then at her parents standing resolutely on the stage, the emotional weight of the occasion overwhelmed her. Though not overtaken by sadness, the poignant atmosphere moved her deeply, and she found herself unable to hold back tears. Despite the rollercoaster of emotions and the convoluted path that had led her back, this was a moment of triumph she was home at last, reunited with her family, her parents, and her brothers.

As her parents concluded their recounting of these memories, applause cascaded through the hall, each clap seeming to infuse the space with warmth and joy.

With solemnity, Patrick and Debra then introduced Stacey to all in attendance, making a particular note of her official name. Stacey Carter, and her beloved children, Lillian and Kevin. It was then that the Carter family made a groundbreaking announcement that would forever alter the fabric of their legacy Stacey was to have the same rights of inheritance as the three sons of the Carter family. Moreover, her children, Lillian and Kevin, would also share these rights, equating them with any future offspring of the Carter brothers.

The revelation sent a wave of astonishment throughout the room. It was indeed a joyous occasion to celebrate the return of the Carter daughter, but the declaration that she and her children would hold equal standing in the inheritance was profoundly unexpected. Th