Chapter 451: Chapter 447

"Good to see you," Mitch greeted me warmly.

This time, Leo seemed a lot more comfortable with me, even cheerfully calling me "Ms. Brooks"

But little did he know, the consequences of my visit would lead him into facing Catherine’s scolding.

With a smile, I asked Leo, "Where are your parents?"

"They’re inside, and so are my grandparents!" Leo enthusiastically led me in. It was his birthday, and the house was beautifully decorated.

The staff was bustling around, Damon was on a call in the living room, and Silas was fussing with a model toy, likely a gift for Leo. Upon seeing me, a grin flashed across Silas’s face, "Eliana’s here!"

He then picked up Serena from her stroller, "And Princess Serena too. She’s getting prettier every day!"

Silas was visibly more relaxed with Serena this time, his affection for her clear in his words.

Instead of bringing Brandon, I chose to bring Serena because Brandon’s resemblance to Damon was growing more pronounced, and I didn’t want to stir up any unnecessary associations for Silas and Lisa.

"Ah, Eliana’s here?" Lisa descended from the second floor, looking as healthy as ever, save for her slightly red, swollen eyes that showed signs of recent crying.

"Hello," I greeted politely, my eyes scanning the room for Catherine. On such an important day, where could she be?

Damon noticed my tense gaze and calmly explained, "Catherine had to attend to something at the hospital, and she’ll be back shortly." I was least interested in seeing Catherine. If it weren’t for Lisa’s situation, I wouldn’t be here at all.

But since I was here, I couldn’t come empty-handed. I retrieved a video game console from under Serena’s stroller and gave it to Leo. "Happy birthday, Leo. This is my gift to you. Do you like it?"

Leo loved video games and his eyes sparkled at the sight of the console. He nodded enthusiastically, looking at me with newfound warmth, "I love it, thank you, Ms. Brooks!"

Seeing Leo’s sudden warmth towards me, Silas and Lisa exchanged puzzled glances, but soon broke into pleased smiles. They were more than happy to see Leo and me getting along.

With his new game console, Leo was soon engrossed in a game, while Lisa led me to a seat on the couch. A servant brought me coffee, and there were candies and fruit on the table, all from expensive brands, indicating the Coleman family’s anticipation for Leo’s birthday party.

After all, this was Leo’s first birthday since rejoining the Coleman family, so a grand celebration was to be expected.

Serena was still nestled in Silas’s arms. She seemed to enjoy the company of the Coleman family, being well-behaved whether held by Damon or Silas and Lisa, and even entertained everyone with her babbling.

"Girls are always more behaved. Look at her big eyes and cherry lips; she’s adorable. She’s going to be a beauty when she grows up, just like Eliana!" Lisa gushed over Serena, indirectly complimenting me.

"Indeed, she’s more and more like Eliana," Silas chimed in. Without Catherine around, their praises for me were explicit and warm.

Damon didn’t say anything, merely focusing on his phone.

The atmosphere was harmonious, as if we were still one big family, and Serena was their granddaughter.

Just then, a string of guests arrived, all important business partners of the Coleman family. Some even traveled all the way from the city, indicating the importance they placed on the Coleman family’s invitation.

Damon finally put away his phone and stood up to greet the guests. Silas handed Serena to Lisa, and both father and son joined in welcoming the guests.

Leo was engrossed in his game, oblivious to the buzzing activity around him.

After a while, Catherine arrived, the last to do so, with traces of sweat on her face.

"I’m sorry, Leo. Mommy was held up by an emergency surgery at the hospital," Catherine apologized sincerely as she embraced Leo. But when she noticed the game console in Leo’s hand, her expression subtly changed, "Leo, where did you get this game console?"

Leo, sensing Catherine’s displeasure, quickly put down the console and fell silent, looking at me.

I was puzzled. Catherine used to allow Leo to play video games, albeit with time restrictions. Why was she acting as if he wasn’t allowed to play at all now?

"Eliana gave it to him for his birthday. What’s wrong with Leo playing a little on his special day?" Lisa intervened. The moment Catherine appeared, her smile faded noticeably.

"Lisa, it’s just that Leo’s been falling behind in his studies, and prolonged gaming can overstimulate a child’s brain. It’s not good for him either way," Catherine explained as she took the game console from

Leo and casually placed it on the floor.

Leo cast a longing glance at the console.

"You should know better, Catherine. It’s normal for kids to play. I’ve spoken to Leo’s teacher. He’s just returned from overseas and it’s natural for him to take a while to adjust to our education system. The teacher said he’s a smart kid and will catch up soon. Don’t you know that as a mother?" Lisa rebuked Catherine.

I had no idea why she disliked Catherine so much.

Catherine is Leo’s mother and a renowned doctor after all.

Although her past deception had soured Silas’s opinion of her, Lisa really ought to have kept up appearances, especially with so many guests present.

"Lisa, I’ve been rather busy with work and I’ve neglected Leo, but everything I do is for Leo’s best interests," Catherine stated, not backing down on the issue of disciplining Leo. Holding Leo’s hand, she turned her gaze towards me, "Thank you for your kindness, Ms. Brooks."

I simply smiled, choosing not to respond.

Lisa seemed to want to say more, but Silas cut her off. Their eye contact was brief, but it was clear they were both irked.

"Let me hold her." I reached out to take Serena from Lisa’s arms. The little one was thrilled today, her small face flushed with joy as she cooed excitedly every now and then.

Lisa looked on, her eyes glued to Serena with an intense longing. It was clear she yearned to hold her again..

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