Elaine released Stella unwillingly and took a step backward and quickly held Stella's hands tightly, looking sad.

Stella stroke her hair, looked at her red swollen eyes and asked softly, "You looked skinnier. Have you not eaten anything these few days?"

"No appetite… But I had some before coming here."

Stella let out a quiet sigh not knowing what to say to her. "Let's go," she finally said, holding her hand.

Elaine looked up and realized Darnell had disappeared from around her.

They arrived in the main hall and saw Hilbert's portrait placed in the center, looking amiable.

Elaine's nose tingled when she saw the portrait. She followed behind Clarence and Stella to pay her respect to Hilbert, muttering, "Great-grandpa, I'll be obedient and listen to dad from now on and won't ever make him angry again."

She then took her last bow and bid goodbye.

After that, they headed towards the room beside the hall and heard noises coming from outside.

Stella turned around and saw someone walking in slowly across the crowd.

It was Caesar James.

The James families were startled by his sudden appearance. Some were even frightened as everyone thought he died ten years ago.

Caesar ignored the gazes of people around and walked straight to Elaine, smiling, "Elaine."

Elaine stared at him and felt terrified. She quickly took a step backward and hid behind Stella.

Caesar pushed his glasses into place. His smile widened when he looked towards Stella, "Ms. Radomil and Mr. Conrad are here too."

"Compared to us, you seem to be less welcome here," Clarence said casually.

"No one is welcome to a ceremony like this," Caesar replied.copy right hot novel pub