The Billionaire Who Saved Me

Stanley James Mendoza and Megan Alexander are a married couple who hosted the charity event. Held at one of the most prestigious hotels in Ashford City, the Azure Hotel had the honor of hosting the annual event that the noble family has always held. Featuring various stunning artworks, the funds raised would be allocated to various humanitarian activities in the country.

It was the first time that Garrett and Elice attended the event. They felt a little awkward, but Daphne’s presence made everything go smoother. The guests, who held respect and awe for the elderly woman, politely welcomed their presence, including Norah, who seemed nervous.

A table had been set for the Morales family. Prominently placed. So, when Stanley opened the event, he easily singled out Garrett’s family for recognition. He introduced them to all the guests as one of the charity’s regular donors.

Garrett and Elice naturally received more attention. In addition to the prestigious family name, the recent news surrounding them had certainly piqued interest. So it was no surprise that Garrett found himself besieged by several parties after the auction.

Daphne, watching from a distance with Norah, smiled. “You’ve raised Garrett well.”

It was perhaps the first time Norah had received praise from her mother-in-law. Despite a marriage filled with family drama, Norah had eventually formed a strained relationship with Daphne. Even now, living under the same roof, their relationship hadn’t improved quickly. Still, Norah was overly respectful.

“Thank you, Ma.”

Daphne took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and turned to Norah. “Do you have any desire to remarry?”

Fortunately, Norah wasn’t enjoying the dishes on the table at that moment. Otherwise, she might have choked on them. Norah’s face turned red.

“It’s not my time to think about that anymore, Ma,” Norah replied, shaking her head. “My happiness now is not in marriage. It’s in seeing Garrett enjoy his life.”

Daphne understood. That’s how a woman feels when she becomes a mother.

“Especially if Elice gets pregnant soon. I’m sure my time won’t be enough if I decide to get married again.”

“You’re right,” Daphne nodded. “I hope Elice will get pregnant soon. Our house is too big and feels lonely without the sound of children.”

A fleeting vision of the future crossed Daphne’s mind immediately after she said that. It showed the days when there would be the laughter and tears of a baby. Followed by the serene faces of the parents. And how wonderful it would be when they could be together.

Taking a deep breath, Daphne blinked and found herself back in reality. She smiled faintly as she watched Garrett and Elice chatting with some new acquaintances.

“Ma.”

Daphne turned. Norah looked at her with gentle eyes.

“Thank you.”

“For?”Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“For everything that has happened,” Norah replied, smiling. “I know that whatever is happening is for the best.”

There was a moment of silence, as if Daphne needed time to react to her daughter-in-law’s words. She nodded.

“I hope so.”

Hope immediately grew in Daphne’s heart. She whispered her wish with a tight chest.

Hopefully.

Separated by a few feet, but still in the same room, Garrett and Elice got up. They said goodbye to the gentlemen they had been talking to for the last five and a half hours.

“I thought this was just another charity event,” Elice whispered to Garrett. “But it turns out I was wrong.”

Of course, it wasn’t just a regular charity event. But, despite the agenda that prioritized such matters, there were undoubtedly other more interesting things for the upper class to gather for.

Garrett patted Elice’s hand gently. “Are you tired? Maybe you want to join Mom and Nana.”

“And you?”

Elice lifted her face as she asked her husband. Garrett seemed to catch his breath before answering.

“I think I need to mingle. You know, I’m new to this circle too. I need to fit in.”

A reasonable reason. And Elice felt a bit tired on her feet. It seemed she had chosen the wrong shoes for the evening.

“Okay,” Elice nodded. “I’ll wait for you at the table.”

Garrett and Elice parted ways there. From his standing position, not too far from the table where Daphne and Norah were, Garrett waved. He made sure that Elice was sitting comfortably. Then he left. Looking for an opportunity to meet someone.

“Good evening.”

Garrett greeted at the right moment. He politely interrupted the conversation between two gentlemen. The laughter that accompanied the conversation stopped. They both turned to look at Garrett enthusiastically.

Garrett politely introduced himself, although it was no longer necessary. There seemed to be no one in Oceana who didn’t know him by now. Including Stanley.

“How’s it going? Are you enjoying it?”

For once Garrett nodded. “It’s an interesting event. Especially with the artwork,” he replied, looking around. “No wonder Nana was so excited to come here.”

“Madam Daphne and the late Mr. Harlan never missed it. They always made sure to come. Even when they had jobs and busy schedules, they always came.”

“I’ve heard about that.”

Stanley turned. “About your grandparents?”

“Yes,” Garrett nodded. “Even from some of the news I’ve heard, it says that Grandpa once bought a painting at a high price as a gift for Nana.”

Stanley’s eyes widened. There was a look of admiration. “They really were a happy couple. They took care of each other. I wouldn’t be surprised how devastated Madam Daphne was when her husband died.”

Hearing that, Garrett looked over. Over to where the three women from different eras were sitting at the same table. They seemed to be talking. Occasionally, smiles appeared on their faces.

“I’m sure Nana really loved Grandpa.”

But Garrett had to be honest with himself. For a few days he had doubted it. Because of the fact that Daphne had asked for the autopsy of her husband’s death to be stopped.

Garrett searched for the news. The fact released to the public was that heart disease was the cause of Harlan’s death. This clearly aroused Garrett’s suspicions.

Harlan’s death, hidden facts.

Allan’s death, the cause manipulated.

And Garrett’s presence, initially unwanted, but ultimately very much desired. Wasn’t that strange?

And if Harlan’s death was connected to Daphne, was Allan’s death really connected to Farrah?

These were a handful of questions that occupied Garrett’s mind. He thought he would get a clue at the event. But, let alone in public places like this, even in closed places like home, Garrett couldn’t find a gap.

Garrett had inquired with implicit questions to the household assistants. Thanks to the fact that they had been working for a long time, they must know more about the family than Garrett. And what he got was just one word. That is, perfect.

Daphne and Harlan were a loving couple. A harmonious and complementary pair. Who loved their children deeply. That… certainly wasn’t like Allan, according to Garrett.

“Garrett?”

Stanley’s voice jolted Garrett out of his reverie. He blinked and felt guilty.

“Sorry, sir. I was just thinking about some work-related things.”

Stanley nodded. “No problem,” he said. “So please enjoy the event.”

Being left alone didn’t give Garrett many options. He stood up. Decided to go back to his table. To join his family who had been waiting. With a question that made him irritated with himself.

Where do I even begin?

*