Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After Novel

Chapter 98: Meanwhile, Huntley, the birthday boy, leaned lazily against a wall at the back, visibly showing his impatience.

As she spotted this, Fernanda's mood soured. She summoned an assistant to entertain the guests briefly, then pulled Huntley aside with a stern expression.

"Mom! What are you doing?" Huntley complained irritably.

"Be quiet!" Fernanda retorted sharply, her expression stern. "What did you promise me before? This is your birthday celebration! If you continue with this careless demeanor, I'll have you removed from Grester!" Huntley scowled and tugged at his mother's arm, his voice tinged with frustration. "Mom, I'm really tired. When does this start? I'm starving."

Though she was annoyed, Fernanda's tone softened slightly out of sympathy. "Just a bit longer. The guests are here for our family's reputation, but you must treat them with respect. If word spreads of your rudeness, it could damage your image."

Huntley appeared unmoved and slightly arrogant. "So what? I don't care about mingling with these people. I'll take over the family business. Dad will never pass the inheritance to Collin, that cripple."

Fernanda's face softened briefly. "You're not wrong."

She frowned again after a moment. "But don't underestimate Collin. Despite his paralysis, he's become quite cunning. I thought I dealt with Haven, but Collin still got married first. If he has a child before you, it could complicate things."

Huntley scoffed. "Collin? That cripple? Who in town would want his child? Even if he does have a child, it will make no difference. I'm not concerned."

"Still, we must be cautious," Fernanda advised, her brows knitting together.

"Yeah, yeah, I understand," Huntley responded dismissively. "Later, I'll meet that woman and figure out a way to sway her. Maybe I can use her as a spy."

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As he spoke, Huntley looked toward the hotel entrance, puzzled. "Why hasn't Collin shown up yet? He isn't too afraid to come, is he?"

Just then, a staff member rushed over to inform them, "Collin and his wife have just arrived."

"Alright," Fernanda said with a graceful smile, gently tugging Huntley along. "Let's go greet your brother."

Huntley cast a skeptical glance at his mother, instantly recognizing her act as a performance for the gathered crowd.

Despite this, a sense of irritation nagged at him. He often wondered why, even after all these years, his mother maintained such a guarded stance toward Collin.

He was merely a man confined to a wheelchair, lacking his father's favor and devoid of any significant influence in the family. What threat could he possibly pose?

Moreover, as his parents' favorite son, Huntley felt demeaning himself to greet Collin was beneath him. Collin didn't deserve such recognition.

Nonetheless, the prospect of meeting Collin's wife piqued his interest. With a lazy stretch, he straightened up, considering that he might find some amusement in witnessing Collin's misfortunes firsthand.

Across the venue, Linsey was diligently maneuvering Collin's wheelchair through the crowd as they made their entrance.

"Is that Collin Riley?"

"Who else would it be? Apart from him, who is always confined to a wheelchair?"

"Tragic, isn't it? One accident, and his legs were taken from him. It's a shame, because without his disability, Collin could have achieved so much more."

"Regardless, he's clearly fallen out of favor with the Riley clan. Not just with his father, but even the extended relatives seem to dismiss him. It's obvious the heir's title will fall to Huntley."

Hearing these scornful whispers, Linsey felt a surge of frustration tighten her chest.

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