The butler of the Irwan Family also noticed something strange at this time. How could Sylvia Pangestu's face be so similar to Leila? Did Richard realize the same thing?
Hardy frowned and decided to keep his suspicions at bay. He stared at the married couple sharply.
"Widjaya's fourth young master has a point. You don't need to rush to talk to Miss Lilia," Hardy said firmly.
Even though Hardy had only met Lilia today, the woman's polite and friendly demeanor impressed him. She was a famous model, but she still treated a servant like Hardy with great respect. Apart from that, Lilia was also an honored guest personally invited by Jenny. The woman's assessment of a person's character had never been wrong.
Hardy could not understand how it was possible for such a wonderful young woman like Lilia to have such parents. Especially Sylvia, who acted smart but actually didn't know anything.
The butler thought that a smart and elegant person like Lilia would be more suitable if raised by a respectable family. He began to feel sympathetic towards Lilia having grown up with such parents.
*****
Lilia was brought back inside the greenhouse by Jean. During that short trip, she didn't say a word. Even though her face still had a befitting smile on it, only her clear eyes showed the gaping wound on her heart.
Jean grasped Lilia's hand that felt as cold as ice. The man rubbed Lilia's hands to warm her while giving a worried look.
Lilia caught the man's gaze and shook her head a little so that Jean wouldn't worry. But she herself knew that she wasn't alright. Even though she managed to Robert and Sylvia's visit to the Irwan Family, Lilia didn't feel the slightest joy after that incident. She was only a little relieved that their plan was going well.
In this very interesting fight between the two families, there really was no victory or defeat. Because in the end, both parties would have something to lose.
If Lilia was determined to destroy the Pangestu family, she would also have to bear the consequences that arise from that decision. The Irwan family might hate Lilia or refuse to recognize her as their family's daughter.
Lilia was so deep in thought that she didn't realize they had returned to the main table. The birthday party was still going on with great fanfare, but Lilia couldn't seem to hear all the commotion.
Meanwhile, Claire was repeatedly glancing at Lilia. Her sister-in-law's face was gloomy and unfocused. Claire shot Jean a sharp gaze, secretly criticizing him for not being able to take care of his own wife. However, Jean only shrugged before ignoring his sister's gaze.
Finally, Claire couldn't take it anymore and came to Lilia's side. She asked anxiously, "Lilia, are you alright?"
Lilia's gaze slowly focused on Claire. She tried to smile as usual, but she had lost her cheerfulness. "I'm fine, Sister Claire. Thank you for worrying about me," Lilia answered sincerely.
Claire stared at Lilia speechless for a moment, then she looked at Jean who was serving soup to Lilia. Finally, Claire suppressed the suspicion in her heart, then turned towards Andrew.
"Husband, will you take me to the bathroom?" Even though it was a question, Claire uttered it like a statement.
Andrew broke out in a cold sweat! He wanted to refuse, but seeing Claire's grinning face, his courage immediately shrank. What if Claire kicked him out of the bedroom if he refused, just like Irene did to James?
Andrew cleared his throat and immediately got up from his chair. He patted Jean gently on the shoulder as he said, "If you two need anything, feel free to call me!"
Andrew meant to ask Jean for help in order to save him from Claire, but it looked like the man didn't get the point. Jean just nodded without saying anything. Andrew had no choice but to follow Claire.
*****
After nearly an hour had passed, the birthday party finally came to an end.
Grandpa Simon went on stage and said a few words to thank the guests. After he returned to his seat, the crowd returned to toast. It seemed that none of the guests were aware of the incident with the Pangestu Family couple.
Lilia's expression still looked grim. After she took a few sips of the soup, she lost her appetite. Lilia stole a glance around the greenhouse and realized that Hardy hadn't appeared since. Maybe he was looking after Robert and Sylvia in the back hall.
The Irwan family placed great emphasis on etiquette and morality, so she would not let matters with the Pangestu family affect the course of the birthday party.
Right now, Lilia's mind was filled with the 'fierce battle' that would occur after the birthday party. Because of that, she didn't notice her presence until she heard her voice.
"Brother Mike, thank you for coming to Grandpa's birthday party today. I'll pour some wine for you, okay?"
Lilia raised her face when she heard that sweet and innocent voice. Her gaze fell on Leila, who was clinging onto Mike. She was starting to feel a little sorry for Andrew's brother.
Mike looked really bored tonight. He sat across from Lilia, so that the woman could clearly see his expression. Mike wasn't wearing leather anymore. Instead, he was wearing a luxurious white tuxedo. Even though his appearance was tidier than usual, he was already drinking half a bottle of red wine on the table.
Right now, his handsome face looked a little drunk, but he became very quiet. The expression of defiance that always adorned his face was now replaced with gloom. He looked like someone with a heartbreak.
Mike's eyes were on Leila, who was standing so close to him. Disgust crossed the man's face. "Stay away from me!" He snapped.
"Brother Mike..." Leila looked shaken as Mike raised his voice. Then her expression changed like she was about to cry.
Mike clicked his tongue and gave Leila an annoyed look. "Go away from here!"
The man raised his hand as if to push Leila away. But before Mike could touch Leila, the woman had staggered back and was about to fall.
"Miss Leila!" Lilia immediately stood up and grabbed Leila's arm from across the table. She managed to catch Leila before she fell to the floor.
Mike hurriedly lowered his hand and looked at Leila in disbelief. He didn't push the woman away, but Leila purposely flopped. What would happen if Leila actually fell and broke the bottle of wine she was carrying?
Of course, everyone's attention would be here. They would look at Mike's raised hand and assume that the man pushed the poor Leila down. That way, Leila would have an excuse to run away from the meeting after the event and made people sympathize with her.
Lilia let go of Leila's arm and warned her calmly, "You need to be more careful with your body. Aren't you not feeling well? Don't push yourself. If you pass out, are you planning to let the Irwan family blame Brother Mike?"
An annoyed look flashed across Leila's face for a glance, yet she hid it immediately. Leila shook her head with teary eyes. "Don't talk nonsense. Like you said, I'm not feeling well today.. Therefore, even if I pass out, it has nothing to do with Brother Mike," Leila defended the man.
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