"There's a small issue at the moment."
Grandpa Sterling's voice was calm, almost casual.
"We're not entirely sure Adrian will be able to make it today. He's been busy with company matters. Let's just hope he shows up."
Even as he spoke, he already knew the truth, Adrian wouldn't step foot into this house today. The calls he'd made all week had gone unanswered. Still, Grandpa Sterling wasn't worried. Tomorrow was the wedding. Adrian wouldn't dare test him then.
Aria's heart sank at the news. Disappointment flickered across her face before she could stop it.
Yet… a small, foolish part of her still hoped she would see him today.
"Butler Ian," Grandpa Sterling said, turning slightly, "show the young ones around."
Vanessa and Richard exchanged a quick glance. They already understood what this meant.
As soon as Butler Ian led Tiffany, Aria, and Noah away, Grandpa Sterling's expression hardened. The warmth vanished, replaced by a cold, authoritative presence.
"As we discussed before," he said slowly, fixing his sharp gaze on Richard and Vanessa, "this marriage was meant to be between Tiffany and my grandson. So tell me, what changed?"
Vanessa and Richard stiffened. Fear flashed across their faces.
"W... we…" Richard began, his voice shaky.
"Enough." Grandpa Sterling raised a hand, cutting him off. "It doesn't matter anymore."
He leaned back slightly. "I find this Aria girl acceptable. As long as she can make my grandson happy, and give him healthy children, I have no objections."
Vanessa and Richard released the breath they'd been holding.
"After the wedding," Grandpa Sterling continued calmly, "we'll discuss your company's situation and what I can do to help you. But understand this, only half of the support will be released."
He paused deliberately.
"The rest will come after Aria gives me healthy great-grandchildren."
Vanessa didn't flinch. She had expected this. Compared to everything else, this condition was the easiest part.
****************
As Butler Ian guided them through the vast estate, Noah clung tightly to Aria's hand. She didn't pull away. If anything, she held him closer.
Tiffany, on the other hand, walked ahead, eyes sparkling as she admired every luxurious detail, crystal chandeliers, priceless paintings, polished marble floors.
"This place is unbelievable," Tiffany murmured, barely hiding her excitement.
After a while, Tiffany suddenly slowed down and glanced back at Aria. A small smirk curved her lips.
"Sir," Tiffany said sweetly, suddenly pressing a hand to her stomach, "may I know where the restroom is?"
Butler Ian pointed down the corridor. "There's a guest restroom over there."
"Thank you." Tiffany turned to Aria with an innocent smile. "Sister, can you come with me?"
Aria hesitated for a second, then nodded.
Inside the restroom, Tiffany didn't head for the cubicle. She stopped by the sink instead.
Without warning, she grabbed Aria's wrist, hard.
Aria gasped, pain shooting up her arm.
Tiffany's sweet expression vanished, replaced by sharp resentment.
"What do you think you're doing?" she snapped.