CHAPTER 967
Fairfield Manor.
Phillip glanced at his watch; it was nearly seven o'clock. Here he was again, standing at the front gate,craning his neck in anticipation, but the one he was waiting for was nowhere to be seen.
Why hasn't Rose arrived yet.
"Mr. Phillip, you might want to head inside. It's quite chilly out here." Brodie suggested with a smile,standing nearby. "As soon as Romeo's car arrives, I'll come and let you know."
"I'll wait a bit longer." Phillip stood for another ten minutes, but still no sign of Rosemary. He muttered to himself, "Wonder if they've even set off yet."
He couldn't just text Romeo. He didn't want the Collins family to think they were being rushed.
But oh, how he longed to see Rose.
It had been such a long time since she last visited.
"Still not here?"
At that moment, Shirley stepped forward to drape a coat over Phillip, following his gaze into the empty street. Not a car in sight.
"Your hands are a bit cold, aren't they?" Phillip turned and took Shirley's hands into his, noticing the chill. "You go on inside. I'll let you know when they arrive."
"It's alright, I'm not cold."
"Well, let me warm them up for you." Phillip held her hands, tucking them into his pockets.
Back in the living room.
A young heiress, bored of scrolling through her smartphone, complained, "She's not even a member of the McMillian family and she's already pulling rank, making all of us wait on her. If she gets any more
comfortable, her head will be in the clouds."
"Enough, Cathy." A refined young man spoke up. "Show some respect to your future sister-in-law."
"Jeffrey!" Cathy sounded even more dissatisfied. "We usually start our dinner at five-thirty, and now we're waiting until seven just for her! If she had any respect for us, she'd be here by now. Just because
Romeo fancies her, she thinks she can skip the pleasantries. I don't even see what he sees in her."
"That's enough." Jeffrey gave her a reproachful look. "She has her own family dinner too. Didn't Romeo say they'd come right after? If you're hungry, there are appetizers on the table."
"Who wants to eat that stuff?" Cathy pouted. "I don't get why Grandpa and Grandma insisted on making her favorite treats. I heard tonight's dinner menu caters to her tastes, all seafood!"
It was downright absurd! Over the top!
Even if they wanted to spoil a future granddaughter-in-law, there was no need to go to such lengths!
And why involve everyone in accommodating her?
What a joke!
As Cathy fumed, she suddenly noticed her sister Luna engrossed in a video game.
"Luna! Don't you have an opinion on this?" Cathy couldn't help but move closer, complaining, "My stomach is growling here. Aren't you hungry?"
"Didn't brother tell you? There are appetizers on the table." The gaming sister replied with icy indifference, her eyes glued to her phone screen. "Go away."
"Luna!" Cathy was not pleased. "We need to take her down a peg or two, or life will be unbearable!"
"They're here, they're here! Mr. Romeo and Ms. Rose have arrived!" A servant announced excitedly as she came in.
Cathy rolled her eyes at her. What's there to be thrilled about? It was so late. Did no one value punctuality anymore?
Rosemary wasn't even part of the McMillian family yet, and the McMillian staff was already this fond of her?
Intimidated by Cathy's glare, the servant quickly tempered her excitement, not daring to make another peep.
"My sweet pea, there you are at last!" Shirley exclaimed as she saw Rosemary step out of the car,rushing to clasp her hand. "We've been looking forward to this moment forever!"
"Having you here to share dinner with us old folks fills us with such joy," Phillip chimed in as he followed Rosemary inside, his face creased with a warm smile.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Grandma and Grandpa. Happy New Year," Rosemary said with a warm smile.
"Your presence is the best gift we could ask for."
Meanwhile, Romeo, who alighted from the car as well, felt thoroughly overlooked.
He retrieved the presents the Collins family had prepared from the trunk and approached, "Grandma,Grandpa, these are from Rose's parents, a token of their affection for you."
"Oh, you brought so many gifts." Phillip and Shirley were surprised to see their grandson carrying quite a few items. "You shouldn't have."
"Rose has some gifts for you too, we'll give them to you after dinner."
"You got us presents too?" Phillip was flabbergasted and touched, "You're too thoughtful, kiddo. It's us who should be giving you the gift, not the other way around. After dinner, we'll give you your gift."
"Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa."
The old couple couldn't hide their delight.
Just then, Jennifer, hearing of Rosemary's arrival, dashed over, apron still on.
"My darling girl!" Jennifer embraced Rosemary tightly, overjoyed. "So glad you've made it! I've just whipped up your favorite dish, come on in, and no need to take off your shoes."
"Rose's here? Now the gang's all here. I'll tell them to start serving the meal!" George announced happily.
Rosemary greeted each of them in turn and as she entered, noticed some other guests in the living room.
"Let me introduce you, this is Tomas and Donna," Romeo said, wrapping an arm around Rosemary's waist as he introduced her gently.
"Happy New Year!" Rosemary said politely to the two elders rising from the couch.
"So you're the girl Romeo's fond of? You are quite beautiful, and you have an outstanding presence,"
remarked the woman, Donna, dressed in elegance and grace, her skin radiant and actions exuding the demeanor of a woman from a distinguished family.
"It's a pleasure to have you, I'm Tomas," said Tomas, George's brother, whose dignified bearing commanded respect, clearly the result of years of cultivated poise and presence.
"And this is my cousin Jeffrey."
"Hello, Rose, it's a pleasure to meet you," Jeffrey said, his handsome and dashing appearance complemented by a noble air that seemed innate, his every action reflecting his good upbringing.
"Hello," Rosemary greeted him with a friendly nod.
"And this is my cousin Luna."
"Hello, Rose," Luna greeted, her beauty serene and tranquil like an autumn lake, her features finely drawn.
"Hello," Rosemary responded softly.
"And here's little cousin Cathy."
Cathy was a blend of cuteness and spirit, shining like a bright pearl.
With Romeo present, Cathy still greeted Rosemary, "Hello, Rose, I'm so glad to finally meet you."
She hadn't expected Rosemary to be this striking in person.
Previously, Cathy had thought her sister Luna was the most beautiful person in the world, with her unique, cool beauty and noble grace.