NOVEL NEXT CHAPTER 975
"Did Romeo's uncle's kids come over early?" Louisa was surprised but mostly delighted. "The house is going to be even livelier now."
"It seems Rose got along really well with them last night," Kenneth said with a chuckle, always knowing their darling girl was a hit wherever she went.
Cathy was sweet as pie. As soon as she walked in, she won over all the elders and gave Rosemary a big hug.
"Rose, I didn't expect you to look so gorgeous in pajamas! No wonder my brother is head over heels for you—I, a gal myself, am totally charmed. So, how do I look today? I hope I'm not embarrassing you. I put on my most treasured and prettiest clothes and jewelry to show you my affection and how much I value this homecoming party!"
Rosemary smiled softly at her, "You look stunning."
"Getting a compliment from you, Rose, makes me happier than admiring myself in the mirror," Cathy beamed.
"Cathy sure has a silver tongue," Louisa hadn't expected the McMillians to take such a liking to Rose.
Luna and Jeffery may not have been as skilled in flattery as Cathy, but their polite and modest demeanor made them just as endearing to everyone.
As everyone gathered for breakfast, Cathy sang praises of the food and the Collins family without a single repeat.
"Just eat your food," Romeo said, feeling she was talking a bit too much and stealing the spotlight from today's main event.
"The breakfast is so delicious, and I want to enjoy it too, but it's my first time here, and everyone is so warm, not to mention having you by my side, Rose—I'm just really happy." She chirped like a lively,
energetic little bird.
Cornelia found the girl utterly charming and thought how wonderful it would be if she could pair up with David.
Previously, she had her eye on Ophelia, but Ophelia was the one Sean fancied.
Grandma Belinda, on the other hand, felt Luna's demeanor and character were so similar to Rose's,she couldn't help but wish to play matchmaker for her and David.
Meanwhile, David, oblivious to all this, was being a hospitable host, encouraging them to eat up.
After breakfast, Rosemary headed upstairs to get ready.
Cathy followed on her heels, eager and bouncy.
Luna trailed behind them.
Jeffery couldn't follow due to propriety, so David, slinging an arm over his shoulder, kept him entertained with various conversations.
Kenneth and Louisa had been busy since they'd woken up, fielding calls from friends and family asking how preparations were going. The homecoming banquet was set for noon at the most luxurious hotel owned by McMillian Corporation, and some relatives who lived farther away were already on their way.
Reporters from every media outlet in the city had received an invitation from the Collins family, abuzz with anticipation over the major announcement they were set to make today. They had gathered early
outside the upscale hotel.
The hotel was usually frequented by big shots and high rollers. Average Joes couldn't even dream of affording a night there.
A passerby, curious at the sight of the crowd, casually filmed a clip and uploaded it online, sparking a frenzy of speculation among netizens.
"What earth-shattering news could the Collins family possibly be announcing today?"
"Could it be related to the engagement between the Collins and the McMillians?"
"The Collins choosing the McMillian's hotel for their press conference, and even treating the press to a meal? Sounds like they're about to announce something big about both families."
"Could it be Romeo and Serena are getting hitched ahead of schedule?"
"What? No way, right?"
This speculation sent the topic viral, with some netizens even heading to the scene to capture the scoop.
Soon enough, three luxurious stretch limos pulled up at the hotel entrance. Photographers swarmed, cameras at the ready, snapping away furiously.
The drivers and bodyguards swiftly opened the car doors with practiced precision.
From the first vehicle stepped Phillip and Shirley, dressed impeccably, their faces alight with warm smiles.
Flashes popped incessantly as reporters crowded around.
"Phillip, Shirley, may we have a few words?"
"What's the big news the Collins are set to announce? Can you give us a hint? What brings you here today? Is it about the engagement with the Collins?"
"Is the McMillian-Collins wedding happening sooner than planned?"
Phillip, ever the tease, simply beamed and said, "You'll find out soon enough."
Knowing they wouldn't get more from him, the reporters changed tack. "How did you spend last night's New Year's Eve? Was it a family gathering?"
Shirley, with generous openness, replied, "With our future granddaughter-in-law."
The air crackled with excitement as shutters clicked nonstop, each journalist vying for the exclusive.
"Was your future granddaughter-in-law visiting? Did she join you for the dinner?"
"Do you like her?"
"Are you satisfied with this future addition to the family?"
Shirley's grin was so wide it nearly split her face. "Extremely satisfied."
The flashes continued to go off, capturing every beaming expression.
"And are you considering passing on the heirloom crown necklace to her?" someone ventured to ask.
When Shirley had married Phillip, among her many gifts had been a cherished crown necklace, studded with 999 pristine diamonds, a symbol of opulence and beauty.
The necklace had made headlines worldwide. Crafted by a top-tier designer and set with the finest diamonds, such a piece had cost a staggering $300 million in that era!
Shirley had previously hinted in public that the necklace was meant to be passed down to her granddaughter-in-law.
Today, with a twinkle in her eye, Shirley revealed, "It's already been given."
Well, it caused a sensation like a rock concert!
"Did you send it out already?"
"So, you two are like over the moon about her?"
"Over the moon? More like over the stars!" Phillip gushed, grinning from ear to ear. "If we're standing here today, it's all thanks to her! She's a whiz in medicine, cured both of us with her skills. Some of the treatments were rarer than a blue moon, and she managed to get them somehow."