Mafia Lord's Mute Sweetheart

Chapter 185: Chapter 185 Where have you been?

Daisy finally finished getting ready and stepped in front of the mirror for one last look.

After the exhausting day she had spent overseeing the preparations, she had chosen something simple rather than overly elaborate, a soft light-blue dress that fell gently around her figure and made her look fresh and graceful. She had fixed her hair neatly, leaving a few delicate strands framing her face, and after checking herself once more, she picked up her small clutch and headed downstairs.

The moment she reached the staircase, the sound of familiar voices reached her.

Her eyes immediately brightened.

Grandpa James was already there.

He was standing in the living room, smiling as he spoke with Jenna. He had chosen comfortable clothes for the evening rather than an overly formal suit, but somehow he still looked effortlessly stylish. The simple outfit suited him perfectly, making him appear dignified without looking as though he had tried too hard.

Daisy’s lips curved into a warm smile.

There was something comforting about seeing him like this.

Happy.

Healthy enough to enjoy his birthday. And surrounded by people.

Grandpa James happened to glance toward the staircase and immediately noticed her.

His face lit up.

"Daisy!"

Daisy’s smile grew wider as she slowly walked down the remaining steps.

James looked at her from head to toe, his expression turning delighted.

"Look at my beautiful girl!"

Daisy immediately became a little shy and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Jenna glanced toward her as well, her expression considerably more restrained.

But Grandpa James didn’t seem to notice.

He opened his arms slightly.

"Come here, sweetheart. Let me see you properly."

Daisy walked toward him, and James smiled proudly.

"That dress looks lovely on you."

Daisy touched the fabric lightly and gave him a grateful smile.

James chuckled.

"Always so modest."

Daisy smiled silently.

Seeing her reaction, James’s smile became even warmer.

For him, that smile was already one of the best gifts he could receive that evening.

Then Daisy looked around the room for a moment, her eyes moving from one familiar face to another before she finally looked back at Grandpa James. She raised her hands and made a small questioning gesture, her brows lifting as she silently asked about someone.

Where is Aunt Margaret?

James immediately understood what she meant and laughed softly.

"She is coming, she is coming," he assured her. "But right now, I sent her to run a few errands for me. I apparently have too many things to remember today, so I needed someone trustworthy to take care of them."

Daisy smiled and nodded, her eyes briefly glancing toward the entrance as though she expected Margaret to walk in at any moment.

"She’ll be here soon," James added, giving her shoulder an affectionate pat.

Daisy nodded again.

For the next few minutes, the two of them continued talking comfortably. Daisy communicated through her hands, facial expressions, and occasional gestures toward the things around them, while James seemed to understand her almost effortlessly. He had become so accustomed to her way of communicating over the years that he rarely needed her to write anything down. Sometimes she barely finished a gesture before he understood exactly what she was trying to say.

Soon, the peaceful atmosphere of the house began to change as the first guests started arriving.

The front doors opened repeatedly, and voices gradually filled the spacious entrance hall. Familiar faces from the Evermont family’s social and business circles came forward with warm greetings and beautifully wrapped gifts.

"Happy birthday, Mr. Evermont!"

"Many happy returns!"

"We hope you have a wonderful year ahead."

"Thank you, thank you," James replied with an amused smile, shaking hands with one guest after another.

Jenna immediately became occupied with welcoming everyone. She moved gracefully from one group to another, making sure every guest was greeted properly, directing the staff when necessary and introducing people who hadn’t met before. She seemed completely in her element now that the house was filled with important guests.

Daisy quietly stepped aside, allowing her to handle the social side of the evening.

Grandpa James, meanwhile, quickly became surrounded.

Old friends gathered around him, relatives came forward to offer their wishes, and several business associates stopped by to congratulate him. He accepted every greeting with a warm smile, occasionally making a joke that made the people around him laugh.

Daisy stood a little farther away and watched him.

Seeing him so happy made all the exhaustion of the day feel worthwhile.

She smiled softly.

Cedric joined the celebration a little later, and he wasn’t alone. Naomi, Liam, and Jessica had come with him, carrying several beautifully wrapped gifts between them.

The moment Grandpa James spotted Cedric walking through the entrance, his face immediately brightened. He had clearly been waiting for his grandson, but instead of admitting how happy he was to see him, he folded his arms across his chest and deliberately put on an exaggeratedly annoyed expression.

"Where have you been?" he demanded, giving Cedric a playful pout. "Why are you all so late?"

Cedric immediately laughed as he approached him.

"Sorry, sorry, Grandpa!"

He put his hands together apologetically, his expression turning amused.

"It’s my fault I’m late, but honestly, it’s all because of my friends. They prepared so many gifts for you that they needed my help carrying everything."

He gestured toward Naomi, Liam, and Jessica.

The three of them smiled.

James looked at them warmly.

"Ah, so these are the troublemakers responsible for stealing my grandson away from me."

Naomi laughed softly.

"Happy birthday, Mr. Evermont."

"Thank you, dear."

Liam stepped forward next.

"Happy birthday, Grandpa."

James smiled at him.

"Thank you, Liam. It’s good to see you again."

Finally, Jessica approached with a pleasant smile.

"Happy birthday, Mr. Evermont. I hope you have a wonderful evening."

James nodded.

"Thank you, Jessica. You three are always welcome here."

He spoke to them naturally, as though they were familiar faces he had known for quite some time. After all, he had seen them around Cedric often enough over the years, and he knew they were among his grandson’s closest friends.