Chapter 217: Wedding

Chapter 217: Chapter 217: Wedding

Hearing a stir from inside the room, Limping Lawson was the first to stride out. His cloudy eyes suddenly lit up, filled with joy.

"Vesper, I knew you could do it!"

Vesper Grayson’s face lit up, her heart filled with the joy of successfully creating the elixir. Her gaze went past Limping Lawson, and she paused for a moment when she glimpsed a familiar tall, slender figure in the corner.

"When did you get here?"

Jared Hawthorne slowly walked toward her. "I came over this evening," he said in his deep voice.

Beside them, Shiloh Sloan rubbed her tired eyes, yawned, and casually teased.

"President Hawthorne rushed over just after six this afternoon. He’s been waiting outside with us this whole time."

Vesper Grayson’s heart warmed, and she quickly asked, "Have you all eaten?"

"No."

"Why are you all so silly? You don’t have to wait around for me when I’m focused on making elixirs. You should’ve just done whatever you needed to do."

’It’s all my fault,’ she thought. ’I didn’t make it clear beforehand, and now everyone has gone hungry waiting for me for so long.’

Jared Hawthorne lowered his gaze, carefully studying her slightly pale complexion. His voice was laced with an undisguisable ache of concern.

"You’re exhausted, aren’t you?"

She had been making the elixir from the afternoon until late into the night, for over ten hours straight. Her mind had been on high alert the entire time. Even an ordinary person would have been utterly exhausted, let alone a pregnant woman.

Vesper Grayson shook her head gently. "I’m alright. As long as it was a success, all the hard work was worth it. What I feared most was wasting all that time and using up the precious ingredients, only to end up with nothing."

After all, such rare medicinal ingredients are a chance find, not something you can seek out. If this attempt had failed, it would have been nearly impossible to gather the same ingredients again anytime soon.

Most importantly, Miss Sterling’s health couldn’t wait.

Limping Lawson carefully cradled the bottle of freshly made Antidote Pills. With eyes full of captivated reverence, he looked up at Vesper Grayson.

"Vesper, is this Elixir even more potent than the Detoxification Pills you gave me last time?"

"Yes. The ingredient ratios and components are completely different, so its effects are far superior. This Antidote Pill can neutralize all sorts of chronic, accumulated poisons. It’s especially effective for those who have been severely poisoned."

’That’s what Grandmaster had written in his notes.’

"Then... could you spare two for me?" Limping Lawson rubbed his hands together nervously, looking at her with hopeful eyes, like a child begging for candy.

Vesper Grayson immediately let out a soft laugh and readily agreed.

"Of course."

’She had refined a total of twelve pills this time. Giving him two would still leave more than enough to treat the Sterling family.’

She gently tapped two pills into his hand. Limping Lawson instantly treated them like priceless treasures, carefully putting them away.

"It’s getting late, Mr. Hitch. You should get some rest. We’ll be heading back now."

Vesper Grayson suddenly remembered something. She took an exquisite wedding invitation from her bag and handed it to him.

"I’m getting married tomorrow. If you have time, please come to Moonlight Isle and celebrate with us."

...

Back at their residence, Vesper Grayson and Jared Hawthorne had a simple meal of noodles. After washing up, she lay down on the bed, contentedly enjoying his gentle massage.

Jared Hawthorne’s touch was gentle as he carefully kneaded the sore muscles in her hands. Seeing the unconcealable exhaustion in her eyes, his own gaze darkened with concern.

"Was it worth it, exhausting yourself like this for other people?"

Vesper Grayson’s eyes were closed, her expression languid. "It’s not about whether it’s worth it or not. I just want to have a clear conscience."

"Don’t forget, you’re pregnant. The doctor repeatedly warned you not to overexert yourself during the first trimester," Jared Hawthorne said, his tone a mix of helplessness and a doting reprimand.

"I know my own body. I’m not that fragile," Vesper Grayson murmured, obediently turning over and snuggling into his embrace. Her voice was soft and full of dependence. "Darling, don’t worry. I would never joke about my health or the baby’s."

Jared Hawthorne’s heart melted. He tightened his arm around her waist, lowered his head, and placed the gentlest of kisses on her smooth forehead.

"Go to sleep. Tomorrow’s a big day. You need to rest up."

When she opened her eyes again, Vesper Grayson found herself in a completely unfamiliar bedroom.

The room was adorned with dark, gilt-patterned decor, and the furnishings were elegant and tasteful. Every detail spoke of understated, top-tier luxury, creating a tranquil and refined atmosphere.

She rose slowly and walked to the arched, floor-to-ceiling window. Gently parting the draped, pure-white sheers, she gazed outside.

Below, the entire seaside lawn had been transformed into an incredibly romantic wedding venue. Warm, golden fairy lights intertwined with pure white roses and fresh green vines. Delicate white tulle balloons were nestled among the flowers, creating a scene that was both beautiful and tender.

Invited guests were taking their seats in small groups. All were impeccably dressed, well-mannered elites and close relatives. The air was filled with the elegant sight of glamorous attire and the sound of gentle laughter. A soft sea breeze swept through, carrying the crisp, salty scent of the ocean mixed with the rich fragrance of flowers, creating an atmosphere that was both pleasant and romantic.

Only then did it dawn on her: this was Moonlight Isle, the venue for her and Jared Hawthorne’s wedding.

The bedroom door was slowly pushed open from the outside, and a deep, magnetic, and exceedingly gentle voice drifted in from the doorway.

"You’re awake?"

Vesper Grayson turned around in a daze. The moment she looked up, her almond-shaped eyes widened.

The man was dressed in a crisp, bespoke black tuxedo. The tailoring was sharp, perfectly fitting his form, accentuating his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and tall, upright posture. A corsage of fresh champagne roses was pinned to his lapel, making his features seem even more profound. His dark hair was neatly styled, the usual coldness about him completely gone, replaced by a noble elegance.

Her eyes curved into crescents, and she praised him without reservation.

"Darling, you look incredibly handsome today."

A faint smile touched Jared Hawthorne’s lips. He walked over to her and placed a plate of pastries in her hands.

"Eat something to tide you over. The makeup artist will be up soon to get you ready."

"When did we get to the island? I don’t remember a thing."

She had slept so soundly she’d been completely unaware.

"We left at six this morning. You were sleeping so peacefully, I couldn’t bear to wake you." Jared Hawthorne raised a hand and gently pinched her soft cheek, his tone indulgent. "Go get washed up and rest for a bit. I need to go downstairs to greet the guests. I’ll be back to see you later."

Vesper Grayson nodded obediently, stood on her tiptoes, and placed a soft kiss on his lips.

"Thank you."

Not long after Jared Hawthorne left, Shiloh Sloan came in, beaming in her bridesmaid’s dress.

"A quick interview with our bride-to-be: it’s your wedding day! How are you feeling?"

"Excited."

Vesper Grayson had finished freshening up and was nibbling on the exquisite pastries as she answered.

"Just that one word? You’re not going to say more?"

"We already have our marriage certificate, and there’s a baby on the way. Today is just a ceremony."

Shiloh Sloan clicked her tongue. "Do you hear yourself right now? Do you know how many people would kill for a ceremony like this and can’t have it!"

Vesper Grayson’s eyes crinkled, an irrepressible, happy smile playing on her lips. She sounded utterly self-assured.

"Maybe it’s because a certain someone spoils me to the core."

Shiloh Sloan was speechless.

A short while later, the team of makeup artists and stylists entered and began to do her makeup and help her into her wedding gown.

The wedding was not a huge, ostentatious affair.

Only the Hawthorne Family’s closest relatives, friendly business and political dignitaries, and dearest friends were invited. In total, there were just over a hundred guests.

At the same time, the entire wedding was being live-streamed online.

The azure sea stretched to the horizon, caressed by a gentle breeze. The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the entire lawn, coating it in a soft, warm light. Pure white roses and fresh green vines were intertwined to form a simple, romantic ceremonial arch. A plush, light-beige runner carpeted the lawn, and the chairs were arranged in neat rows. The atmosphere was tranquil, warm, and solemn, utterly devoid of noise and bustle.

Jared Hawthorne stood tall and poised in his bespoke black suit, his features gentle.

Vesper Grayson was radiant in a minimalist yet graceful white gown with a train. The skirt was light and ethereal, making her look serene and poised.

Milton Grayson himself placed her hand into Jared Hawthorne’s.

"I’m entrusting Vesper to you now. You’d better not let her down."