Chapter 412 - 415: Standing Up for the Daughter-in-law in Public

After returning to the Lancaster estate from the hospital, Adrian couldn’t focus on anything else. His mind was solely occupied with the burn on Wren’s hand.

The moment they walked in, he helped Wren to the living room sofa.

Then, he took out a medicated cotton swab, gently took her hand, and squeezed ointment onto the back of it, carefully spreading it in an even layer.

"You need to be more careful with hot pot from now on. Don’t ever get burned again."

"For the next few days, don’t get the back of your hand wet or let it get near any cooking fumes. You’re forbidden from doing any chores, and you should also try to hold the baby as little as possible to avoid rubbing the wound."

"And stay away from all spicy and inflammatory foods."

"Be careful not to lie on this hand when you sleep. I’ll wake up a few times during the night to check on it for you."

In the living room, the Old Madam and Claire Sterling sat to one side, watching with beaming smiles as the maids bustled about nearby.

The entire room listened to Adrian’s incredibly detailed and meticulous instructions.

Wren’s cheeks grew warm. Being fussed over so intensely by him in front of the whole family was actually a little embarrassing.

She tugged on Adrian’s sleeve and chided him softly, "It’s just a small burn. The doctor said it was nothing serious. Don’t make such a big deal out of it. Everyone’s watching."

Adrian looked up at Wren. "To me, any injury to you is never a small matter. My only regret is that I couldn’t bear this pain for you."

After applying the ointment, he then carefully covered the back of her hand with a thin layer of gauze, afraid it would get bumped or scraped.

The Old Madam smiled in gratification. "Adrian really knows how to cherish someone. This is how it should be. A man ought to dote on his wife."

Claire Sterling nodded in agreement.

Just when everyone thought the matter was settled, Adrian suddenly spoke up, making a serious suggestion to Wren.

"Honey, why don’t you skip the Flynn family’s hundred-day banquet?"

Everyone was speechless.

"With your hand injured, all the socializing and running around will be exhausting. I’m worried about you."

Wren didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but a sweet, warm feeling spread through her heart.

"Darling, you’re exaggerating. The doctor said the redness and swelling would go down in three to five days, and it’ll be completely healed in a week. It won’t affect my ability to attend the Flynn family’s hundred-day banquet at all."

"Besides, I’ve already promised Mom I’d go with her. It wouldn’t be right to suddenly back out now, would it?"

Adrian was still full of apprehension, but he couldn’t argue against Wren’s gentle persistence and could only let out a helpless sigh.

"In that case, I’ll go with you and Mom to the banquet."

Wren was speechless.

At his words, Claire, who was sitting nearby, couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh and began to tease him.

"Adrian, that’s enough. I know you dote on your wife, but the Flynn family’s hundred-day banquet is a social event for the ladies of the family. There will be very few male guests. It would be awkward if you went, and it isn’t proper. Wren wouldn’t be able to relax with you there, either."

"Don’t worry, I’ll be there. I’ll take good care of Wren and make sure she isn’t wronged in the slightest."

"Besides, you only just got out of the hospital yourself. The doctor recommended you get more rest. You should just stay home that day and not go anywhere."

Wren quickly chimed in, looking at Adrian with a gentle smile. "Mom’s right, you need to rest at home. With her there to look after me at the banquet, you have nothing to worry about."

Seeing the determined looks on both his wife’s and his mother’s faces, Adrian realized it would indeed be inappropriate for him to attend the Flynn family’s banquet.

After some thought, he slowly nodded in helpless concession, though not without another round of nagging instructions.

For the next few days, Wren didn’t leave the house, following Adrian’s orders to stay home and "recover from her injury."

Adrian treated her like a completely helpless infant, personally taking care of everything and not letting her lift a finger.

After a few days of this, Wren felt that her face had clearly gotten a little rounder. She stood thankfully in front of a full-length mirror.

’Thank goodness the weight didn’t go to my waist,’ she thought. ’Otherwise, the dress Mom bought for me the other day wouldn’t look good anymore.’

Adrian walked over and wrapped his arms around her from behind.

They both looked into the mirror together.

"My wife looks beautiful in anything."

His direct and fervent praise coaxed a blush onto Wren’s cheeks. The light scent of cedar from him filled her senses, mingled with the faint, sweet smell of milk.

"You’re just saying that to be sweet. If I really can’t fit into the dress, I’m the one who’ll be embarrassed."

Adrian lowered his head, resting his chin gently on the crown of Wren’s head.

Her soft hair brushed against his chin, sending a pleasant, tingly warmth through him.

"It doesn’t matter if you can’t fit into it. I’ll have a designer make you ten more, even a hundred more, as long as it makes you happy."

Wren leaned back into Adrian’s arms, basking in his tenderness and love as a happy smile spread across her face.

...

The seventh-floor banquet hall of The Zenith Hotel, Aston’s most prestigious hotel, had been booked out by the Flynn family to celebrate the hundred-day banquet for their newborn granddaughter.

Crystal chandeliers cast a dazzling light, bathing the grand hall in magnificent splendor.

Pale champagne-colored floral arrangements lined the red carpet, while the center of the hall was adorned with delicate pink decorations for the hundred-day theme.

The sweet aroma of cake and high-end perfume wafted through the air.

The guests milling about were all matriarchs of wealthy families and young heiresses from distinguished clans, all dressed in haute couture with exquisite makeup.

Although it was primarily a family celebration, given the Flynn family’s status in the business world, they had invited the female members of more than half of Aston’s prominent families.

The most anticipated and most distinguished guests of the evening were, without a doubt, Claire Sterling and Wren Sutton, who had just stepped into the banquet hall.

Claire Sterling wore a claret-colored cheongsam with a subtle jacquard pattern that accentuated her stately and graceful figure. She moved with an unhurried gait, naturally exuding the calm aura of a woman of high status.

Beside her, Wren was wearing the new, cream-colored, waist-cinching formal dress she had bought a few days ago. The cut was both sharp and gentle, accentuating her slender figure and refined, elegant aura.

Her face was done in exquisite, light makeup, her features soft, with a faint, appropriate smile playing on her lips.

Surrounded by a crowd of bejeweled ladies, she showed no sign of intimidation, exuding grace and dignity with every gesture.

The moment the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law appeared, the low chatter of the crowd instantly subsided.

Many of the ladies turned, approaching them with smiles to offer greetings, their tones filled with both respect and a desire for closeness.

Everyone knew that the Lancaster family’s power was at its zenith, and that within the circle of high-society matriarchs, Claire Sterling’s word was law.

And this daughter-in-law of hers, Wren Sutton, was a treasure cherished by the entire Lancaster family, someone who could not be slighted in the slightest.

Claire nodded serenely and exchanged a few pleasantries, all while keeping Wren’s arm firmly linked with hers. She slowed her pace, her eyes showing undisguised affection and protectiveness for her daughter-in-law.

Anyone with a discerning eye could see that Claire was publicly bolstering her daughter-in-law’s standing.

She was telling everyone that Wren was her chosen daughter-in-law, the most cherished Young Madam of the Lancaster family.

When Mrs. Flynn heard that Claire had arrived, she hurried over to greet her, her face wreathed in smiles. The crowd instinctively parted to let her through.

"Claire, you’re finally here."

"Congratulations on becoming a grandmother! A house full of children and grandchildren... it’s a true blessing, a true happiness."

"Thank you."

Mrs. Flynn took Claire’s hand, and both women beamed with joy.

Just then, Claire signaled to the maid behind her, who stepped forward holding a delicate red sandalwood box with both hands. The box was carved with an intricate scrolling vine pattern symbolizing fortune and longevity.

"A small token, to wish the child a long and prosperous life," Claire said sincerely.

The maid opened the box, revealing a bright yellow velvet lining. In the center lay a pair of longevity locks.

One was crafted from solid gold, its surface intricately chased with delicate patterns of auspicious clouds, mythical beasts, and symbols for a long and prosperous life. The workmanship was exquisite, and the piece had a substantial weight.

The other was carved from a single, flawless piece of mutton-fat white Hetian jade, its quality so fine that it was warm to the touch and perfectly translucent.

The edge of the lock was inlaid with fine golden filigree. Gold and jade complemented each other, creating a piece that was both luxurious and elegant, symbolizing a home filled with wealth and a life of good fortune, longevity, and peace.

"This is far too precious! You’ve spent too much," Mrs. Flynn said, both surprised and delighted. The smile on her face deepened as she thanked Claire profusely.

"She’s like one of our own children, so it’s not a matter of expense. All that matters is that the baby is healthy and safe." Claire smiled and waved her hand dismissively, then gently nudged Wren beside her, her voice laced with pride. "My daughter-in-law was the one who specially chose this design. It’s perfect for protecting the little one and praying for her blessings."

With that one sentence, Claire credited all the prestige and thoughtfulness of the gift to Wren.

Following her mother-in-law’s lead, Wren looked at Mrs. Flynn with a gentle expression, her demeanor poised and graceful.

"Mrs. Flynn, congratulations. The little princess is sure to be a child full of blessings. I hope this pair of longevity locks will protect her and grant her a life of peace and good fortune."

She spoke with an easy grace and carried herself with composure, showing not a hint of awkwardness. Her gentle tone conveyed just the right amount of sincerity.

Mrs. Flynn delightedly took Wren’s hand, praising her repeatedly for being so sensible and thoughtful. She enthusiastically led the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law further into the hall, lavishing them with kind words and exceptionally preferential treatment along the way.

Claire kept her arm linked with Wren’s. Whenever they encountered an acquaintance among the other ladies, she would smile and make introductions, every word laced with protectiveness.

"This is my Wren. You should all get to know her better and look after her."

"My daughter-in-law is the kindest, most sincere, and most considerate person you could meet. She’s a rare gem."

"It just goes to show how blessed you are."

With Claire backing her, the other high-society wives were all eager to interact with Wren, chat with her, and build a good relationship.

Wren handled the attention with composure, neither fawning nor arrogant.

The banquet hall was filled with constant laughter and cheerful conversation. A warm light enveloped the scene, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere.

Wren happened to glance back toward the bustling entrance and suddenly saw someone she had no desire to see.

...

’I can’t believe she received an invitation from the Flynn family, too.’