Chapter 275: Skylar’s Birthday (3)

A thoughtful look appeared on Skylar’s face before he nodded with determination. He looked back at Kennedy with an excited smile.

"Grandpa, if you really like it, yes, I’ll let you buy one of my photos."

Kennedy smiled proudly.

"And..." Skylar continued, "...I’m going to donate the money."

His answer caught everyone by surprise.

For a brief moment, the room fell silent.

Neither Hannah nor Kennedy had expected such an answer from a seven-year-old child.

Even Zachary looked at his son with quiet admiration.

"Donate it?" Kennedy asked gently.

Skylar nodded.

"I want to help children who don’t have cameras."

His innocent explanation warmed everyone’s hearts.

At that moment, Sienna entered the living room. She had overheard the last part of the conversation as she walked in, and hearing Skylar’s words filled her heart with warmth.

She smiled proudly at her son before turning toward her in-laws.

"Father, Mother." She greeted them politely before sitting beside Zachary. "I’m so happy you both are here."

Hannah reached over and gently held Sienna’s hand.

"We wouldn’t miss our grandson’s birthday for anything in the world."

Kennedy nodded with a warm smile.

"Especially when today’s host worked so hard preparing everything."

Sienna smiled shyly. "I was worried all morning because of the rain."

"Oh, you shouldn’t. Look, the sky turned out beautifully," Hannah reassured her. "And, honestly, I think the multipurpose hall is an excellent choice..."

"I agree," Kennedy added. "No one has to worry about getting soaked in the rain or getting mud on their shoes."

Sienna let out a relieved laugh. Indeed, if the rain continued, the family might delay their arrival. Luckily, it had already stopped. She shook her head to set her worry aside.

They continued to chat about Skylar’s first exhibition.

The room filled with gentle laughter whenever Skylar told them a funny story and talked about the few photos he had captured exclusively for the exhibition.

Even Sienna found herself relaxing when she heard her son talk. Sitting with Zachary’s parents no longer felt intimidating. Instead, it felt warm, comfortable, and unexpectedly natural.

Their calm and friendly chat carried on until Arthur left the living room, making his way toward the main entrance.

Kennedy, who noticed it, said cheerfully, "It looks like everyone is here."

Sienna, who had heard that, instantly felt pressured. She tried to calm herself, stood from her seat, and silently took a place beside Zachary.

One after another, family members entered the house.

The first to arrive was Zachary’s eldest brother, William Sterling, the current CEO of Sterling Group. He entered with his wife, followed closely by their son, Riley.

William and his family greeted Hannah and Kennedy.

Then, Samuel Sterling arrived with his wife and their two teenage daughters; their cheerful greetings immediately made the living room livelier.

Watching Zachary’s family gather together made Sienna’s heartbeat gradually quicken.

Although she had already met Hannah, Kennedy, Riley, and Zoey, this was her first time meeting the rest of Zachary’s siblings and their wives.

She quietly stood beside Zachary, trying her best to remain calm.

Without Sienna saying a word, Zachary noticed the slight nervousness in her posture. He gently reached for her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

Sienna looked up at him.

He met her eyes with a calm, encouraging smile that silently told her she didn’t have to worry. She returned a small smile and took a quiet breath.

Sienna waited patiently for him to officially introduce her to the rest of his family.

Zachary saw that William and Samuel Sterling had greeted their parents; he finally had the chance to introduce Sienna to them.

However, before he could do that, Zachary’s twin sister, Zoey, walked in with her husband, their twelve-year-old son, and their ten-year-old daughter.

"Mom, sorry I’m late," Zoey said cheerfully as she approached her parents. However, the moment her eyes landed on Sienna, she paused briefly before giving her a warm smile.

Hannah immediately opened her arms and embraced her only daughter.

"No, you’re not late. Your brothers have only just arrived."

"Thank goodness." Zoey returned her mother’s embrace before turning toward Skylar. "I was worried I would be late for my little nephew’s birthday."

She released Hannah and walked over to Skylar with a bright smile.

"Here you are, Birthday boy..." She embraced her and lovingly squeezed his shoulder.

Skylar grinned at her. "Aunt Zoey, thank you for coming..."

The children quickly greeted their grandparents while the adults exchanged warm hugs and friendly greetings. The atmosphere in the living room grew livelier as everyone settled in and caught up.

Not long afterward, however, the family’s attention gradually shifted toward Sienna.

Their curious eyes remained on her, clearly wondering about the woman who was standing beside Zachary. Although no one said anything immediately, Sienna sensed their curiosity and grew slightly more nervous.

Zachary noticed it as well. He cleared his throat gently before reaching for Sienna’s hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

Sienna looked at him, and he offered her a small smile before turning toward his siblings.

He was about to introduce her when Samuel interrupted him.

"Oh! Little Bro, when are you going to introduce your girlfriend to us?" Samuel asked teasingly.

The teasing immediately drew everyone’s attention.

William, who was standing beside his younger brother, looked toward Sienna with a warm expression.

"Zach, it’s actually good to see a woman finally standing beside you," he said with a small laugh. "We were beginning to wonder if you planned to stay single forever."

Several of the wives and children exchanged amused whispers, their eyes moving between Zachary and Sienna with obvious curiosity.

Zachary remained calm despite his brothers’ teasing. He held Sienna’s hand a little more firmly before finally speaking.

"Brothers, sisters-in-law, and brother-in-law," he began, addressing everyone in the room. His gaze briefly moved toward Zoey and her husband before returning to the rest of his family. "The woman beside me is Sienna."

He paused briefly, then continued with a quiet smile.

"She is my wife and Skylar’s mother."

The room immediately fell silent.

For a few seconds, everyone seemed to be processing his words.