Dawn shook her head as she laughed. "Why is my husband so desperate to join me for dinner at my old place?" she asked Daryn in a light manner.

Cole narrowed his eyes. "Was he also invited?" he plainly asked, pointing at Neal.

​​

"Well, that's because you have to introduce me to your family sometime!" said Daryn. Then he addressed Cole, "Neal was just passing by. He dropped by to meet me so I got him with me. We have office work to discuss."

However, for the whole journey to Wyatt Manor, none of them spoke a word about any business. They all were quiet, anticipating what would happen there.

In the Wyatt Manor, Anne was dressing up her twenty year old daughter, Cecilia in one of the most exquisite gowns she had bought from a designer's shop. She had called a makeup artist to dress her and make her look like a Barbie doll, a lovely package, which was perfect for a man as rich and powerful as Daryn Silver. Cecilia wore a rose-colored dress. Her hair was curled and two braids from the side came together at the back on top of which there were pale pink pearls with matching pale pink earrings.

Her mother had been clever enough to show that she wanted to have some nice time with her Grandchildren Dawn and Cole and that would have emotionally strung a chord in Daryn's heart. He wouldn't feel that she was desperate for him to visit them. The old woman played her cards too well.

When the artist had finished with her makeup, Cecilia asked, "How do I look Mum?" She was so excited that Daryn Silver was coming to Wyatt Manor. Although her spirits dampened when she heard that he was accompanying Dawn, she knew that her Grandmother and Mother would take care of her and then she would get ample time to be with Daryn. She had stars in her eyes. Imagine marrying the King of the country. He was the most eligible bachelor and having seasonal love affairs was only natural. She didn't mind even if he had a string of mistresses. She had only seen him in the magazines and admired him from far. His torrid love affairs only enhanced his sex appeal. She was so turned on when he had to take a restraining order against a famous model after their trip to Europe.

Anne surveyed her and said, "Perfect!"

Cecilia smiled and swayed her neck left to right delicately. She had gone to the finest school and taught best manners in the world to carry out herself. She clasped her hand and couldn't wait to meet him.

When they arrived at the Wyatt Manor, they found that the butler was waiting for them. Dawn recognized him immediately. She smiled at him warmly but was met with a cold glare. He said curtly, "Please follow me here, Sir." He guided them through the manor.

Childhood memories returned.

Dawn's hand was curled around Daryn's as she walked through the manor and recollected everything. All the classic paintings in the foyer were replaced by some grotesque modern art. The chandeliers still lined the ceiling.

"Your place is not as impressive as I thought it would be," Daryn whispered.

"I hope you aren't comparing it with the Silver Mansion," she retorted.

"I am," he replied simply.

Cole walked along with Neal behind the couple He was so apprehensive of the whole thing that he fidgeted a lot. In order to calm himself, he placed his hands in his pocket.

The butler opened the door to the main hall and said, "Madam Lily is waiting for you in the main hall."

The butler left and knowing where it was, Dawn walked towards the main hall. Her eyes were wide open as she took in everything that was there. She felt choked and stopped herself from crying. Cole shared the same emotions as hers. The familiar smell of the blooms in the garden at this time of the year wafted through his nose. This was his home.

Lily Wyatt rose from her place upon hearing the footsteps. She looked back and her eyes narrowed when she saw that Dawn was hung over Daryn's arms. She ignored her and looked at Cole. He was looking like such a fine boy. His sharp features were prominent and she couldn't help but admire the cleft in his chin, just like her son. Then she saw Daryn with surprise. Her trap had worked well.

"What a pleasant surprise, Mr. Silver," she sounded amazed. She walked to them and greeted them eagerly. "I was expecting Dawn and Cole, but didn't know that even you would have come. I would have instructed the servants to prepare a lovely seven course dinner for you." She feigned ignorance.

Daryn smiled at her, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. Along with Dawn he walked to the plush sofas to sit. However, before they could sit, they heard heavy footfall. Anne, Helena, Cecilia and David were coming to greet them.

Both Cole and Dawn looked at the four of them with swirling emotions. However, as Helena drew closer, her intense, fevered stare fell on Dawn. Her face was rigid and muscles in her arms stood out. She bared her teeth as if in a growl.

Dawn returned the favor by a clenched jaw. She wanted to lunge at her and claw her face. The tightness in her face almost stretched to a snarl and she suppressed an animalistic growl in her throat. Sensing that she wanted to shift, Daryn had to squeeze her hand to stop her.

Cecilia couldn't take her eyes off Daryn. He was the cynosure of her eyes. In person he looked even more macho, tough and rugged—a total bad boy. He was so tall and had such broad shoulders that if he wanted he could lift her in his arms like a weightless object. Blush rose to her cheek thinking that and she clenched her thighs. She had to put on her best manners to charm him.

Anne and David too ignored the siblings and greeted Daryn.

The cold vibes from them were so obvious. None of them looked happy to see her. To say that Dawn was sad was an understatement she was emasculated. She was in a weakened state because she felt stripped of power and authority in her own house. Everything belonged to her over here, yet she had nothing in her hands. She had an unpleasant tingling across the back of the neck as she sensed the hatred emanating from them. Suddenly she resented coming to meet them and thought of leaving but she controlled to keep peace.

As they seated, Dawn said, "Thank you for the invitation, Grandmother. Daryn and Neal wanted to accompany me. I hope it isn't a problem," she said nervously as her eyes darted around.

"This dinner is nothing but to create closeness amongst us Dawn. You left us five years back. We all missed you so much."

'What a lie?' Dawn scoffed.

"I am so happy that you brought Mr. Daryn Silver with you. Consider this as your homecoming," Lily replied in a grave tone. She turned her gaze to Cole and a huge smile erupted on her face. "How are you Cole? I have kept your room intact. Would you like to see it?"

Cole nodded vehemently.

"Then why don't you go ahead?"