The Billionaire Twins Need A New Mommy! - Chapter 351

Chapter 351: Plus One
As more people arrived at the reception, the party began to liven up. The warm lights bathed the hall in a golden glow, while lively chatter echoed throughout the venue.

“Congratulations, Melissa and Derek.” An elderly couple approached the newly engaged couple with gentle smiles. We wish you a long and lasting love.”

“Of course.” Melissa smiled modestly, looping her arm through Derek’s. “We’ve heard about your incredible love story, and we hope ours will be just as inspiring.”

“Oh, dear—haha!”

The elderly couple laughed while Melissa and Derek kept up their charming act. They chatted for a while, politely assisting the couple back to their table before continuing their conversation. Pleased by the young pair’s grace, the elderly woman took Melissa’s hand.

“You’re such a lovely young lady,” she said warmly, patting her hand. “Derek Lancaster is truly a lucky man.”

Melissa chuckled, and Derek quickly chimed in.

“I am, Mrs. Cooper.” He looked at Melissa with feigned tenderness. “Winning her heart wasn’t easy, but she’s worth every bit of effort.”

He turned back to the couple. “And I can say this with certainty. Melissa isn’t just the right woman for me. She’s perfect in every way.”

“Oh, dear!” Mrs. Cooper waved her hand dismissively with a laugh. “Good that she’s perfect in your eyes.”

Her husband nodded with a smile. “Nobody’s perfect… but for us, there is someone. Just like her.” He gazed at his wife, who to him was still as radiant as she had been five decades ago.

Watching them, Melissa and Derek couldn’t help but smile genuinely. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper were longtime partners of NL Group — important guests, high on the priority list — but in that moment, the young couple felt a rare flicker of sincerity.

After all, how could they not admire such devotion?

Their eyes met briefly, cheeks tinting pink like shy teenagers. Maybe it was the mood, maybe the atmosphere — but the old spark between them flickered back to life, even just for a moment.

“Anyway, Mr. and Mrs. Cooper,” Derek said, standing and offering his hand to Melissa. “We’re honored to have you here tonight. Please, enjoy yourselves.”

“Of course we will,” Mrs. Cooper chuckled, waving them off with a knowing smile.

The first part of the event concluded smoothly. Guests mingled over elegant hors d’oeuvres, chatting with friends and potential allies alike. As for the newly engaged couple, they spent the next few minutes moving from table to table, exchanging pleasantries and polite laughter.

Meanwhile, across the hall, Celestine took a slow sip of her wine. Her eyes followed Melissa and Derek as they entertained guests from the NL Group — all smiles and grace.

On the surface, they were a picture-perfect couple: young, ambitious, and deeply in love. At least, that’s what anyone unaware of the truth would believe.

Celestine’s gaze lingered on Melissa’s radiant smile, and a quiet scoff escaped her.

“Oh, dear,” she murmured, swirling her wine. “Now I see it.”

If people knew what Melissa had done to steal this position, they wouldn’t just question her — they’d question the Young family and Derek’s judgment as well. Celestine herself had begun to question his decision, blinded as it was by a woman’s cunning charm.

He’d be heartbroken when he found out.

Her lips curved into a faint smirk as she set her glass down and began walking toward them, still chatting idly with what she considered “nobodies.”

“Derek. Melissa.”

Just her voice was enough to make heads turn. The ongoing conversations paused, and people subtly made way for her.

“Auntie!” Derek beamed, quickly moving toward her. “You made it!”

“Of course I would.” Celestine chuckled, her sharp gaze flicking toward Melissa. “Congratulations on your engagement, you two.”

“Thank you, Auntie,” Derek said eagerly.

“Thank you…” Melissa added, hesitating slightly before finishing, “…Auntie Celes.”

For a brief moment, uncertainty flickered in her eyes, but it vanished when Celestine smiled approvingly. Melissa exhaled quietly in relief; it was the first time she’d ever addressed her that way.

“Auntie, how are you finding tonight’s arrangements?” Derek asked, eager to please her. “Are you enjoying yourself? Who are you seated with?”

“I came alone,” Celestine replied lightly.

Melissa blinked in surprise. She had invited all the tea party ladies herself, and they’d promised to attend. Only now did she notice their absence.

“Oh, don’t be disheartened, Melissa,” Celestine said smoothly. “I know you invited them, but some had other arrangements, and others couldn’t change their schedules on such short notice. They’re not here by choice.”

“Of course, I understand,” Melissa replied quickly, then smiled politely. “I’m sure they would’ve come if they could.”

Celestine nodded, then caught sight of someone across the room — Travis, assisting the chairman as he entered the venue.

“The big man is here,” she announced casually, turning back to them. “Derek, why don’t you go greet him and pay your respects?”

“Auntie, aren’t you coming with us?” Derek frowned. “I’m sure Grandpa would love to see you.”

“Oh, he will,” Celestine assured him. “But tonight’s your night. Go on. I’ll have plenty of time to speak with him later.”

Her tone carried the calm authority of someone used to being obeyed. Derek smiled while Melissa followed suit.

As they began to leave, Celestine spoke again.

“Oh, right.”

They turned back to her. Her smile stretched, the glint in her eyes unreadable.

“I brought a friend with me tonight. I hope you don’t mind having an unfamiliar face around.”

“Of course not, Auntie.” Derek laughed. “You could’ve brought more! No one would ever say no to you.”

Melissa nodded meekly. “Auntie, that’s alright. Derek and I prepared extra seats just in case.”

“I see.” Celestine smiled approvingly. “Very thoughtful of you.”

With that, she raised her wineglass and watched them walk away. Her smirk grew faintly sharper.

Melissa, meanwhile, walked arm in arm with Derek, radiant and composed. But as they neared the chairman, her eyes wandered across the crowd and froze.

Her breath hitched.

There, standing among the guests, was a familiar face staring straight at her.

Hudson.

What… what is he doing here?