Upon seeing William, Lauren’s eyes lit up.
Though it was their first encounter, William exuded an extraordinary aura. His presence was naturally comforting, and it certainly didn’t hurt that he was blessed with handsome features.
“My friend, William,” Bella introduced, avoiding any deeper labels like boyfriend. Regardless, she believed her mother would read between the lines.
“Hello,” William greeted, refraining from adding any specific titles. After all, it wouldn’t be appropriate to address Lauren as “Auntie.”
“Hello, William!” Lauren responded cheerfully, her eyes crinkling in mirth. Turning to Bella, she added, “Bell, take William inside and introduce him to your father.”
Lauren didn’t press further about their relationship. If Bella said they were friends, then that’s what they were. In such settings, Bella had never brought a male companion before. Wasn’t that telling enough?
“Got it,” Bella replied, pecking Lauren on the cheek. She then led William into the hotel.
Acknowledging Lauren with a nod, William followed suit. Bella cast a playful glance back at him, teasing, “William, it’s my dad’s birthday today. Didn’t you plan on bringing a gift?”
“You never mentioned it before…” William sighed. He had thought this was just a casual dinner. Little did he know it was the birthday celebration of Bella’s father.
Bella’s grandfather, Daniel Bell, was someone William had seen grow up. By the time Daniel had married, William was elsewhere and had missed the birth of Daniel’s son, Brian Bell. Now, attending Brian’s birthday empty-handed felt out of place.
“Consider this amber bracelet as a gift for your father,” William said, producing the item out of thin air using his supernatural abilities.
Bella was taken aback. Giving a bracelet for a birthday seemed a little plain, but as she looked closer, she felt an inexplicable sense of calm and delight. William’s gifts always stood out. This amber bracelet was one of his cherished trinkets. Thousands of years ago, he had found a magical piece of amber in a primeval forest. Legends spoke of ancient sages drawing energy from the amber, eventually ascending to divinity. From this amber, William had meticulously carved nine beads and strung them into a bracelet. He had worn it for many years, but for some reason, it had ended up forgotten. It was only taken out when he moved homes.
In an age where gods still walked the earth, this bracelet would have caused divine wars.
Now, William concealed the natural energy radiating from the amber. Otherwise, anyone coming into contact with its energy might be transformed into a tree creature.
“Why don’t you personally hand this bracelet to my dad?” Bella, sensing its uniqueness, suggested.
William nodded, “Alright, I’ll give it to him personally.” He realized he was still adjusting to his current identity. Addressing Brian Bell as Mr. Bell felt foreign. Even if he could muster that, if Daniel Bell knew of this, he’d probably be taken aback.
As the host, Brian Bell was busy mingling with guests, unaware that his grandfather had sent Bella to find William.
Daniel Bell wouldn’t dare reveal William’s true identity to anyone. Likewise, he didn’t want his son Brian to approach William anymore.
There were many factors they took into consideration.
Firstly, women stood a slightly higher chance of approaching William successfully.
Secondly, if the person they sent inadvertently angered William, they could only hope he wouldn’t take out his wrath on the rest of the family.
Anyone who managed to anger William would effectively be disowned from the family.
Today, Brian Bell had organized a grand birthday feast, inviting many influential and promising young individuals. He hoped to take this opportunity to find a suitable match for his daughter Bella.
“Dad, happy birthday,” Bella, leading William, greeted Brian Bell with a heartfelt wish.
“You should’ve come earlier to greet the guests instead of showing up now,” Brian Bell gently reprimanded, but with a twinkle in his eye. After sharing a laugh with a friend nearby, he took Bella to the side, lowering his voice, “Bella, there are some pretty impressive young men here today. See if any catch your eye.”
Being a single woman who often resisted family pressures, Bella instantly knew what her father was hinting at.
“I know, Dad. I’m not getting any younger. This time, I’ve brought a friend. Mom has met him and approves.” Bella said with a mischievous smirk, making it clear she had brought William as her shield for the day.
“Really?” Brian Bell’s gaze naturally drifted to William. “You didn’t just hire some actor to trick me, did you?”
Fearing William might overhear, Bella whispered, “Grandpa introduced him to me.”
“What? Grandpa did?” Brian Bell was surprised. The old man had been largely detached from worldly affairs for years. Even though he was anxious about Bella’s marital status, very few young men had ever met his approval. .
“Well, if you don’t believe me, ask Grandpa yourself,” Bella responded, seeing this as an opportunity. If her grandfather had instructed her to seek out William, it meant he at least knew him. From William’s demeanor, it was evident there was no romantic interest, which was just as Bella hoped.
Her strategy against the family’s prying into her marital affairs was simple: delay. Drag it out as long as possible.
“William, let me introduce you. This is my father.” Bella said, pulling William’s arm and introducing him to Brian, “Dad, this is William Johnson.”
“William!” Brian Bell scrutinized him. “Are you related to Adam Johnson from Texas?”
Like Ryan, when Brian heard the name William Johnson, he instantly thought of Adam Johnson from Texas.
“No relation,” William replied with a smile, presenting the amber bracelet, “Happy birthday.” He didn’t add any formalities.
Brian Bell was slightly offended. The younger generation’s attitude towards him was expected to be respectful. Ignoring the gift for a moment, if William was seeing Bella, the least he could do was address him as Mr. Bell.
Such arrogance. Who exactly was this man?
Even if he had a powerful background, if he wanted to marry Brian’s daughter, shouldn’t he be more respectful?