Chapter 68: A Night of Secrets and Revelations

As they settled into the car, Noah nestled into his mother's embrace, his tiny fingers grasping the fabric of her dress. The car hummed softly as it glided through the city streets, the streetlights casting fleeting golden streaks across the windows. His mother, her voice gentle, finally revealed the host of the evening. "Sweetheart, my friend Ava invited us. She wanted us to attend her father's birthday celebration."

Noah listened quietly, his little hands still clutching his mother. His sisters exchanged glances, sensing his unease, but none of them spoke. Instead, they let their presence surround him like an unspoken vow of protection.

When they arrived, the sight before them was nothing short of breathtaking. The grand hall stood like a palace, bathed in golden light. Towering crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, illuminating the exquisite marble floors. Ornate floral arrangements, elegant gold-trimmed curtains, and rich velvet furnishings painted a picture of opulence. The air carried the faint scent of fresh roses and vanilla, mingling with the soft melody of a live orchestra playing in the background.

As they stepped inside, Ava greeted them warmly. She was dressed in a graceful evening gown, her eyes sparkling with happiness. Beside her stood her husband, a dignified man with an air of quiet authority, and their seven daughters, each a reflection of their mother's beauty. Standing in front of them was a young boy, their son, looking slightly nervous but offering a polite nod.

However, it was the entrance of Noah's family that sent a wave of shock rippling through the crowd. Gasps echoed across the hall as guests recognized them one by one.

Whispers spread like wildfire.

"Is that…?"

"It's them—the world's most powerful family."

"The number one businesswoman, her legendary daughters… and that must be her husband, the top software engineer."

"They say those seven sisters are so untouchable that no one has ever been able to get close to them."

"But wait… they have a son?"

Realization struck the crowd like a lightning bolt. Many had idolized or feared this family, but none had known that the business world's most dominant woman had a little boy. The fact that he existed at all left them speechless.

Among the guests, those who had previously worked with them reacted first. They immediately stepped forward, eager to greet them. However, as more people rushed toward them, the weight of the crowd pressing in, Noah's small body tensed. His breath hitched, and he gripped his mother's dress even tighter. A tremor ran through his little frame, his wide eyes glistening with fear.

His mother, always attuned to him, instantly noticed. Her hold on him tightened protectively, and her expression darkened. A storm brewed in her usually composed gaze.

His father and sisters mirrored her reaction. The shift in their expressions—from calm indifference to cold, silent warning—froze the entire hall. The crowd, sensing the change, halted immediately. The once eager guests now felt a chill creep down their spines as they realized their mistake.

"I-I apologize," one of them stammered, stepping back.

"We didn't mean to startle you," another added hastily, bowing slightly.

The pressure lifted as the guests retreated, giving Noah space to breathe. Seeing that the overwhelming attention had subsided, his family turned back to him. His mother kissed his forehead softly, whispering, "It's okay, baby. Mama is here. No one will hurt you."

His sisters gathered around, their voices gentle. "We're here, little brother."

His father knelt to his level, brushing back Noah's hair with a reassuring hand. "You're safe, my boy. I'm right here."

Their warmth surrounded him, melting away his fear. Slowly, the trembling stopped. His mother kissed his forehead again, and the love in her gaze made Noah feel protected. The guests watched, their shock deepening. They had never seen this family—so feared, so untouchable—display such tenderness.

Ava smiled knowingly, stepping forward. "Come, let me introduce you to my father."

The birthday celebrant, an elderly yet dignified man, stepped closer. Upon seeing Noah's family, he bowed deeply, his respect evident. "It is my greatest honor to have you here tonight."

Holding Noah securely in her arms, his mother responded warmly, "No, no, the honor is ours. Happy birthday."

His father and sisters followed suit, offering their well wishes.

Then, his mother turned to Noah, her voice soft. "Go on, baby. Wish uncle a happy birthday."

Noah hesitated, his small fingers curling into his mother's sleeve. But after a moment, he peeked up at the old man and, in a timid voice, whispered, "Happy birthday, uncle."

The elderly man let out a hearty chuckle. "Hahaha! Thank you, little one."

Ava's father then gestured to his granddaughter, a little girl the same age as Noah. "Why don't you two become friends?"

Noah's family tensed, holding their breath. Would he refuse?

For a moment, silence stretched. Then, Noah lifted his head, his gaze flickering from the old man to the girl sitting on his lap. He studied her for a moment before, in the softest voice, he murmured, "Okay."

His family's eyes widened in astonishment before their shock melted into happiness.

The little girl, Sara, beamed. She hopped off her grandfather's lap and eagerly walked up to Noah. "Hey! My name is Sara, and I'm five years old."

Noah, still perched on his mother's lap, hesitated before responding, "Hello… my name is Noah. I'm also five years old."

His family was overjoyed. He had just introduced himself to someone for the first time.

Sara grinned. "Okay! Will you be my friend?"

Noah hesitated again but, after a brief pause, nodded. "Okay."

Sara clapped her hands excitedly. "Then come with me to my room! Let's play together."

Noah looked up at his mother uncertainly. She smiled warmly, gently setting him down. "Go on, baby. Have fun with your new friend."

Hand in hand, the two children ran off together. His family watched, their hearts swelling with emotion.