Chapter 142 Black Christmas
A cold and pleasant Christmas Eve had arrived, and a joyful atmosphere filled the Lee family's grand mansion. This time, Klaus celebrated his 19th birthday with a lavish party amidst the softly falling snow on their spacious lawn.
Since the beginning of the day, the mansion had been filled with the hustle and bustle of party preparations. Sparkling lights were set up in every corner, adorning the mansion with glitter and warmth. The beautiful Christmas decorations did not go unnoticed either, reinforcing the festive and impressive feel of the evening.
Inside the mansion was a luxurious Christmas tree decorated with glittering baubles. As Klaus' birthday party was also celebrated as a family Christmas, beautiful presents were neatly arranged around the tree, awaiting the opening moment.
The host, Steve Lee, was all smiles as he welcomed guests from all over the world. Every time a guest shakes his hand, Steve hears praise for his son. They were family, friends, and business associates of the Lee Family who wanted to celebrate this special moment together. Everyone looked happy and excited for the special evening.
Guests poured into the warm mansion. Inside, a variety of delicious and sumptuous dishes were served. The Lee Family's top chefs prepared winter specialties such as pumpkin cream soup, roast turkey with cranberry sauce, and various sweet desserts.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the feast, an exotic brown-skinned woman in an elegant yellow dress was being mobbed by men. She was so beautiful that she attracted a lot of attention. These men tried hard to get her heart, flirting or just talking to her. But none of them succeeded.
"Sorry, I'm waiting for my friends. And I'm not alone either. I'm with my mother!"
Even though she rejected them, these men did not give her up. Until finally, an emerald green-eyed man in a neat suit appeared. The men were surprised to see him standing behind them.
"What are you guys doing to my girlfriend?"
"Uh, Klaus Lee, she is your girlfriend?" One of the men gasped as he realized the woman in the yellow dress was the host's lover.
"Yup. I've been waiting for her all this time. Apparently, you guys are flirting with her." Klaus turned to the woman. "Come on, Olivia. Let's go. Your mother is waiting for you."
Immediately, Olivia took quick steps towards Klaus and took his arm. The men could not help but sigh in disappointment as they watched their target leave.
"Phew, thanks, Klaus. I don't know why they insisted on talking to me." Olivia grumbled in annoyance.
"Put a fur coat on your shoulders next time you wear a dress. Perverted men can't control their desires when they see your giant knockers. Luckily, your mom sent me to look for you."
A hard fist landed on his waist. Olivia hated it when people talked about her breasts.
"By the way, where are the others?" asked Olivia. She was referring to the Rays of Hope members.
"They're not here yet. Justin said he and the others would be late. It looks like something happened on their way here."
Olivia nodded in response.
As the two walked past the guests, they attracted much attention. Whispers from the guests created a buzzing noise.
"Look, that's Klaus Lee. Then who's the young lady?"
"Isn't that Julia's daughter? I heard she's a rascal, but she looks lovely. Why is she walking with Klaus? Don't say Julia and Anna are setting them up."
"Ah, gosh. That kid already has a girlfriend. I missed a chance!"
The guests were talking about the two. Especially the women. Although they were whispering, Olivia and Klaus could hear them clearly. Olivia gritted her teeth in annoyance and embarrassment while Klaus looked calm.
Klaus and Olivia approached two elegant ladies talking under the Christmas tree. The two blinked as Klaus and Olivia stood before them.
"Kya! Look at them! Just like a married couple." Anna exclaimed happily.
"Right!" Julia said. "I should have gotten her a wedding dress. They really do look good together!"
"Mom!" Olivia snapped. Her face flushed with embarrassment.
Seeing his mother's and her friend's childlike behavior, Klaus could only sigh.
Julia patted Klaus on the shoulder. "Thank you for bringing my daughter here. You are indeed a trustworthy man. I've heard a lot about you from Olivia."
"Mom!" Olivia snapped again. However, her mother ignored her.
Julia continued to chatter. "My daughter calls me every night, telling me about her problems. At first, she said you were a perverted and annoying man. But lately, she's changed her mind."
"Stop it! Mom!" Olivia yelled at her mother. Her face was red with embarrassment, but Julia continued revealing her secret.
"After you gave her the arcana, she said you weren't who she thought you were. You're a man who cares for his men. You protect your men in your own way. When you came out of the dungeon late, everyone was worried about you. Even my daughter burst into tears."
"No! That's a lie!" Olivia panicked. She then tried to explain everything to Klaus while Julia laughed ignorantly.
Anna didn't want to be left out either. Nudging her elbow, she tried to tease her son to be like Olivia.
Of course, that wouldn't work on Klaus. He just sighed.
"I hope it ends soon."
As the evening progressed, the entertainment grew more lively. A music band played on a small stage, entertaining the guests with familiar Christmas music. Dancing was no less exciting, with some guests dancing in the center of the grand, well-decorated room full of sparkling lights.
The highlight of the evening was when Klaus sat on a chair center stage to receive congratulations and cut his spectacular birthday cake. Klaus gave a small speech to the guests. Thunderous applause and whistles echoed throughout the room when he stepped off the stage.
As the guests savored the delicious food, the silence was broken by the arrival of a group of bodyguards. They were escorting a man with gray hair and black clothes. Recognizing who they were, the guests quickly put on a reluctant face.
The most powerful person in the Lee Family had arrived—Robert Lee.
He did not come alone. William and his son, Edward, walked behind him. Not forgetting Liliana as well. The beautiful daughter only came with her son.
With a cold expression, Robert ignored the people who tried to greet him. The old man's eyes were straight, fixed on Klaus and his small family gathering.
"Father...?" Steve was a little shocked.
"Hello, Steve. Why do you look so tense on your son's birthday? Relax." William smirked as he said it.
"Klaus! Come here! Let me hug you!" Liliana immediately did as she said. She threw herself at Klaus and hugged him tightly. In the background, Noah shook his head.
"Happy birthday, Klaus." Edward simply said congratulations.
"Thank you, Edward," Klaus replied.
Robert still hadn't said a word while his offspring and grandsons wished Klaus a happy birthday. Steve and Anna were worried. Even Joanna, known to be fearless, simply kept her mouth shut.
This old man was capable of putting pressure on those around him. And, of course, that didn't apply to Klaus.
"Uh, Dad. Are you okay?" Steve asked to make sure.
Still, Robert ignored his son.
The golden boy, Edward, tried to break the ice. He threw a few jokes at his grandfather, but Robert ignored him.
Klaus and Robert stared at each other for a long time.
Suddenly, Robert burst out laughing.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA! My number one grandson! Klaus! Happy birthday!"
Klaus smiled. "Thank you, Grandpa!"
"You haven't changed a bit. Those brave eyes of yours... you are indeed my grandson."
The grandfather and grandson hugged each other.
Meanwhile, the rest of the family was stunned. They didn't expect the grandfather to be joking.
"Phew, I thought he was angry," Joanna muttered, stroking her forehead.
"I thought so, too," Anna replied.
The party continued.
After a delicious dinner, the guests gathered by the window to watch the magnificent fireworks display. The fireworks lit up the starry night sky, creating a mesmerizing scene that looked like a painting of the night sky.
The birthday party was very lively, and people were immersed in it. However, they had no idea that danger was lurking around the corner.
A group of men in heavy black clothing hid in the shadows, stalking the mansion amidst the soft snowfall. They were armed to the teeth.
Among them, a woman stood at the forefront. While watching the party, she brought the communication device to her lips.
"Roger! Roger! Report! Target in sight. We are ready to attack. Awaiting orders."