After Julian's departure and Lady Matilda's explanation, they returned to the grand hall. With a subtle signal from Lady Matilda, the banquet began in earnest.
The MC took the stage, his deep voice echoing through the room as he welcomed the guests, the chandeliers above scattering warm golden light across the sea of elegant attire, smiling lips and expectant faces of the guests.
Donald was invited up next to deliver the opening speech to kick start the event.
He stepped forward with measured grace, his face carefully composed, though his tone carried an air of formality.
In his address, he spoke briefly and superficially about how they had lost their daughter in the years past, some of the efforts they had made towards finding her over the years and how grateful they were that this granddaughter had been "rediscovered."
In his words, "It is by providence and sheer luck that we have the opportunity of coming together today to officially welcome her back home."
