Taming A Billionaire

The third point of view:

There were a lot of activities going on in Kay's manor. Yes, Isabella had planned to hold her rehearsal dinner there in memory of her biological mother. It sounded pretty stupid but her mother needed to see that her daughter was doing well.

As expected, Reina was trying to keep the triplets on their best behavior while Niklaus was going over the security layout with Emerald. Occasions like this were an opportunity for their enemy to strike and they had to limit the chances of that occurring. 

The rehearsal was not as strict as the wedding party and judging from the fact Isabella was a private person, she opted for immediate family members to be in attendance only. Sadly, Spencers were a large family, hence extended families came among and with them their friends as well. So what was supposed to be a simple dinner escalated into a massive celebration. 

They considered an outdoor barbecue in the large garden. The cherry trees were in bloom hence they provided a sweet, warm, and cozy ambiance for the guests. 

Since the wedding was set on Sunday, the dinner was hosted on its eve. Isabella and Pedro didn't have an actual rehearsal so they opted to still celebrate with dinner instead. They didn't want the guest to have too late of an evening considering the main event is yet to come.

"Ailee! Neon! Please help me keep an eye on the kids," Reina said, hardly getting a grip on Elsa who tried to escape, "I need to help Camille welcome in the guests," 

"Sure," Ailee said, taking Diego and Ella by the hand because Elsa successfully wriggled out of her mother's hold.

However, the girl didn't get to go far because Neon caught her from behind, "They're safe with us," He gave her a strained smile.

Since that episode resulted in Allen moving out, he couldn't figure out Reina's intentions towards him. Was she still mad at him? Does she blame him for what happened with Allen? She must hate seeing his face because he reminds her of his mother, Jennifer. 

"Did the both of you fight?" Reina asked, noticing the tension between both kids.

"It's nothing!" Both of them said in a chorus earning a raised brow from her.

"Fine, you can choose not to say a word. Both of you are adults and can figure out your problems. But I'm always here just so you know," Reina informed them in case they needed her counsel.

"So that means you're on talking terms with me once again?" Neon asked, unsure.

"Who said I wasn't on speaking terms with you, Neon?" Reina took a deep breath, "The case with your mother is pretty complicated, however, I'm more concerned about you who is caught in between. I might be angry sometimes, Neon but I would never be angry with you. You're my son, my family,"

At that statement, Ailee and Neon's gaze connected unconsciously and she gave him a look that said, 'Now what do you say to that?'

Neon didn't say anything rather gave her an understanding smile.

Reina breathed in deep relief, then clapped her hands as if remembering something, "Now, where is my wonderful rebellious son, Allen? Wasn't he supposed to arrive here with us?"

"Well, he made a last-minute cancellation, saying he would arrive on his own and that it was part of his self-discovery blah blah," Ailee answered.

"Well, whatever time he arrives, just be sure to keep your eyes on him. We don't want anything happening on Isabella's special day else she would really kill you guys and I'll be helpless to help - It's not a joke," Reina warned them before making her way over to Cecil who was standing at the entrance of the rich garden with Isabella's grandmother making conversation.

"Granny," 

"Reina," 

She embraced the old woman. Although they were not related and she was merely the stepmother of her grandchild, Isabella, Reina, and the woman acted like mother and daughter.

"You should go sit down and let us younger woman handle this," Reina told the woman who gave her a stupid look. 

"What nonsense!" The woman rejected the offer, "Just because I'm older doesn't mean I'm physically handicapped!" She insisted and they let her be. 

The old woman lost her husband two years ago and now lived alone since Kay was her only child. However, Isabella was making plans of moving her to their place once she was married so she would not feel lonely anymore. 

A smile crossed Reina's lips at the thought, Isabella was much more mature and considerate than when she was younger and she was proud of that. Isabella might not be her child but Reina was grateful she positively impacted her life. 

"Deborah!" A smile lot up Reina's face when she saw the young woman come in, "You honored my invitation," 

"Of course, why wouldn't I?" Deborah said, hugging Reina briefly and at the same time accepting the pecks on both sides of the cheek. 

Reina took her by the hand, "I'm so glad that you came because the whole family heard about the incident and they can't wait to see you," 

"Geez, you shouldn't have. I'm so shy now," Deborah closed her face with both hands causing Reina to chuckle. 

"No, you don't have to be embarrassed. My family is quite simpler than you imagine and you won't have any problem getting along with them," Reina explained, leading the girl to Cecil who regarded her slowly. 

"Cecil, this is Deborah, my young friend, and Deborah, this is Cecil, the mother to my handsome son-in-law," She playfully introduced her to Cecil who stretched her hand for a handshake that Deborah accepted. 

"It's nice to meet you, Deborah," 

"It's nice to meet you as well, Mrs. Cecil," 

"Oh, come on, drop the formalities. Here, we are all families and you're welcome to the rehearsal dinner. I hope you have a good time here," Cecil gave her a warm welcome. 

"Thank you," Deborah smiled at her. Truth be told, the reception they gave her was not what she expected. 

However, it was too late to change her mind.. Moreover, the plans were already in motion, tonight would mark the day Karma decided to visit the Spencer Clan.