Julian pondered for a moment before pretending to be timid, placing his hand into the palm of the person standing before him. At the same time, he tilted his head, gazing into the man's eyes, and softly called out, "Ethan?"
The man showed no particular expression; he simply nodded slightly, then tightened his grip on Julian's hand, supporting him as they descended the final step.
Whether it was because his image had changed so drastically or because of their intimate interaction, everyone turned to look. Julian thought for a second, then sidled closer to Ethan Caldwell. With one hand held by Ethan, he reached out with the other to tug gently at the hem of Ethan's jacket.
Ethan stood nearly 1.9 meters tall, while Julian was currently only 1.7 meters. Consequently, Ethan only needed to tilt his head and lower his gaze slightly to see the youth. The younger man was wearing a white suit, his hands fair and soft; Ethan's two fingers were enough to encircle Julian's wrist completely. The youth lowered his head slightly, afraid to look around. Perhaps due to nervousness, he reached out again to tug at Ethan's jacket.
Ethan suddenly remembered what his grandfather had told him.
"Actually, this kid has had a hard life. He should have lived in luxury, but who knew he had to struggle out there for fifteen years."
"It is not easy to come back now. Which child from a wealthy family is truly innocent?"
"Fifteen years... so what if he was found? Can his identity really be returned to him?"
"We are just one level apart, and that is already a different world, let alone fifteen years of different upbringing."
"These past three years have not been easy for that child. Well, let us just consider it as the Caldwell family gaining a kind-hearted daughter-in-law."
Ethan recalled that Grandpa Arthur had mentioned that the youth's life at the Sterling home these past few years had not been very good. He seemed constantly afraid of his surroundings, likely having suffered quite a bit of mistreatment.
Thinking this, Ethan could not help but gently pat the back of the youth's hand. The child seemed to startle slightly, his small hand trembling for a moment before settling. Ethan sighed, eventually slowing his pace to lead the youth toward the Sterling family group.
From behind, Julian sensed the man's action and his lips curved into a faint smile. His eyes glinted briefly as he silently observed everyone in the hall, before shrinking back timidly beside the man.
…
Over there, Richard Sterling was speaking with Grandpa Arthur. The two chatted animatedly, not looking like people from different generations at all. In truth, the Caldwell and Sterling families were considered family friends; the two patriarchs had been childhood friends. Thus, it could be said that Grandpa Arthur watched Richard grow up, and later watched Edward and Aaron.
So later, when the truth about Aaron being switched at birth was revealed, Grandpa Arthur was also surprised. Because truthfully, in terms of both academic ability and business acumen, Aaron resembled the Sterling family more than that other child. That other child back then was skinny, sickly, timid, and self-conscious. Three years had passed; perhaps the child had not lived well.
After all, he was the grandson of his best friend. Grandpa Arthur could not bear to see the boy like that, which was why he proposed the marriage alliance. Firstly, he wanted to help the child; if Julian stayed in the Sterling house, something bad would happen sooner or later. Secondly, he felt his own grandson seemed a bit emotionally frigid; letting the two young people cultivate feelings slowly would be good.
"Grandpa! Uncle Richard!"
Ethan's voice snapped Grandpa Arthur out of his thoughts. He turned to see his grandson leading a lovely youth. Seeing him, the boy greeted obediently, "Grandpa Arthur." Then he looked at Richard and called out, "Dad."
"Is that Jules? Come here to Grandpa Arthur!"
Seeing the old man wave at him, Julian glanced at the man beside him before walking toward the old man.
"I heard you fell ill a few days ago. How are you? Is there anywhere that still feels unwell?"
"I am very healthy, thank you, Grandpa." Julian thanked the old man and beamed, his eyes squinting into curved crescent moons.
Grandpa Arthur nodded, seeing this; the boy was indeed much brighter than before.
Even Richard felt satisfied. He called Julian over to say a few words, then told him to go back to Ethan's side, while he went to join his business associates, followed by Edward and Aaron.
Seeing this, Julian lowered his head slightly, rubbing the hem of his jacket.
"Do you want to go outside?"
A deep, warm voice sounded beside his ear. Julian looked up, his gaze meeting Ethan's. He pursed his lips, then nodded softly.
Ethan reached out to take his hand, leading him outside.