Chapter 776

At exactly ten in the morning, the Truman family set off on time.

Around eleven, the car arrived at the Vance family estate.

The guards had already been notified. The black sedan drove smoothly through the gates without hindrance and came to a steady stop in the parking lot.

Alexander Vance was already waiting in the parking lot with a few others.

Sebastian Truman and Mia Truman got out of the car, their eyes sweeping over the surroundings.

This estate was purchased by Alexander Vance half a year ago after he arrived in New York. Though it hadn't been long, signs of meticulous care were already evident.

Pavilions were arranged in a pleasing disorder. The garden was lush with greenery, presenting an elegant and serene landscape.

At a glance, it carried a certain air of a family with deep-rooted heritage...

Aaron Truman couldn't help but admire, "The pruning of these plants is so refined. You can tell they're maintained by a professional."

Cecilia Evans heard this, and a subtle sense of superiority flickered in her heart. She smiled and chimed in, "Yes, my father always loved tending to flowers and plants. The gardener has been with him for many years. His skill is impeccable."

Aaron looked slightly surprised. "Your family employs a dedicated gardener?"

Although the Truman family was wealthy, due to their special status, they had always maintained a low profile. They kept household staff to a minimum, never hiring someone for a single specific task.

Even plant mainteSterlingce was handled by outsourcing to professionals who came periodically.

Sebastian was somewhat familiar with the ways of business families, but Aaron had less exposure, hence his surprise.

Cecilia nodded. "When my great-grandmother was alive, she loved a particular fish soup. Only one old cook could make it authentically. The family kept her on, making it specially for great-grandmother once a week."

Aaron sighed softly. "That's truly refined."

A hint of shared pride colored Cecilia's tone. "The Vance family's enterprises are vast. Such expenses are negligible. Aaron, look over there—" She pointed not far away. "There's a pond there, filled with koi. Do you know? A single one is worth hundreds of thousands."

Aaron's eyes widened. "Then the whole pond must be..."

"Just around ten million or so." Cecilia pulled him towards another side. "And there, see that old tree? My uncle specifically spent a few million to buy it, just to add a touch of antiquity to the garden."

"A tree for a few million? That's too..."

"..."

The two chatted as they walked deeper into the garden.

Mia Truman, left behind, rolled her eyes.

She poked Sebastian's arm and lowered her voice. "Brother, look at her showing off. Anyone would think she runs the Vance household... She just wants to feel important in front of Aaron. If she has the guts, she should show off in front of me. I'd shut her up so fast she wouldn't know what hit her."

Sebastian's fingertips brushed over the Buddhist prayer beads on his wrist. He gave her a faint glance. "Less gossiping behind people's backs."

Mia stuck out her tongue. She turned and linked arms with Evelyn Ross, instantly switching to a bright smile. "Evelyn, I brought you a pearl necklace. Let's wear matching ones!"

Evelyn smiled. "Thank you."

"No need for thanks between us! If it weren't for you, I'd probably still be fooled by that scumbag." Thinking of the three years she was deceived by Liam Cooper, Mia felt only a deep sigh in her heart.

That man didn't seem to have left a profound mark, yet it felt like something had been pulled out, leaving an emptiness.

She shook her head, dismissing the distracting thoughts. "I love sweet and sour crispy fish the most. Is it on the menu for lunch today?"

Evelyn looked at the butler nearby. "Please add sweet and sour crispy fish for lunch."

The butler smiled and acknowledged, then turned towards the kitchen.

Sebastian spoke from the side. "Ms. Ross, there's no need to indulge her too much."

Evelyn just smiled.

Alexander Vance naturally interjected. "It's just one dish, not a trouble. My wife won't mind."

—My wife.

Sebastian's movements paused slightly. He looked at Alexander. "Mr. Vance and Ms. Ross are already married? I recall the two families were only engaged."

The corner of Alexander's lips lifted slightly. "We are legally recognized husband and wife."

"Wow!" Mia immediately exclaimed. "You've already gotten your marriage certificate? When's the wedding?"

Alexander smiled without confirming or denying, which was tacit acknowledgment. "When we hold the wedding, we will certainly send invitations to Mr. Truman and Ms. Truman."

They had obtained their marriage certificate back in San Francisco. They had been husband and wife since three years ago.

Mia didn't care about her elder brother's expression. She was already delighted. "Can I be a bridesmaid?"

"Dream on."

Natalie Castillo walked out slowly from under the corridor, holding a handful of sunflower seeds. She lifted her chin slightly. "I'm her cousin. The bridesmaid should be me."

Mia was unconvinced. "One person can have more than one bridesmaid."

Natalie scoffed. "You'd still have to wait in line. Ahead of you are Miss Roland from the Roland family, Miss Evans from the Evans family! Oh, and her sister-in-law is also a close friend. Pity she's married, otherwise you wouldn't even be in the running."

"You..."

Just as the two seemed about to start bickering like schoolchildren, movement came from the entrance again.

The Ashcroft brothers had arrived.