The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 697

Gorge poured wine for everyone. Charlotte lifted her glass, her voice catching slightly with emotion.

"Let's raise a glass to celebrate our eldest son's return. Congratulations, Sky, on your new beginning.

"You've made your mistakes, paid the price, and endured hardship. From now on, live well, and don't let foolishness find you again.

"Lincoln, Hector, both of you should take this as a lesson too. Never make the kind of mistakes your brother did. Do you understand?"

Lincoln and Hector nodded respectfully. "Father, Mother, we understand. We won't."

"Good. That's what I like to hear. Over all these years, only your brother has experienced such hardship. But even so, it's part of life, part of growing up. What's done is done. There's no need to dwell on regret. We just need to be more careful moving forward," Charlotte said, her expression softening.

"You're right, Mother. I'll remember that."

"Alright, let's eat," Charlotte said with a warm smile, picking up the serving spoon and placing a helping of food onto Sky's plate.

"You've lost weight and gotten tanner. You must've had a tough time in prison. Now that you're home, rest well. Focus on recovering, then slowly get back into work."

"Yes, Mother."

Sky responded to each comment politely. Then he picked up a serving spoon and helped dish out food for his parents and brothers. Once everyone had a plate, he lifted his glass and looked around the table.

"Father, Mother, Lincoln, Hector… this toast is for all of you.

"In the past, I was foolish. I misjudged people, acted blindly, and caused a lot of harm. That won't happen again. Truly, it won't. Thank you for forgiving me. Thank you for giving me another chance. I'm really grateful."

With that, he downed the wine in one go, then stood and bowed deeply to his family.

"Alright now, sit down and eat."

Charlotte wiped her eyes. Her initial shock had long faded. What remained was relief and joy. No parent ever wants to see their child in prison or marked by a permanent stain.

Sky had made a serious mistake, and he had paid the price. That was something they couldn't cover up or deny. But the fact that he had worked hard to earn early release was already a blessing.

After drying her tears, Charlotte raised her glass again.

"Not everyone is here today, but Nat, Timothy, and Mason all sent their well wishes. The cake was ordered by the three of them. It's their gift to celebrate your new beginning."

"Come on. Cheers."

"Cheers."

After everyone took a sip, Charlotte smiled and looked at her sons again.

"All these years, none of you have brought home a girlfriend for me to meet. And yet, your youngest sister is already married.

"Mason has a girlfriend too. He's the only one who doesn't give me and your father any worry. Sky, you're the eldest. If you meet a girl you like, you need to take initiative, alright?"

William seemed to have the same thought. He glanced at Charlotte, and the two shared a quick shiver.

"Forget it. We're scared. You kids do as you please. Your father and I will help Nat with her children when the time comes. As for the rest of you, we'll contribute money, not energy. We want to enjoy our retirement in peace."

She smiled at William, then looked around the table. "Come on, let's eat. Tonight is all about celebrating Sky's return. From this day forward, he is once again the eldest son of the Walker family."

"Father, Mother. Now that Sky is back, I'd like to start gradually handing over the company to him. What do you think?" Lincoln asked.

He had been managing the Walker Group as well as his own entertainment company. He was also filming regularly. His body was stretched thin.

Even tonight's dinner had been squeezed into his packed schedule. With Sky's return, some of that weight would finally lift from his shoulders.

"No problem. But let your brother rest for a few days. Once he's recovered, he can take over your responsibilities," Charlotte replied.

"Yes, Mother," Lincoln said, then lifted his glass toward Sky. "Sky, this one's for you."

"Thank you." Sky replied, clinking glasses with him.

Their eyes met, and with that single look, the past was forgiven.

This dinner was the best Sky had had in a long time. He was relaxed, happy, and finally at peace.

He was back in his own home, and soon, he would return to work at Walker Group. His life was finally back on track.