Chapter 31 The grand dinner......

When they reached the mension, Daniel woke her up gently and told her that they have arrived.

Daniel then got down from the car and helped Isla getting down as well. Isla was little anxious about the banquet. She didn't know how to face so many people and be their centre of attention.

Daniel could see her hesitation. He held her hand and intertwined their fingers and said, "You will be alright. When you are nervous, just look at me, okay."

Isla rolled her eyes in her mind. If she saw his face when she was nervous, she would probably faint. Because he was the person she was most nervous of.

As if Daniel could read her mind, he smirked looking into her eyes. He then lead her the way inside.

When they reached the entrance, they heard chears and laughter from inside. Isla looked nervously at Daniel. Daniel just gave her a smile and patted her back. He then gently pushed her inside with him walking beside her.

"Isla! my baby! You came. I waited for you for soo long. Wait! oh my god, Isla! you look so beautiful, my child."It was Grace. She was always this excited to see her.

"Thank you...." she didn't know how to address her now."Call me mother. " Grace said reading her mind.

"Mother" Isla completed.

"Good. Now come in. We have waited for so long. Let me introduce you to everyone." She beamed. She held her hand and took her inside, totally ignoring her son who was still standing at the entrance.

But Daniel was not jealous. He was happy that his mother treated Isla so well. He then went in.

Grace introduced Isla to everyone. Some people were happy but some passed her a judgemental look.

Isla was very nervous. She was tightly holding hands of Grace. Noticing this, Grace whispered in her ears gently "Don't be scared ,my child. I am always there with you." Isla gave her a smile.

Every one congratulated Daniel. Daniel thanked them all. He then sat down in an empty two seater couch with a very composed manner.

For Daniel this was nothing. He had addressed many assemblies of more than thousands of people. This was a merely a small gathering of some unimportant people to him. He didn't give a shit to there opinion about him or Isla. So he just sat on the couch crossing his legs and putting one of his hands on the headrest. He looked like a king.

Isla was told by grandmother Lee to sit beside Daniel. She went and sat.

Every body was talking and enjoying tea and snacks served by the servants.

It was when Isla suddenly felt a hand caressing her bare back. Her eyes were shot open. It tickled her so much but she couldn't show it. Many elders were sitting in the hall and she didn't want anybody to notice it. She looked at Daniel who was sitting innocently beside her. No expressions could be seen on his face. It was as if, he didn't know what was happening. She gritted her teeth inwardly and controlled her emotions. She had to endure this torture until dinner was served. That was when everyone stood up and they too, had to do so. Isla sighed in relief inwardly as the torture finally ended.

Every one went to a bigger dining hall which was specially made for gatherings like this.

There were around 50 people in all. It included extended Lee family members and others were from Grace's family and some close military friends of grandfather Lee. Every body had dinner joyfully. Grandfather Lee opened some bottles of imported wine and it was servered to everyone except for Isla as Daniel stopped them to serve her. He wanted her to be completely sobber tonight.

"She can't hold her drink?" mocked the daughter in law of a younger brother of grandfather Lee.

"Why? do you have a problem with it?" Daniel raised hir brows and asked in a very dangerous tone. He had to set an example that who so ever would raise even a finger against his wife, has to face his wrath.

Grandfather Lee smirked. As expected from his grandson.

A shiver ran down everybody's spine. The woman shuddered and quieted down. No body expected this reaction from Daniel. The news they got was , that Elder Lee forced his grandson and granddaughter in law into this marriage. If the news was true, then what was this reaction from Daniel?

"Actually she is from a poor background. She is not very familiar with the old customs and traditions, and had not been part of such gatherings. So just forgive her." said Tina dramatically.

Every body was shocked with Tina's audacity. She not only insulted Isla, but also Daniel.

Daniel had a very freezing aura around him. Isla slightly shivered as she saw his expression. His face looked normal. But the one who knew him, knew that a fire of rage was burning inside him.

"Then what about you, aunt? I never remember your family being filthy rich. Atleast she is not as poor as you were to seduce a man who lost his wife a month back and had a 10 year old son. And that was not the end of your shamelessness. You even got pregnent with his child taking advantage of his drunken state to enter the Lee family mansion." Daniel said in a very plain voice. It was dead silence and every body heard it.

Daniel was always this way. He spoke less and wouldn't interfere much in other people's matter. He would only interfere in the matters concerning him. Now Isla was his biggest concern. And when he would open his mouth, it would be poisen coming out of it and that would be enough to ruin the person against him.

Tina's face was red with embarrassment and rage. Even Charles was embarrassed. Jackline was furious. She couldn't believe that Daniel could be so ruthless for this girl. 'Slut' she cursed in her mind.

Whereas, Andrew was unaffected. He was slightly sad to hear about his decreased mother but was not affected with other part. Grandfather Lee cleared his throat. "Ahmm... Please everyone. Let's not ruin the atmosphere and enjoy the dinner."