She leaned close to Calvin and demanded in a low voice, “Why did you change the gift without telling me? A 5Q-carat diamond… How much did that damn thing cost?”
Calvin remained calm as he spread his napkin on his lap.
“This is a family dinner,” he muttered back.
“And we invited them. We can’t fall short from expectations and have them looking down on us. You don’t want to lose face at this time, do you? After the fiasco that Johanna caused, you wouldn’t want to add another reason for your father to kick her out, right?”
Ursula considered it for a moment, then ultimately relented.
Throughout the meal, Hannah ate in silence and never joined in the conversations of others.
At some point, however, Bryan raised his glass and called everyone’s attention.
“I want to propose a toast to Hannah. She played a crucial part in getting us through the crisis that the White Group was facing. It is thanks to her that we are able to gather here tonight and enjoy this meal together.”
ALL eyes turned to Hannah.
Bryan was beaming at her.
BearNovels
“You came back to us at just the right time. We are fortunate that you are here to share Jalen’s burdens.”
On the surface, he sounded like he was praising Hannah. In truth, however, he was stirring animosity among the people present.
Before Hannah could reply, Jalen interjected, “Personally, I want to thank Hannah for giving me the time and space to study my unfulfilled art career.”
“Is your art career even that important?” Ursula scoffed, her voice dripping with
Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated For All Books Updates…
sarcasm.
“More important than the family business? Your grandfather handed the company over to you because he trusts you. But all you did is turn it into a mess, and you even needed someone else to come in and clean up after you.”
“Cut the bullshit, Aunt Ursula,” Edwin couldn’t help but retort.
“Where even were you when Grandpa fell ill? I never saw your shadow darken the ICU.”
Ursula’s eyes flashed with anger.
“Calvin has been so busy with work at the time. It was inconvenient for us to come back. But that’s precisely why I organized this dinner now that Dad has recovered. I never expected you to be so upset!”
Odin, Edwin’s father, ever the level-headed one, decided to step in.
“No one is upset. It’s been a while since we all got together Like this. There’s no need to quarrel over trivial things.”
Cassie also intervened and helped to lighten the atmosphere.
“Yes, yes. It wasn’t easy for us to find a time that coincides with everyone’s schedule. Bryan is right. Other than taking care of company matters, we also have her to thank for Byrum’s recovery. We wouldn’t have known what to do if she wasn’t here.”
“You’re all so grateful to her, huh,” Ursula said bitterly.