Chapter 13
“Grandpa, I-“Christina began, but Sherry firmly gripped her arin, cutting her off. Carl was staunchly siding with Yanina, and no one could sway him.
The commotion downstairs had the whole villa in an uproar, Ethian, Caneron and Christina’s father, descended the stairs with a stern look. “Christina, what nonsense are you causing now he demanded, his gaze sharp.
After her father’s rebuke, Christina had no choice but to swallow her complaints
Carl turned to Ethan with a chilling tone. “Ethan, keep a close eye on your wife and daughter. From now on, I don’t want to hear another word against Yani in this house!”
“Dad, I’ll handle this Ethan assured Carl
“Grandpa, thank you. Yanina said, standing behind Carl, feeling bolstered by his support.
After the Zamora family took her in. Carl always treated Yanina like gold, even marry her to his own grandson. Yanina v incredibly grateful to Carl, cherishing him as if he were her own granddad.
was
“And your” Earl playfully tapped Cameron on the head. “Don’t you know how to stand up for your wife? Letting others push her around? If you ever treated Yani badly, I’ll kick your ass.”
Cameron glanced at Yanina, nodded slightly, and promised Carl he’d do better.
Dad… Quinci gently steered Carl back to his seat, sensing he’d said his piece. “I’ve always been lucky with a husband who spoils me and in–laws who love me, but today, I really envy Yani With you watching over her, Yani’s luckier than I ever was.”
“Dad, you can’t really blame Christina for feeling this way.” Quinci added, trying to lighten the mood. “At her age. I’d probably be jealous of your favoritism too.”
Carl shot a look at Quinci. ‘Sure, you’d be jealous, but you wouldn’t be sneaky behind people’s backs! He glared at Christina again.
Christina, held back by Sherry, kept her head down, silent, Meanwhile, Sherry offered Yanina a slight, apologetic smile. “Yani, Christina’s just being honest. Please don’t take it personally
Yanina hummed gently in agreement.
“Dad, I’m getting hungry from all this talking.” Quinci changed the subject, rubbing her belly and playfully complaining to
Carl.
Seeing her sister–in–law’s attempt to help, Sherry smiled and instructed the servants to serve dinner, inviting everyone to the dining room.
“Grandpa, my boyfriend just called. He’s coming over,” Christina announced, puffing up her chest. Her boyfriend, Steven Hopper, was the young heir of the prominent Hopper family from Yvale, a top school graduate with a talent for painting. and set to inherit the family business.
“Even though Steven’s busy with his art exhibit on Sunday, he made time to have dinner with Aunt Yanina when he heard she was home. I think he’s really thought, Christina finished, casting a challenging look at Yanina.
“Yarina was indifferent, but Cameron reached out and gently pulled,her into his arms. Yanina thought, “Is he trying to comfort me? It seems a bit late. Three months ago, I might have held onto hope for Cameron.
Yanina slightly turned to avoid Cameron’s embrace.
Just then, Cameron’s phone rang, its sweet melody filling the room. “Im going to get this,” he said, rising to leave before
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Chapter 13
anyone could respond. “You guys go ahead and eat.”
While everyone thought it was work, Yanina knew better. Cameron had set that ringtone for Callie. Yanina chuckled bitterly to herself, realizing there was no chance left for her and Cameron
Yanina walked with Carl and the others to the dining room. As they settled in, John, the butler, leaned over to whisper something to Carl. His expression changed slightly as he looked at Yanina. “Cameron mentioned a friend’s in critical condition, and he’s off to the hospital. Do you know which friend this might be?”
Yanina kept her face steady, though inside she felt colder. “Yeah, I know, just one of his… good friends.” She forced a smile, unable to say Callie’s name.
Everyone else seemed oblivious, but Carl noticed the deep sadness in Yanina’s eyes.
After dinner, the Zamora family gathered, the table now cleared.
“Quinci. you should stick around longer,” Sherry suggested with a warm smile, chatting with Quinci like they were old pals.. “And by the way, isn’t your son at the marrying age? Got anyone in mind?”
Quina smiled back gently. “Sherry, love life’s their own business. Besides, Wade’s just taken the reins at the company. His career should come first. No need to rush into marriage.”
As Quinci spoke, Sherry caught, Yanina’s eye. “Marriage is not just about love. Remember when Cameron took over and married Yani? You have to be smart about choosing a daughter–in–law. A wife from a modest background versus a well- known family–that makes a difference. The right wife could give Wade a lot more support in the future.”
Though Sherry was talking about Quinci’s son, it was clear she had reservations about Yanina’s modest origins.
Quinci was about to respond when Christina bounced in, a dapper man in a suit trailing her. “Grandpa, Steven’s here!” she tang out.
Hey, Sherry, Quinci, Mr. Zamora! Steven greeted, arms laden with gifts, his enthusiasm palpable as he acknowledged
Carl murmured a soft hello, while Ethan’s eyebrows lifted in a subtle show of concern. Sherry, on the other hand, beamed like a proud mother–in–law,
“Hey, Steven’s here! Come and sit down, Sherry called, waving him over. “I heard you’re Sherman’s protégé. You must be incredibly talented in painting. Amazingly, you’re running an art show in Yvale at your age.”
Steven blushed a little at Sherry’s praise. “Oh, Sherry, you’re too kind. Painting’s just a hobby, and the exhibition? Just lucky.” he laughed, downplaying his success,
Yanina couldn’t rest when she heard ‘Sherman.” She asked, “Are you talking about Professor Harnett?”
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