Chapter 960 Several Brothers Competing for Favor
"Abella's got nerves of steel," Winston said, draping his arm around his sister's shoulders. "Don't let it get to you. Let's put this behind us—Christmas is coming, and we've got preparations to make. With Abella here this year, our family gathering should be livelier and merrier than ever."
The family murmured their agreement. "Winston's absolutely right..."
His words served as a timely reminder—there was still so much left to prepare.
"Oh, Ethan," Kimberly suddenly remembered, turning to her second son, "make sure you bring Camila for Christmas dinner. We need all the festivity we can get." Her attention then shifted to Dennis. "And you, dear—do you have a girlfriend this year?"
"Why are you asking me instead of Winston? I'm still young!" Dennis noticed the hand still resting on Abella's shoulder and swatted it away without ceremony. "What do you think you're doing? You're making her uncomfortable."
"Now you care about your sister? Where were you the first half of this year?" Winston's lips curved into a roguish smile that made Dennis suspect he was deliberately stirring up trouble in front of Abella.
But before he could retort, Abella spoke up, "Dennis was recovering from serious injuries. He didn't want the family to worry, so he stayed away."
Dennis raised an eyebrow triumphantly at Winston. Listen to that—his sister was defending him! Who held more weight in her heart now? Crystal clear, wasn't it?
He patted Abella's head affectionately, ready to praise her loyalty, when Winston immediately protested. "Stop that! You're messing up her hair!"
Winston reached out to smooth Abella's hair, but before his fingers could touch a strand, Dennis slapped his hand away.
"Did you wash your hands? Disinfect them? Don't spread germs to our sister."
"A doctor's hands are considerably cleaner than yours, considering all the fights you get into."
"You're a forensic pathologist—you dissect corpses! Stay away from her before she catches whatever smell you're carrying!"
Watching her sons bicker again, Kimberly interrupted impatiently. "Dennis, I asked you a question! Stop deflecting—do you have a girlfriend to bring home this year or not?"
"Still haven't sealed the deal, have you?" Beckett's tone carried both disdain and pity. "With all that restless energy of yours, any sensible girl would run for the hills."
"What's that supposed to mean!" Dennis deflected again. "Why aren't you pressuring Winston? By age, you should be worried about him first!"
Kimberly and Beckett exchanged meaningful glances, both seeming to hold back words.
"Who says Winston doesn't have a girlfriend? Right, Winston?" Abella looked at her brother with gentle understanding. "This year, everyone except Dennis and Blake will be bringing their girlfriends home for Christmas dinner—Steven, Ethan, and Winston."
Her statement included Nicole in the fold.
Beckett and Kimberly's exchanged glances grew even more loaded with unspoken concerns.
"You have a girlfriend?" Dennis looked at Winston with genuine surprise. When had this happened? How had he missed it?
Winston hadn't expected Abella to advocate for Nicole, especially in front of their parents, who had previously objected to her due to concerns about her background potentially bringing ruin to the entire Medici family—given her deep connections to the Umbra League.
"Nicole and her brother have officially taken control of the Russell family empire..." Winston began, but was interrupted.
"The Umbra League situation has been resolved," Steven announced calmly as he descended the stairs. "Phillipe, Winston, and I have handled everything. The family can finally live in peace."
After another meaningful exchange of glances, Kimberly and Beckett finally conceded. "Then she's welcome to join us for Christmas dinner."
After all, she was another soul who had suffered—much like their precious Abella's experience in Triangle City, forced by circumstances to develop extraordinary skills for survival.
Given the choice, they believed Nicole wouldn't have chosen to endure such a harsh environment and countless torments.
"Mom? Dad?" Winston could hardly believe his ears. Had his parents actually given their blessing? Did they approve of his relationship with Nicole?
Vanessa smiled knowingly. "Your mother and I discussed Nicole long ago. She was only concerned about the family's safety. Now that the threat has passed, we have no objection to your relationship."
It was unfortunate about Clara... but knowing that Nicole could honor Clara's memory by caring for the Wren family provided some comfort to parents who had lost their beloved daughter.
"Steven, make sure to invite Abigail," Kimberly instructed. "If her family extends an invitation, you should dine with them first on Christmas evening, then bring her here afterward."
Visiting the young lady's family first would demonstrate the Medici family's respect and consideration.
Kimberly added, "If they don't invite you, make sure to visit them before Christmas with gifts. Formally invite their daughter to our family dinner in front of her parents—all of you need to follow this protocol!"
"Understood," Steven and his brothers nodded in unison.
Kimberly said, "Now then, we need to discuss Christmas arrangements. You guys go enjoy yourselves."
They were planning an elaborate surprise for Abella and couldn't let her discover their plans prematurely.
"You might as well have announced 'surprise' outright." Dennis muttered, earning himself a playful swat from Kimberly.
Kimberly rolled her eyes in exasperation. "And now you've gone and said it yourself."
If Abella overheard, it wouldn't be a surprise anymore!
"With Abella's intelligence, she's already figured it out—she's just too gracious to spoil it for us. Isn't that right, Abella?" Dennis looked at his sister, who responded with a warm smile.
"Let's continue this conversation upstairs," Winston said, reaching to put his arm around Abella's shoulders again.
The simultaneous stares from Steven, Ethan, and Dennis made him freeze mid-motion. Really? Was this necessary?
It was simply habit. Now that he was close to his sister, did he need their permission for every gesture?
"Abella, is there anywhere special you'd like to visit for Christmas?" Dennis quickly positioned himself on Abella's right, edging Winston aside.
Not to be outdone, Ethan swiftly claimed Abella's left side. "Whatever you're interested in, just tell me. Camila and I both have time to accompany you."
"As if you're the only one with a girlfriend," Winston pressed forward competitively. "Nicole would love to spend time with you too. She's in excellent health now—hiking, rock climbing, whatever you fancy. You could even work on pharmaceutical projects together."
Nicole's expertise in drug formulation was something Abella had known for quite some time—she had once used her homemade poison against Abella during their earlier encounters.
"Why discuss pharmaceuticals during Christmas? How inauspicious! Abella, Camila would be delighted to go shopping and dining with you."
"As if the rest of us don't eat!" Dennis shot back, refusing to yield ground.
Abella found herself caught in the middle as her brothers jostled for position, until Steven's voice cut through their competition: "Your sister-in-law is also available."
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