Chapter 323 I Didn't Expect Jessica to Have This Identity
"My show just aired its finale a few days ago," Jessica said with a smile. "You can't catch it on TV now unless you look it up online. The network hasn't started reruns yet."
Kimberly quickly changed the subject. "Yeah, I saw an interview about a TV show in the entertainment news. I looked it up on my tablet and found out that Jessica is an actress. I've never met a celebrity before, so I'm really curious about you."
Imogen's brow furrowed. "An actress?"
"What's wrong with being an actress? It's a legit job, and every profession deserves respect," Michael said, catching the disdain in Imogen's tone. "It's only the second day of New Year, and it's rare for you to come back. We finally get to have dinner together, so let's keep it pleasant."
Imogen suddenly smiled. "Dad, you can biase all you want. As your daughter-in-law, I can't argue with what you approve of. But the Harriman family is prestigious. Even when Nicholas gets married, he must find someone suitable in every aspect. Gabriel is even more different; as the heir to the Harriman family and currently in charge, it's one thing if he doesn't marry a lady from a prominent family, but an actress from the entertainment industry? Isn't that too much of a disparity? Such a difference would be a laughingstock in all circles."
"Imogen!" Michael suddenly slammed his forks down. "I told you to say less. Are you deliberately trying to upset me?"
Imogen had no intention of backing down. She already disliked this Jessica who appeared out of nowhere, and finding out she was an actress made her even more furious.
These so-called celebrities might be seen as glamorous and admirable by others, but to the upper class, they were just accessories. Male stars dreamed of marrying into wealthy families, and female stars dreamed of becoming wealthy wives. They would do anything, no matter how lowly or scheming, to climb up the social ladder.
How could a woman from the entertainment industry possibly marry into the Harriman family?
Imogen stared directly at Jessica. "You know very well whether you deserve Gabriel or not. Where do you get the confidence to sit here and dine with the Harriman family?"
Michael's face was already dark with anger as he glared at her, ready to say something more.
Gabriel raised his gaze at this moment, giving Imogen a cold glance, his eyes also sweeping over Kimberly, who had accidentally brought up the topic. His gaze was as cold as a winter night.
"Every profession serves a purpose. Since you coincidentally saw Jessica's interview on TV the first night you returned, it shows she has enough capability in her field," Gabriel said with a calm and stern tone. "This kind of topic is not something I usually consider or discuss, but since you brought it up, I can tell you clearly that I chose Jessica. I will give her enough freedom, not interfering with her work or her personal life. She doesn't depend on anyone to live; she has her own job and lifestyle."
Gabriel didn't give Imogen a chance to interrupt, continuing in his usual cold manner, "When she marries into the family and becomes Mrs. Jessica Harriman, she can still choose the work she likes. She can live a privileged life or continue to be a top-tier actress. This is the respect and freedom I give her, and no one has the right to interfere."
"Gabriel, you..."
Before she could finish, Gabriel cut her off again, "Jessica hails from the Washington Jenner lineage, and her father is Eugene from Sunroy Group. Although the Xyleria Jenner family is currently under investigation, her grandfather is still a significant figure in Washington's financial sector. Are you sure she doesn't meet your so-called standards?"
Imogen hadn't expected Jessica to have such a background. She hadn't had time to look into Jessica's background since yesterday.
She glanced at Jessica again, still with obvious disdain. No matter whose daughter or granddaughter she was, it didn't change the fact that she was an actress.
An actress, in her eyes, was simply too cheap!
Jessica had already put down her utensils. "Aunt Imogen, I admit my job is acting, and that's all I do. I rarely participate in variety shows, nor do I sing on stage to entertain the audience. I simply act in front of the camera to tell a complete story. Apart from endorsements, I don't engage in any unsavory commercial activities."
"You mean you're pure?" Imogen sneered. "If you're, how did you manage to meet Gabriel? Without some means and connections, how could you get into Gabriel's circle? How could you be with Gabriel? Besides, how could that industry be pure?"
Michael wasn't entirely clear on how Jessica and Gabriel met, but hearing the latter part, he suddenly slammed the table in anger. "The First Lady once sang on TV, standing where entertainment stars stand, but she sang songs of heroism! From her family background to her life experiences to now, every step is legendary. Jessica is legitimately acting in TV dramas, and she will follow the path of an artist. With the Harriman family backing her, no one will dare to see her as a mere star. Drop your useless prejudices. Say one more word, and you can leave. No need to eat, go back to the Y Country!"
Imogen didn't expect to be the one being told to leave. It was clear Michael had been holding back out of respect for her, but now he was genuinely angry because of her rude words.
"Dad!" Imogen frowned at him. "You're being unreasonable!"
"You're the one being unreasonable!" Michael frowned. "I just ask you one thing, can you eat properly?"
At the same time, Michael gave Kimberly a cold look. His initial unfamiliarity with his granddaughter had turned into instant dislike.
How could it be such a coincidence that she saw Jessica on TV?
Especially seeing her now comforting Imogen with a submissive look, Michael was displeased. He turned to Gabriel and Jessica. "Eat!"
Imogen suddenly stood up, "Kimberly and I didn't eat much tonight, we're done. Enjoy your meal, Dad."
With that, she pulled Kimberly out, clearly feeling humiliated and upset by Michael's public reprimand.
