Chapter104 The Lowe Family Banquet (2)
Isabella couldn't stand idly by when her aunt made such remarks. She'd invited her big sister over and wouldn't let anyone mistreat her.
"Aunt, when is your daughter arriving? Is she avoiding giving me a present by claiming she's busy?"
She deftly shifted the conversation, and soon no one was dwelling on her eldest sister's past.
Even though she was quite young at the time, unaware of the specifics, she had overheard bits and pieces about her eldest sister throughout the years. It was clear that she had gotten pregnant with someone else's child.
Subsequently, she was sent away to the old family estate, and then she vanished without a trace.
She didn't know her sister had returned until she overheard her mom mention it! Eager for a reunion, she got her sister's number from her mom and arranged a meetup.
When they met, her joy was genuine; she'd missed her sister so much after all this time apart.
Melissa glanced at her husband, who was clearly displeased and frowning. She had been whispering in his ear about her sister for years, and he was firmly on her side by now.
He saw Eula as the black sheep, a stain on the Lowe family's reputation. In a situation like today's, he wouldn't lift a finger to help her.
"Kristina’s staying with her boyfriend tonight, but she'll join us after dinner," she boasted with a smirk that spread nearly to her ears.
The curiosity around the table was palpable. "Kristina has a boyfriend? That was fast!"
"Just recently we talked about finding a good match for Kristina, and now it's all settled?"
Aunt Carol chimed in, "Who is he? Why hasn't she brought him over for us to vet him?"
"Yeah! Is he from a wealthy family? If he's just an average Joe, we'd have to think twice."
"We don’t want Kristina to get lost in love and make a mistake..."
Remembering Eula's past, Aunt Angie began to speak her mind but stopped short, casting a sidelong glance at Eula. In a gesture of begrudging respect, she said nothing outright.
Melissa watched, waiting for their questions, playing coy on purpose.
"They're just starting out, but his family really likes Kristina. She's already visited their home twice! We haven't met him yet, though. Let's see how it goes!"
Seeing Melissa's delight, everyone grew even more curious.
"Sis, who is it? Spill the beans so we can all share your joy!"
Melissa gave Eula a chilly look, then raised her voice.
"The Nash family, Judson Nash."
At that name, the table fell silent—a quiet that lasted perhaps a second—before everyone spoke at once.
"Judson Nash?"
They exchanged looks, each feeling a twinge of regret. They had all hoped their own daughters might have a chance with the Nash family, but now that hope was dashed. Kristina certainly was lucky.
To think, the daughter of a mistress ended up as the lady of the house and now was on her way into the Nash family. Fate was indeed on her side.
"Congratulations, big sis!"
"Kristina is so fortunate."
As Eula observed the table, everyone began to flatter Melissa, embracing the turn of events.
"Hey sis, you're going to have some great days ahead with such an impressive son-in-law. I'm envious!" Mrs. Thompson commented with a wry smile, her eyes flicking momentarily over to her own daughter, Anna. Despite Anna being more attractive and holding a more prestigious degree than Kristina, somehow, the golden ticket had eluded her.
Anna shifted her gaze away, feigning indifference to the conversation.
Just then, Kristina walked in holding a top-brand shopping bag, which she placed in front of Isabella.
"Happy Birthday, Isabella!"
Isabella, seeing the impressive gift, couldn't help but acknowledge it. "Thanks, Kristina."
Finding a seat next to Eula, who had an empty space beside her—as no one seemed eager to sit with Eula—Kristina settled in comfortably.
