Chapter 511
Chapter 511
Her tone was calm, controlled-but there was no sincerity in it.
Nathan nodded slowly. “Very well p>
Nathan didn’t say anything. He chose instead to focus on the food in front of him. The silence that had lingered slowly gave way to light conversation again.
Selena smiled, as if that alone was enough to signal, she had been accepted back into this family.
They began eating the dishes the servers had prepared.
At first, the conversation flowed easily-about Felicia’s trip, the extreme weather where she lived, plans for the coming days, including Josh and Grace returning to school, and even updates on Lydia’s new client and recent collaboration.
But gradually, Selena started to take over the conversation.
“It turns out having dinner with family like this feels really nice,” she said with a broad smile. “Warm, comfortable, full of closeness. I’ve never experienced an atmosphere like this before p>
Chris, who happened to be sitting across from her, gave a brief nod without offering any comment.
Selena glanced at him. “Chris, you’re still the same as ever. So quiet, as if you never have anything to say p>
Chris lifted his eyebrow slightly. “Maybe p>
“Oh, don’t be like that,” Selena chuckled. “We’ve known each other for a long time, haven’t we p>
Chris chose to focus on his slice of grilled meat.
“Do you remember our friend Pablo? He contacted me recently. He couldn’t believe I’ve finally been able to speak openly about Eli p>
Chris responded with a simple “oh.” After that, he clearly lost interest. Instead, he joined in on Lydia’s comment about a particularly troublesome client, and the two of them laughed together.
Selena growled inwardly but forced herself to stay calm. She shifted her attention to Cale. “I didn’t expect you to join us tonight, Cale. I hear you’ve been extremely busy lately, handling some big matters p>
Cale glanced at her briefly. “Perhaps p>
“Be careful not to exhaust yourself,” Selena continued, feigning concern. “Someone like you is far too valuable to fall ill p>
“Right,” Cale replied shortly, then returned his attention to his meal.
Selena smiled, but it was clearly forced. She couldn’t accept being ignored like this-especially when, as time went on, Althea seemed to dominate the table’s attention. No, Althea wasn’t talking much, but she kept receiving support from every direction, particularly when it came to her husband.
Selena spoke again, this time louder, as if to make sure everyone heard her. “I’ve always thought this family was extraordinary. So solid. No wonder so many people lean on you p>
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Althea slowly lifted her gaze. At Selena’s words, the previously lively atmosphere around the table began to quiet.
“You know,” Selena continued as she stirred her food, “sometimes I find it strange. Some people are so lucky. They have nothing, yet they get to live comfortably in a house this large. Surrounded by attention. Fully supported p>
The clinking of cutlery gradually stopped. Grace looked up in confusion. Josh shot a sharp, hostile glance at the woman sitting at the far end of the table.
His instincts told him one thing clearly: that crazy woman had just started saying things that were bound to
cause another scene.
Josh wasn’t going to stay silent.
Meanwhile, Althea chose to remain quiet.
“For example,” Selena said, turning toward Althea without hesitation, “someone who arrives carrying enormous problems. A business on the brink of collapse. A once-great name now stained by a major scandal. Not to mention decisions from the authorities that could very well lead to serious legal consequences p>
Selena felt all eyes shift to her. So she kept going, even when Eli glanced at her with visible unease. Selena didn’t care. What mattered was this-she had to be the center of attention in this house. Not Althea.
“And
yet, that person can still live comfortably,” Selena continued, “because this family is simply too kind p>
Althea slowly set her spoon down. Her eyes followed every movement, every gesture Selena made, trying to discern what the woman truly wanted.
“Who exactly are you talking about?” Riana asked coldly.
Selena smiled faintly. “Oh, I’m just speaking in general. But isn’t that the reality?” Her gaze flicked toward Althea and her children. “Isn’t Daven Callister headed toward… bankruptcy right now p>
Grace, who understood none of it, could only look up at her mother in confusion. Josh, however, stood up immediately.
“That’s enough,” Josh said firmly.
Selena turned to him. “I’m just stating facts, Josh. That’s how the news is reporting it, isn’t it p>
“Facts that don’t belong at a dinner table,” Josh shot back sharply.
“Octa, please take Grace to her room. Prepare the food she likes. Don’t forget the cut fruit I already put in the refrigerator,” Althea interjected. The servant named Octa moved at once, carrying out the order without hesitation.
After Grace left the dining room, Althea raised her hand. “Josh, sit down. This is my matter p>
“But, Mom p>
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