Chapter 457

“You really hit the jackpot with a generous one, didn’t you? She donated all the compensation

money you gave her. By now, you should realize there’s always someone out there who’s stronger

than you.”

Beverly paused a moment before adding, “Your cousin saw the whole thing; lucky for us, we’re family,

and she didn’t laugh at you. But if you mess up again, I’m freezing your bank account!”

“I get it,” Alma mumbled, looking at Arabella with clear resentment.

Serena watched the scene and couldn’t help but feel a rush of satisfaction.

“Since this is just a minor hiccup, let’s leave it in the past,” Lucas said, trying to lighten the mood. “Bella

just got off work; she must be hungry. Lina, ring the bell for the waiter to serve the dishes.”

“Okay,” Lina said, pressing the button with an awkward look. She hadn’t expected things to play out

like this.

Alma muttered, “Off work?”

She couldn’t believe her young cousin, who seemed to be only seventeen or eighteen, was already

working.

Hearing her, Beverly took the opportunity to encourage her. “Your cousin took over a fashion company

under our corporate umbrella as soon as she got home, and she’s doing an amazing job. You should

learn from her!”

Alma was surprised to learn that the person who had been causing a stir at the fashion company was

her cousin, not some high–ranking executive. Turned out the girl was quite capable!

“Your cousin aced her college entrance exam. She’s not only good at academics; she’s competent and

beautiful.” Beverly couldn’t stop praising Arabella. “Lina, hold on; we’re not all here yet,” Kenneth

Collins said, seeing Lina about to ring the bell.

Everyone was curious, who else was coming?

“David’s been home recently; he’ll be here soon, as will Romeo.”

“Romeo’s coming?” Beverly was surprised; her face relaxed instantly. “Romeo rarely attends such

events.”

“He’s dating Bella.” Kenneth had barely finished speaking when there was a knock at the door.

“Bella, it must be Romeo; go check!”

As Arabella stood up, Beverly masked her emotions with a smile and quickly noted the shoes Arabella

was wearing, a pair of QY private custom ones, worth about two hundred thousand dollars. She quickly

understood everything and gave Alma a stern look.

Alma lowered her head; her breathing became lighter. She didn’t expect her mother to figure things out

so quickly.

As Arabella opened the door, Romeo McMillian was standing there, looking very formal and handsome,

giving off a meeting–the–parents vibe.

“I was held up; sorry for being late,” Romeo said affectionately to Arabella. “Are your parents here?”

“Yes, they’re all in there.”

“When I meet your parents, you should give me some courage, right?” Romeo extended his hand to

her as she turned to leave, looking at her expectantly.

He had met her parents many times before; he had been to her house countless times; his courage

was no less than anyone else’s; he just wanted an opportunity to hold her hand.

Seeing that she didn’t react, Romeo walked up to her and took her hand.

The two families sitting at the table watched them walk in hand in hand, and the sharp–eyed Beverly

suddenly noticed the necklace around Arabella’s neck, which was the globally famous, invaluable

crown necklace once owned by Shirley McMillian!