Sean suddenly felt he didn’t deserve even passing the mashed potatoes to his sister at the dinner table.
It finally dawned on Steward why Ms. Collins carried herself with such aloof pride when she first walked in - she had the chops to
back it up.
"Sean's no slouch either. He's got a Midas touch with international economies, a sharp eye for investments, and he's got
connections in the legal field and the underground world. Plus, he's into racing, skydiving, rock climbing, you nit, he does it.
Extrsports are like kids’ play to him. Birds of a feather flock together, right? Hahaha."
Steward meant to sing Sean's praises, but a look from Sean shut him up. That look said it all, “Zip it!” Compared to his sister, who
was a top dog in every field, his hobbies sounded frivolously unserious.
"Always fooling around with this and that. You're her brother, tto show sgravitas," Louisa chided gently yet fondly told
Arabella, "Bella, have smore."
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"Sean's already making waves back in Belloria, his reputation's thunderous - puts my younger self to shame," Bard lifted his glass
to drink with his nephew, eyes shimmering with pride and recognition.
"The achievements | and Bard had at our age, Sean's managed at his - and all by himself," Eunice arched her crimson lips into a
stunning smile, drinking with Sean. How many could make the legal and underground worlds stand at attention at such a young
age?
"I think Sean's quite remarkable too," Arabella picked up her glass of lemonade for a toast, "Here's to Sean."
Sean hadn't expected such praise and acknowledgment from his sister, and he drained his glass in one happy gulp.
"Every Collins is a diamond in the rough," Darren said with a beaming grin.
"Absolutely, whether men or women, each one is a young achiever," Belinda's smile was full of contentment.
"Including Ms. Serena Collins, who, under Mr. Kenneth Collins and Mrs. Louisa Collins's meticulous guidance, has been exceptional
since she was little."
Steward's comment, out of the blue, caused Kenneth and Louisa's smiles to freeze on their faces. Not just them. Even Darren,
Belinda, Bard, and Eunice lost their smiles. The harmonious and joyful atmosphere vanished, replaced by a strange silence.
Steward had intended to compliment them on their excellent upbringing; even the adopted daughter was raised so well, but seeing
this scene, he was completely taken aback.
What's going on? Did he say something wrong? Was Serena off-limits?
He looked at Sean, as if asking, “What's happening here?”
Sean's face said, “How would | know?”
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"She's no longer part of this family," Louisa suddenly declared.
Steward's eyes bulged, baffled. What did that mean? Kicked out of the family? Sean looked equally surprised.
"Let's talk about this after dinner," Louisa said, not wishing to dampen the mood over her.
"Con, let's eat," Darren tried to lift the spirits, reaching for the roast chicken first.
Others followed suit, picking at their food, sipping their soup. Although there was still conversation and laughter, the vibe had
shifted palpably from before.
Steward shivered slightly, suddenly finding his food tasteless. Ever since Serena's nwas mentioned, a shadow seemed to fall
over the gathering.
It was all because he couldn't keep his mouth shut!