Chapter 219 – Returning to Her Not-So-Poor Family

Filed To Story: Returning to Her Not-So-Poor Family

“I always say Bella’s beauty outshines her mom’s. Look at her eyebrows, her features, her aura,” Beverly chimed in, singing Mirabella’s praises.

“Hi, Uncle,” Mirabella greeted him politely.

“Hey there! Glad to see you finally back home. You must’ve had it rough out there. Don’t worry; from now on, we’ve got your back. If you need anything, just holler! We’re all family now, and we’re here to look out for you!”

Thanks, Uncle,” Mirabella said, then gave Beverly a glance, “and thank you, Auntie.”

“This kid’s got manners!” Lucas chuckled. “I heard you’re not just a whiz kid but also a pro at running a company. That deserves some reward!”

With that, Lucas pulled out a bank card he had prepared. “Just a little reward from us. Welcome home. The PIN’s six zeros go on, splurge a little!”

Mirabella was speechless. Another bank card? Why was everyone in this family so keen on handing her bank cards?

“You guys got her a present and a bank card,” said Louisa, her heart warmed by the attention lavished on Mirabella.

“The bank card is our way of welcoming Bella back home, a small token from us. The present is for acing her exams,” Lucas explained, offering the bank card.

But Mirabella stepped back, saying politely, “Thanks, Uncle, but I really don’t need the card.”

“Look at her, still playing coy with me!” Lucas laughed, looking at Beverly.

Beverly quickly stepped in, stuffing the card into Mirabella’s pocket. “This is from us; just take it! It’s not a fortune, just a little something. If you don’t, we’ll be up all night worrying!”

Mirabella started to refuse, but her mom cut in, “Just accept their gift, honey!”

After all, they weren’t short on cash, and they liked showing their affection with money. If she didn’t let them, they’d definitely be tossing and turning all night.

Mirabella sighed inwardly. Watching Beverly tuck the card into her pocket and then give her a warm smile, she thanked them again.

“You silly goose, there’s no need for formalities with family!” Beverly said, then checked her watch. “Where on earth is Alma?”

She glanced at Mirabella, as if to explain, “She ran into a friend here earlier and went to say hi. It’s been 20 minutes, and she’s still not back. I’ll give her a ring.”

“No need; let her chat with her friend. It’s fine,” Louisa said quickly.

“But Bella’s here, and the food’s almost ready. We can’t keep everyone waiting for her, can we?” Beverly retorted, pulling out her phone to dial Alma’s number.

The next second, a melodious ringtone sounded from the doorway. The handle jiggled, and the door swung open.

A stunning and haughty girl walked through the door, followed by a nanny.

“Is Alma here?” Beverly ended her call at once, pretending to be cross. “Why are you so slow, child? Your cousin is already here! And Lina, why didn’t you remind her?”

Nanny Lina immediately bowed her head, apologizing, “I’m sorry, ma’am, my bad.”

“Come here, let me introduce you. This is your cousin, Mirabella Collins. Mirabella, this is your cousin, Alma.”

Mirabella grinned, realizing the girl who bumped into her and stepped on her foot at the mall without apologizing today was actually her cousin, Alma. Wasn’t she the one who said that QY’s clothes looked ordinary and not worthwhile to buy after looking around?

Why was she head to toe in QY today?

Alma’s face turned red as she noticed Mirabella’s gaze, as if someone had just slapped her.

Perhaps it was unexpected to encounter Mirabella here. A trace of surprise flashed across her face, but she quickly regained her composure, forcing a calm demeanor, and asked, “Mom, is she really the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Collins?”

“Yes, she is. Now say hello!”

Alma was a bit sour to find out that her cousin could casually wear shoes worth two hundred grand.

“What are you standing there for? Say hello!” Beverly looked at her sternly, then turned to the others and laughed. “She’s probably starstruck by her gorgeous cousin, right?”

“Ma’am, you might not know, but Ms. Alma was ticked off today! She said she met a very rude girl at the mall.”

Before Lina could finish, Alma interrupted lowly, “Lina!”

Lina didn’t know that the “rude” girl mentioned was Mirabella and thought that Alma didn’t want to talk about it because she didn’t want to ruin the mood. So, she added on her own, “Ms. Alma has never been wronged since she was little! Ma’am, we need to deal with this Who dares to mess with our young lady?”

Mirabella chuckled at this and said coolly, “I think the one who was wronged was the person you stepped on and bumped into without apologizing, right?” Beverly was confused. “What’s going on?”

Louisa was quick to catch on: “Mirabella, did you meet Alma before? Do you know what happened?”

“Yeah, we have.” Mirabella shrugged. “Alma bumped into someone, stepped on them, and didn’t want to apologize. That person’s shoes cost two hundred grand, and she decided to pay twenty grand for dry cleaning, but”

Everyone chimed in, “But what?”

“That person didn’t accept the money but donated it instead. I guess that’s why Alma is upset.”

Alma was fuming but didn’t dare say anything in case Mirabella revealed who was next.

The dinner party tonight was centered around Mirabella, and she would be reprimanded by all the parents.

Mirabella anticipated this and looked at her with a glint in her eye.

“You child!” Beverly finally understood the situation and scolded Alma, “You bumped into someone, stepped on their shoes, and didn’t even say sorry? That’s too much!”

“Mom.”

“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 Mirabella 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 Mirabella. “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 Mirabella stood up, Beverly masked her emotions with a smile and quickly noted the shoes Mirabella 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.

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