Filed To Story: Returning to Her Not-So-Poor Family
Ophelia was thrilled to receive Hans’ commendation. “Having Hans’ approval means the world to me.
I’ll definitely keep it up.”
Sean, standing to the side, struggled to get a word in. Just as he was about to speak, the group had already made their way into the living room.
There were six elders seated on the sofas, of whom Ophelia was stunned at first glance.
Not only did Mirabella’s grandparents and aunts and uncles rise to greet her warmly, shaking her hand and engaging in friendly conversation, but they also treated her almost like a member of their ownfamily!
Ophelia thanked them profusely for their hospitality and followed their lead, calling them Grandma Darren, Grandpa Belinda, Auntie, and Uncle, just as Mirabella did.
“In the future, you don’t need to bring gifts when you come to our home. We’re all delighted to have you here. Feel free to visit anytime you like,” Eunice expressed warmly with a smile. “Now, you and Bella enjoy your chat. We elders will leave you be.”
Eunice and Bard were the first to head upstairs, not wanting to overwhelm the youngsters with too many people around.
“Stay as long as you like, treat this place like your own home, no need to be formal,” Bard added kindly before leaving.
“Thanks, Uncle and Auntie,” Ophelia said. Hardly had she finished speaking before Bernard came over with a fresh cup of tea and Cornelia followed, presenting a plate of pastries.
Ophelia quickly stood up to accept them, saying, “Grandpa and Grandma, you’re too kind. I can manage on my own, but thank you.”
Bernard and Cornelia fussed over her a bit more, saying, “Well, you and Bella have a nice chat. We’re going to head upstairs.”
“Take care, Grandpa and Grandma,” Ophelia called out as they left.
Ophelia watched their retreating figures. But she barely had a moment before Mirabella’s maternal grandparents came over with a fruit platter, urging her to help herself generously.
“Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma. It’s just, I feel bad seeing you serving fruit to someone younger like me,” she said, her voice with genuine concern.
“That’s what we should do, dear,” they replied warmly. “It’s more appropriate for us the elders to look after you. Now, you and Bella enjoy your time. It’s not often we have you over, so don’t rush off. Both our family, and Bella in particular, are happy you could come.”
“I’ll stay a while longer,” Ophelia assured them, grateful for their hospitality.
Louisa, afraid she would impose on their gathering, also parted with Kenneth. They soon left the living room, leaving behind the brothers and the two girls.
With the elders gone, the atmosphere became more relaxed.
“Bella’s never been one to invite friends over, so the family’s excited, maybe a bit too eager. Hope we didn’t startle you, Ms. Almond,” Hans said.Ophelia was quick to reply, “Oh, not at all. I’m just so happy for Bella. To come back to such a loving family, and to see how much you all care for her. It makes me happy, too. Bella’s been through some rough times, but it looks like she’s finally found her silver lining.”
Then she quickly changed the subject, not wanting to delve into past sorrows, adding, “This family’s hospitality is truly something else, a cut above the Meltons. The Meltons were awful, except for Grannie Grace, of course.”
She shot Mirabella a smile, careful not to offend.
She knew all too well the place Grannie Grace held in Mirabella’s heart.
The brothers were surprised by Ophelia’s candor in openly criticizing the Meltons in front of everyone.
It was clear she harbored deep resentment on Bella’s behalf.
“Thank goodness fate turned the tables, letting them get a taste of the hardship Bella endured,”
Ophelia added, her words full of empathy for her friend.
“Bella’s lucky to have such a caring and genuine friend like you. I’m pleased for her,” Hans said with a soft smile. “I hear you’ve just returned from abroad, Ms. Almond. You were pursuing opportunities overseas?”
“Yes, I was involved in a project in Belloria, but someone kept throwing wrenches in the works, so it hasn’t been going smoothly,” Ophelia explained—that accounted for her extended stay abroad.
“Someone causing trouble? Bella’s brother Sean has some influence in Belloria; he might be able to help. Who’s been giving you trouble?” Hans asked, then turned to Sean, “Did you know Ms. Almond before this?”
“Not personally,” Sean replied. He knew of her, but she was unaware of him.To the outside world, he was just the infamous Sheen, and she was none the wiser.
“Well, this is a good time to get acquainted. It’ll be great to have someone to watch your back in Belloria. From my knowledge, you both share a passion for sports and racing,” Hans said, looking between Sean and Ophelia. “My brother’s team, Drift Swifts, has made a name for itself in Belloria.
Ever heard of it, Ms. Almond?”
Drift Swifts! So, Sheen was Sean?
Ophelia’s eyes widened in disbelief as she glanced over at Mirabella, who seemed to be in on the secret all along.
A smirk played on Mirabella’s lips, leaving Ophelia feeling like the only one left in the dark.
But something didn’t add up. If Drift Swifts was Sean’s brainchild, then he must be the “Sheen”. So why on earth had he been at odds with his own sister?
When Bella stepped in to race on Ophelia’s behalf, she’d even mentioned that her brother was a real piece of work..
And before that, the siblings had been at each other’s throats!
Could it be that Bella hadn’t recognized her own brother? And that Sean was clueless to the fact that he was bullying his own sister?
It sounded like a soap opera plot, far too coincidental to be true.
Sean’s attempt to stop Hans from blowing his cover was in vain. He noticed that Ophelia was quite surprised, and her eyes filled with unspeakable thoughts. Had Drift Swifts left a bad impression on her?
Ophelia hadn’t expected the infamous Sheen to be Mirabella’s brother. No wonder everyone said he was a force to be reckoned with, with an impressive background that made people hesitant to cross him.
Who would dare mess with Sheen?Especially when the young master’s tactics were known to be ruthless and merciless, his fierce reputation well-established.
“I can’t believe Drift Swifts is founded by Sean.”
Ophelia felt a sense of relief. Thank goodness Bella had won the race. If it was an outsider who had shown up Sean, well, who knew how grim their fate would be.
“It seems Ms. Almond has heard of them?” Hans, unaware of their previous encounters, gave her a warm smile, as if looking at his own sister.
“Then you must have heard of my brother’s right-hand man—Eagle. If things weren’t so complicated, Eagle could handle it alone.”
“Hans!” Sean couldn’t believe Hans had revealed “Eagle” as well. Now he was finished.
When Ophelia heard the name “Eagle,” she thought she’d misheard!
The very person who was a thorn in the side of her project was called “Eagle”!
Eagle was arrogant and lawless, a man no one in both the underworld and the legitimate world could touch.
He and his crew had been harassing her project repeatedly, forcing it to a standstill. She despised this Eagle to the core.
And now Hans was saying this man was Sean’s subordinate?
Why would Sean meddle with her project? What had she done to displease this man?
The look Ophelia gave Sean was beyond surprise and shock.Sean felt that he couldn’t clear his name even if he jumped into the Mississippi River. He could do nothing but suggested, “Let’s give Bella and her friend some space to catch up. We shouldn’t intrude on their reunion.”
“Let’s first hear about the troubles Ms. Almond is facing. No rush.” Hans’s voice was still caring, showing no intention of leaving.
“I won’t bother Sean—ah, I mean, Brother Sean, with my little issues.”
Hearing Ophelia’s repeated “Brother Sean,” Sean became a bit restless, “Stop calling me like that.”
Ophelia flinched at his tone—she was right. Sean didn’t like her one bit! He must have been tolerating her for Bella’s sake all along!
From the beginning, Sean had been mostly silent.
And now, he was speaking with a hint of impatience.
It must be her calling him “Brother Sean” that had bothered him.
“Look, Sean, I should have called you by ‘Mr. Sean’. I’m so sorry,” Ophelia quickly corrected herself, her cheeks coloring with embarrassment.
Hans shot his younger brother a warning glance that said, “That’s Bella’s friend. And you’re scaring her!
What’s with the attitude?”
“That was your fault, Sean. She was just trying to show you some respect, calling you ‘Brother Sean’
because of Bella. And here you are, freaking her out. Apologize to Bella’s friend!” Clark couldn’t stand it any longer, emphasizing that Ophelia was “Bella’s friend”!
That’s MY sister’s friend, so you’d better be nice!
There was also pressure from Hans’s demanding stare: “Apologize.”
It was as if they all thought Sean was out of line. If it was that Sean didn’t want to help Ms. Almond or he found it bothersome, he could’ve just said so. There was no need to be so cold that he wouldn’t even let Ophelia call him by “Brother Sean.”
Feeling utterly wronged, Sean didn’t know how to explain that he didn’t want to be brothers and sisters with Ophelia, and now he had caused a huge misunderstanding. Ophelia, too intimidated to even glance at him, picked up her cup and took a few sips of coffee to distract herself. Poor Sean was at a loss for words.
Mirabella, however, read the situation and offered a gentle smile. “Didn’t Hans just suggest that Sean get to know my friend, make a new buddy? What Sean means is, since they’re friends, there’s no need for formalities like brother and sister, just first names are fine, right, Sean?”
“Yeah, exactly, that’s what I meant! My sis gets me!” Sean was eager to clear up any misunderstanding, his tone shifting to a more careful and almost timid inflection.Ophelia hadn’t expected Mirabella to come up with such a smooth explanation on Sean’s behalf.
What Mirabella didn’t know was that Sean had been putting up roadblocks on her projects behind the scenes.
If she found out, she’d definitely think Sean disliked Ophelia personally!
But for Mirabella’s sake, Ophelia maintained a polite facade, “I guess I misunderstood you, Sean. But since you’re Bella’s brother, it feels rude to just call you by your first name. I’ll stick with ‘Brother Sean,’