Chapter 198

Nina took the glass of water and responded lightly.
“He is so thoughtful, always thinking of his wife!”
To others, their small gestures seemed like banter and teasing, which made Nina feel a bit uncomfortable.
Nash raised his glass and chuckled, “Of course, I have to spoil my own wife.”
“Oh my, you truly are the best. If my husband had even half your thoughtfulness, we wouldn’t be arguing every day!”
They laughed heartily. Nina didn’t say much, as Nash had already saved face for her. In the eyes of others, she was married into a wealthy family, with a considerate husband, making many envious. Nina was a bit puzzled and asked, “Earlier, these relatives were all cold towards me, but suddenly they became so enthusiastic. Did you secretly do something?”
Nash was skilled at dealing with relatives and might have exchanged some pleasantries. “Nothing much, just a little favor,” he replied.
No wonder. That explained why everyone found him so likable. People tend to become more enthusiastic when they are treated kindly.
Nash’s calm voice spoke again, “As long as your relatives value you, nothing else matters.” His words momentarily stunned Nina. Was he concerned about her being bullied or worried that her relatives would criticize her? Had he intentionally tried to gain favor with them early on to create the illusion of support for her?
Before Nina could fully process this, someone else called out, “Nash, come over here! Have a drink with me. In all my years of meeting so many people, you’re the first young one I’ve liked!”
Tipsy uncles eagerly waved at Nash, clearly overjoyed. As Nash got up and joined them without any pretense, Nina witnessed a side of him she had never seen before.
In the office or during business discussions, he always maintained a distant and aloof demeanor, lacking warmth. But now, he seemed to let his guard down, engaging in conversation and drinks with the older generation just like anyone else.
This unexpected side of Nash left Lily and Sue feeling infuriatingly jealous, their eyes burning with envy.
It was supposed to be Xander’s funeral, but it turned into a showcase for Nina. No one would remember that someone had died there because of Nina. She was furious and frustrated; she couldn’t even stand the sight of a water cup and slammed it to the ground.
“Just accept your fate,” Lily’s mother said. She looked almost seventy, adorned with jewelry on her neck and hands.
Seeing Lily in a fit of anger, she added sharply, “I opposed your marriage to Xander from the start. Look now, you’ve left with nothing. He’s dead, and you’ve become a widow. Your reputation outside is tarnished.”
Lily looked up at her mother. “Mom, are you going to say that to me too? If it weren’t for Nina, my husband wouldn’t have died, and I wouldn’t be a widow. It’s someone else’s fault!” “And so what?” Her mother glanced at Sue and continued, “Both daughters, why can Nina marry into wealth while yours cannot? Fate is different for everyone. You’re just unlucky!”
“Mom, what are you saying? Sue just graduated and hasn’t even dated yet. How can you say such things? She’ll definitely be a hundred times better than Nina in the future!” Lily retorted indignantly. Her daughter would surely surpass everyone else!