Chapter 90
The Everly family estate was sprawling, yet it often felt deserted with only Kevin residing there. But today, as Amara stepped inside, the house was alive with chatter and laughter.
In the foyer, Amara changed her shoes and headed in with a gift in hand. Spotting Peter and Bess, she handed them her present and offered birthday wishes to Peter.
Peter and Bess had always been a bit snobby, looking down on Amara in the past. Perhaps Kevin had a word with them, because their attitude towards her had noticeably softened since last meeting.
They started showing respect to Amara. Though their eyes still carried a hint of disdain, they were careful to keep it under wraps now.
Martin and Andrea, on the other hand, were genuinely kind-hearted. Both doctors, they stayed out of the family business matters, though Martin held a four percent stake in the Everly Group, ensuring a comfortable lifestyle from his annual dividends.
Amara’s smile was all the more genuine when she greeted Martin and Andrea. She handed them a gift too, which they accepted with warm compliments. “Ama, you’re such a thoughtful girl. I heard you’re starting a new TV series p>
“Yes, we’re in the middle of filming now p>
“Look at that, your career is really taking off. You’re destined for great things p>
“Indeed, you’ve already got a few acclaimed works under your belt at such a young age. While the family has always been business-oriented, having a successful screenwriter among us is a real honor p>
Martin and Andrea knew how to lay on the charm, and though Amara recognized the flattery for what it was, she enjoyed the praise nonetheless.
But then Celeste, their daughter, sauntered over with a mocking tone. “What Everly family member? She’s about to be shown the door. She’s not really one of us p>
Amara’s smile faded at once. Martin and Andrea were visibly upset, reprimanding, “Celeste, what nonsense are you spouting! Apologize now p>
Celeste, twenty and still in college, had a delicate, if not striking, beauty. She often dressed like a little princess, her personality matching her style.
Upon hearing that, she mumbled defiantly, “Why should I apologize? I’m not going that. Am I not stating facts? She and Finnian are nearly divorced, and look, she cam@alone today. Oh, wait p>
Celeste paused, covering her mouth and feigning surprise with a theatrical laugh.
“I almost forgot. She always attends these gatherings alone. Finnian doesn’t even acknowledge her p>
Her exaggerated tone made Martin
and Andrea Want to lash out, but being composed people, they couldn’t bring themselves to
discipline her publicly. They sai net
sternly, “Is this what you’ve learned in college? How can you be so rude? Apologize to Amara, now!
Celeste just scoffed, arm crossed before the chest, turning her gaze out the window, clearly uninterested in apologizing.
Watching this, Martin and Andrea
were visibly upset with their lips shivering. Busy careers had kept
them from raising Celeste closelyt
leaving her in Peter’s care for a couple of years. She grew up with Hogan, the two shared many traits, and by the time Martin and Andrea realized, it was too late for them to change her ways.