Chapter 234

Sophia was already on the high-speed train back to her hometown.

It was Eleanor Yuan's eightieth birthday.

The three Sullivan brothers had decided to throw a lavish celebration.

All the younger generation, including Sophia, were required to attend.

The festivities would last three days.

It wasn't a holiday, so she had to request time off.

Professor Eleanor Watson was abroad at an academic summit.

Due to the time difference, Sophia sent a Leave email.

The professor was very understanding.

She not only approved the leave but also asked Sophia to convey her birthday wishes.

The train arrived at the station at two in the afternoon.

Isabella Sullivan came to pick her up.

"Where's Dad?" Sophia asked, finding it odd not to see him.

Isabella had a driver's license but disliked driving.

David Sullivan was usually the chauffeur.

But today...

Isabella sighed. "Your father is busy."

"It's Sunday. He doesn't teach."

What could he be busy with?

Isabella let out another sigh.

Sophia grew more curious.

"It's a long story..."

It was a milestone birthday, and the old woman loved a lively gathering.

Relatives had started arriving two days early.

Accommodating over a dozen people became an issue.

The elderly couple lived with the eldest son, William Sullivan, in his villa.

But the villa wasn't that large, with only four suites.

William occasionally hosted friends at home.

Having a bunch of country relatives move in was... unsuitable.

"Theboss's place is out of the question!" Eleanor declared at the family meeting, her tone as domineering as ever.

Her sharp eyes swept over Charles and David Sullivan.

Since the eldest was unsuitable, the burden naturally fell to the second and third sons.

Victoria Sullivan spoke first. "Mom, my place can fit two people."

"Don't be ridiculous!" Eleanor scoffed. "Your tiny two-bedroom apartment is decorated so delicately. Those relatives would probably wreck it in one night. You might not care, but I do!"

After her divorce, Victoria had embraced a chic, powerful woman aesthetic.

Her home was tastefully furnished.

She likely didn't truly want her rural relatives staying over.

But with Eleanor's decree, as the daughter, she had to show willingness.

She knew the old woman wouldn't actually let her suffer losses.

With one sentence, Victoria was off the hook.

The pressure shifted to David and Charles Sullivan.

David opened his mouth to speak.

But Charles's wife, Chloe Sullivan Sullivan, smiled and cut in. "Mom's arrangement is considerate, sparing bother and sister. Charles and I want to help, but our circumstances just don't allow it..."

"You see, my parents just gave us their place at Lakeside Pearl to live in. The old couple moved into our previous old apartment. It's move-in ready, but we still have to buy all the furniture and appliances ourselves."

"My parents hinted that since they're helping us out so much at their age, perhaps you, old woman, could also lend a hand?"

Eleanor's face darkened slightly.

Chloe Sullivan quickly changed tack. "I said absolutely not! You're already relying entirely on brother and his wife. How could you possibly have money to help us?"

Eleanor's expression softened a little.

"So I didn't bring it up to you. No matter how difficult, Charles and I will shoulder the cost of furnishing the place ourselves. But right now, with things still half-empty, having to host relatives and friends... it's just too embarrassing..."

"I have thick skin and don't care about losing face myself. But I'm afraid the relatives will ask why we live in such a nice neighborhood but haven't even bought a washing machine. We can't very well say we're broke, that my parents gave us the house but no spare cash, and that our in-laws didn't help either..."

"After the banquet, the relatives will just leave, and who knows what rumors they'll spread back home. Charles and I don't care; we barely go back anyway. But we're worried about your reputation, Mom."

"Of course, if you think it's fine, then they are welcome to stay. I love a bustling atmosphere!"

Chloe Sullivan finished her rapid-fire speech with a bright smile, waiting for the old woman's response.

Internally, she was seething—

Their new home, barely moved into, and they were supposed to let country bumpkins stay?

Only a fool would agree!

Eleanor's eyes flickered.

"Since you've just moved and aren't fully set up, forget it. It's my birthday. I can't have guests without access to a washing machine."

"Exactly," Chloe Sullivan sighed, unable to suppress a smirk. "If only our parents could support us a little more, life wouldn't be so tight... Oh, Mom, don't misunderstand. I meant my own parents, not you."

Eleanor: "..." She hadn't been overthinking it, but now she certainly was.

However, the old woman made no comment on the implied request for "support."

Chloe Sullivan secretly curled her lip. Stingy old woman!

But she had to admit, the old woman knew how to manipulate people.

At least she had Eleanor figured out.

William Sullivan sat in the host's seat, silent throughout.

He was very busy. If not for the changed schedule, he should have been at the office.

His wife, Sophia Sullivan, tried to smooth things over. "Actually, we could accommodate some people here. Maybe we could arrange—"

Eleanor cut her off with a wave. "I already said, the boss's place is not an option."

Sophia smiled faintly and fell silent.

William stood up. "Enough arguing," he stated directly. "Book several rooms at the banquet hotel. It's convenient and hassle-free for them to stay there."

Chloe Sullivan immediately chimed in. "brother's consideration is so thorough! I think that works!"

"Stay in a hotel?" Eleanor's face fell. "How much will that cost?"

William sighed. "Mom, I'll pay for it. Don't worry about the money."

"No! You already cover日常 expenses for your father and me. You're paying for the banquet too. It's not like we only had you one son! Having relatives come for a celebration and making them stay outside? It's not right!"

Charles's eyes gleamed. "Mom, I don't like hearing that."

William was paying for the banquet, but he was also keeping the money.

He and Chloe Sullivan had colleagues and friends coming too. They'd have to return the favors later. Who was benefiting from whom wasn't clear!

Eleanor insisted, "Anyway, I refuse to have them stay outside! Hosting guests must be done at home to be proper. Otherwise, who knows what they'll say behind our backs back in the village! At my age, I won't live without dignity!"

Chloe Sullivan's eyes darted. "Mom's concern makes sense. I have an idea..."

Everyone turned to look at her.