Chapter 438

Isabella Sullivan told the elderly couple the truth about what happened that year.

Anger and hatred were inevitable reactions.

Fortunately, the elderly couple's health was not seriously affected.

Neither of them fainted.

Isabella's anxious heart finally settled.

The elderly couple gradually calmed down.

By the Lantern Festival, they had returned to their normal selves.

The family joyfully celebrated the holiday together.

Isabella and David Sullivan did not return to their city.

The couple decided to stay in Kyoto a while longer after discussing it.

Part of the reason was to keep the elderly couple company.

They were also concerned about the elders' emotional stability.

The old lady's咬牙切齿 expression that day had been truly frightening.

She seemed calm after venting.

But Isabella felt a lingering unease.

David thought she was overthinking it.

"Mom and Dad seem happy every day now. They don't seem troubled."

Isabella shook her head. "You don't understand."

"What don't I understand?"

"I can't explain it. I just have a bad feeling."

This feeling was like...

The calm before a storm.

The calmer it was, the more dangerous it became.

Because—

No one knew when it would erupt!

…

The twentieth day of the first lunar month was Isaac Atlante's eightieth birthday.

The Atlante family had always kept a low profile.

Their social circle had almost forgotten about this family.

Suddenly, they were throwing a grand birthday banquet.

Everyone was surprised when the invitations arrived.

The Atlante family was an old, established family with a century of history and deep roots.

The famous tourist attraction in Kyoto, "Atlante Gardens,"

was once merely the Atlante family's summer retreat.

They still owned five or six such gardens across the country.

They had even more during the Republican era.

Most were destroyed during the war, leaving only these few.

Years ago, an Atlante daughter suddenly disappeared.

Some rumors said she was kidnapped.

Some said she ran away to avoid an arranged marriage.

Others said she was murdered.

Isaac Atlante and Florence Atlante were devastated from then on.

It was said they retired abroad and never returned.

No one expected…

Such big news to break at the start of the year.

Everyone was astonished.

"I heard this banquet isn't just for the birthday."

"The Atlante family is also recognizing their long-lost second daughter."

"Recognizing her and bringing her back into the family? What's the story?"

"You haven't heard? It's all anyone's talking about outside!"

"The second daughter was found, and she has a family of her own."

"Found after disappearing for over twenty years? Could it be a fake?"

"What era is this? Can't they do a DNA test?"

"My mother is distantly related to the Atlantes. I can confirm it's true."

"Even if it's real, what happened to her all those missing years?"

"I heard she brought back a daughter. It doesn't sound good."

"Has anyone seen her? I heard she's quite ordinary."

"Get out of here! Even if she were great, she wouldn't be for you!"

"Who said anything about the second daughter? She's of our parents' generation!"

"Then you…?"

"Hehe… I was thinking about the granddaughter!"

"I heard she's beautiful, has a great figure, and is doted on by the elders."

"Gaining her favor could save you a decade of hard work!"

"A toad lusting after swan meat? Is someone like you even worthy?"

"If I'm not worthy, does that mean you are?"

"You're right. I actually am."

…

Charlie Lowell finished his last sip of red wine.

His gaze fell on the gilded invitation.

"The Atlante family is quite interesting… I'll wait and see the show."

The Lowell, Roscente, and Winston families were all on the guest list.

Charlie, Ethan Roscente, and Julian Winston weren't initially interested.

But the rumors grew wilder.

People said all sorts of things.

Some said the second daughter was sold into the mountains as a wife.

Abandoned for giving birth to a daughter.

Some said the second daughter was a celestial beauty, but her daughter had mental problems.

Rumors flew, but no photos surfaced.

The more mysterious it was, the more intriguing it became.

Curiosity sparked in Charlie. "Are you two going to the banquet tomorrow?"

Ethan Roscente: "We'll see."

Julian Winston: "Not sure."

"What's with you two? Not looking for any fun anymore?"

Julian shrugged: "I have a girlfriend now. No time to hang out with singles."

"Charlie, you should get a clue."

"Want to play cards?" Ethan urged impatiently.

He had no interest in anything besides Sophia Sullivan.

The banquet would just be another social obligation.

Charlie sat up straight. "Sure. What's the bet?"

Julian smiled. "The loser has to ask the Atlante granddaughter for her WeChat. How about that?"

Charlie raised an eyebrow. "I'm fine with that. See if Ethan will play."

Ethan agreed casually. "Sure."

…

The next day, the banquet was filled with celebrities.

Sophia Sullivan wore a light blue strapless evening gown.

The cut-out design at the waist accentuated her slender figure.

Isabella Sullivan wore a cheongsam with her hair elegantly swept up.

She looked dignified, elegant, and extraordinary.

David Sullivan was in a well-tailored suit and a neat tie.

He appeared gentle, refined, and scholarly.

Standing next to Isabella, they made a perfect couple.

"Are you ready?" The old gentleman and lady entered.

Seeing their daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter standing together.

The outstanding looks and presence of the family of three.

The elderly couple paused, feeling both comforted and bittersweet…

They had missed so much of their daughter's life…

Today, they would restore her rightful place.

Along with her husband and daughter.