Chapter 297: Your Influence Is Great
The Quirk family was momentarily frozen in shock, realizing the gravity of the situation. Given the Burke family's high regard for their offspring, and Ralph's poor health, news of Ines's indirect responsibility for the loss of her future brother-in-law and sister-in-law would be disastrous. Instead of forging a familial bond through marriage, she had unintentionally created animosity.
The Quirks understood this must have been an accident. How could circumstances align so coincidentally? Their only wish was to avoid misunderstandings between Aiden and Ines. Alexander, knowing Aiden, suspected Ines would be the one struggling.
Isabella and Alexander were in agreement. Given Ines's nature, she was likely consumed by self-blame and remorse towards Aiden. To spare her distress, Aiden had stayed home, handling everything himself while accompanying Yvonne at the hospital, hoping for her recovery before their wedding. He didn't want anyone to find out about her recent miscarriage. He and Yvonne had agreed to keep it a secret for the time being; they would address it later.
The Quirk family was bewildered. They'd assumed Yvonne, regardless of her relationship with Aiden and others, wouldn't conceal such an incident. Could she truly be so kind-hearted? A saintess?
Isabella found this bewildering, especially given the gossip Ines had shared about Yvonne, which had colored her first impression. She remained skeptical. For Yvonne, a child would typically be the ultimate security in the Burke family, given Ralph's history of multiple wives and fertility problems. So, why cooperate with Aiden?
Alexander reached the same conclusion: Yvonne's cooperation stemmed from her vulnerability. Without a child, Ralph could abandon her at any moment. Temporarily hiding the truth and marrying first seemed advantageous.
A pre-wedding crisis loomed. Isabella worried: Tomorrow's wedding will we be able to attend peacefully?
The Quirk family's emotions ran high. A new mistress's miscarriage, especially one caused by their son's girlfriend, was difficult to discuss.
With curiosity and trepidation, the wedding day arrived. Guests had just arrived when they were surprised by the sheer number of attendees. Ralph's history of multiple marriages meant many prominent individuals usually only sent gifts. But this time, the turnout was significant.
"What's going on?" David asked.
Selena added, "Since when did Ralph become so good at socializing?"
Callahan, unexpectedly accompanying Evian, observed: "It seems like a lot of people are sneaking glances at us." The children assumed they were the center of attention due to Alexander and Isabella's fame. The adults, however, turned their gazes towards Isabella.
Isabella blinked innocently. Could it be because they heard I was coming? That's outrageous!
"Wow, so many people," she exclaimed. "It seems everyone heard Isabella would be here and decided to try their luck."
Elaine laughed, "Deliberately causing a mess? You must feel the same way, right?" Deborah added nonchalantly.
Elaine playfully stuck out her tongue, greeting arriving family members.
"Isabella, your influence surpasses even your husband's," Elaine laughed.
Isabella smirked. "You can have the influence."
How did a mere spectator become the center of attention? This makes it harder to relax and enjoy the show. It's frustrating! The Quirks stifled laughter at her inner thoughts.
Chatting and laughing, they entered the venue, encountering Ralph, who wore a pleasant smile. Beside him stood a young man resembling him—but not Aiden.
"I knew that rascal Aiden wouldn't be content playing host for his flirtatious old man," Elaine whispered. Isabella's curiosity piqued.
Only then did Isabella recognize the young man: Aiden's younger uncle, Elijah. His impatient demeanor suggested he'd been drafted as a groomsman, his older siblings attending as guests.
Spotting Roland and Damien waving from afar, they'd arrived early. Isabella noted a change in Damien's gaze—he was openly staring at Deborah, a contrast to his usual behavior. Despite arriving from the Winters manor, they acted independently, Deborah seemingly resisting her adoptive brother. Isabella quickly looked away.
Ines sat with them, noticeably thinner and subdued. Her dazed expression and weight loss revealed her distress. It was clear something was wrong.
Roland and Damien, having arrived first, had asked about her condition, but Ines wouldn't answer. As others arrived, they exchanged knowing glances. Only Isabella and Alexander knew the truth. Elaine casually asked, "What's wrong? You've been acting strange. Did you fight with Aiden?"
Ines forced a smile. "Don't assume. I'm fine I just didn't sleep well."
"Missy, you have a lot on your mind. I'll ask Aiden later," Elaine said gently. "Where is Aiden? He's not at the door, and he's not guarding his darling. What's he up to?" Roland and Damien's expressions subtly shifted.
Elaine's concern was evident. "What happened?"
"Nothing really," Roland laughed, "his new stepmother called him away."