Chapter 352: Comfort and Ease (+5 Pearls)

Embarrassment hung in the air as Marley and Chitlin questioned Eula and Jake about their respective partners, even suggesting they bring them to Lionel's birthday party. The twins responded simultaneously:

"My brother's girlfriend is someone he met online. They haven't even met in person yet!" Eula exclaimed.

"My sister's boyfriend is a gamer. She won him over by spending money on him!" Jake added.

An immediate argument erupted.

"We've talked on video calls! We just haven't met in person yet," Jake countered.

"We were fulfilling our e-sports dream together! I even made money investing in the team!" Eula retorted.

Their playful bickering amused those present. Eric observed their close bond and contrasted it with his own children's strained relationship. Dylan's intolerance of Janice was a clear problem.

Isabella, silently observing, mused:

Isabella's Thoughts: They're both online dating and haven't met their partners face-to-face. Aren't they worried about being catfished? He's decided to meet his girlfriend for the first time before taking her to Grandpa's 90th birthday party. I wish him the best and hope his online romance doesn't fail. As for the girl, she's completely smitten with an e-sports player, pouring money into their relationship. It's a wealthy heiress and an e-sports player love story. She's also thinking of introducing him at the birthday party.

Thanks to Felix's family, a jovial atmosphere prevailed through dinner and subsequent conversation. Most guests departed for the night, with Alexander's and Felix's families, Caitlin, Adam, and Carlos remaining at the Quirk estate. Sarah's and Eric's families, however, returned home. Unexpectedly, two others stayed:

Nina, newly befriended and related to Callahan, wished to stay longer, leaving Sarah no choice but to entrust her daughter to the Quirk manor. Janice, persuaded by Rosalie to stay due to fears of loneliness and potential mistreatment at home, also remained.

Before Eric could object, Dylan's opposition was immediate. Alexander's family knew Dylan planned to take his frustration out on Janice, and they wouldn't allow it. Eric's silence secured Janice's stay.

Janice, having anticipated difficulties, was nonetheless surprised by the immediate intervention. After her father and brother left, she found the younger generation awaiting her, offering drinks and conversation. The relaxed atmosphere was a welcome change.

That night, lively conversation and drinks flowed freely. Alexander eventually carried a tipsy Isabella to their room.

Isabella stirred in his arms. "What's wrong? Are you not feeling well?" Alexander asked, helping her lie down.

She frowned. "Where… where are we sleeping?"

Alexander paused. "The newly constructed building."

Isabella's eyes closed before she relaxed. "Is this your first time staying here too?"

Alexander's gaze softened. "Yes, it's my first time."

They were in a modern villa recently built on the estate, not the main house. Lionel and Marley, the only permanent residents, had built it to ensure Alexander's comfort during visits, providing a more suitable space than his childhood room.