?Chapter 1537:


    Brenna’s temper red just as fiercely. “Our so-called friends are practically salivating for juicy gossip about us. If this is too much for you, Mom, I’ll make the arrangements for the party. Let’s reserve a grand hotel for Sandra’s wee party and invite all the high rollers in Shirie. However, it might make you lose face a little.”


    Her heart ached for Giselle, who had to endure such tactless remarks while keeping herposure.


    “Mom, I’ll make sure to get back at them for you,” Brenna vowed.


    Giselle gave a nod, her resolve bolstered.


    Soon, Ernst and Lilith walked over, Lilith bearing a bottle of fine red wine.


    “Giselle, I visited my parents today,” Lilith said warmly. “My mother recently discovered this exquisite red wine and insisted I bring you a bottle.”


    Giselle mustered a smile. “Please thank your mother for me. I’ve heard this brand is exceptional. I’ll be sure to savor it soon.”


    Lilith beamed, relieved. Her inws were well-to-do, and she had hesitated to bring a gift to them, but her mother had been adamant. Time and again, her mother reminded her it wasn’t proper to return from her parents’ homeden with good things without offering something to her inws.


    This red wine was a luxurious import, specially sourced from abroad at no small expense.


    Lilith had fretted that her inws might look down on her if the gift seemed too modest.


    “I’m so d you like it,” Lilith said, heartened by Giselle’s warmth. She and Giselle got along well, and Giselle was also friends with her mother.


    Giselle didn’t hide the matter from Lilith. “You and Brenna can take charge of Sandra’s wee party. Just ensure it’s done impably, so no one can find fault. I truly want no part of it.”


    Gathered around the dining table, the Harper family had their meal set before them, yet Giselle, in a foul temper, had no desire to eat.


    Ernst, his face clouded with anger, said, “I had a meeting with the Kaike Group’s CEO yesterday, and even he was prying about when we’re hosting Sandra’s wee party. Quite the meddler, isn’t he?”


    Lilith let out a snort. “Some people have far too much idle time. Why do they care about our family’s affairs? It’s none of their business.”


    Shepard, looking equally grim, joined them at the table and said, “There’s more to this, I suspect. The Harper family ranks among Shirie’s elite families. Usually, people are eager to curry favor with us—they wouldn’t dare ridicule us. I would wager someone is orchestrating this behind the scenes.” His gaze, grave and steady, met Ernst’s.


    Ernst nodded in agreement. “I’m with you, Dad, but I can’t figure out who is pulling the strings.”


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