The Everly family estate was sprawling, yet it often felt deserted with only Kevin residing there. But today, as Amara stepped inside, the house was alive with chatter andughter.


    In the foyer, Amara changed her shoes and headed in with a gift in hand. Spotting Peter and Bess, she handed them her present and offered birthday wishes to Peter.


    Peter and Bess had always been a bit snobby, looking down on Amara in the past. Perhaps Kevin had a word with them, because their attitude towards her had noticeably softened sincest meeting.


    They started showing respect to Amara. Though their eyes still carried a hint of disdain, they were careful to keep it under wraps now.


    Martin and Andrea, on the other hand, were genuinely kind-hearted. Both doctors, they stayed out of the family business matters, though Martin held a four percent stake in the Everly Group, ensuring afortable lifestyle from his annual dividends.


    Amara''s smile was all the more genuine when she greeted Martin and Andrea. She handed them a gift too, which they epted with warmpliments. “Ama, you''re such a thoughtful girl. I heard you''re starting a new TV series?"


    "Yes, we''re in the middle of filming now."


    “Look at that, your career is really taking off. You''re destined for great things."


    “Indeed, you''ve already got a few acimed works under your belt at such a young age. While the family has always been business-oriented, having a sessful screenwriter among us is a real honor."


    Martin and Andrea knew how toy on the charm, and though Amara recognized the ttery for what it was, she enjoyed the praise nheless.


    But then Celeste, their daughter, sauntered over with a mocking tone. "What Everly family member? She''s about to be shown the door. She''s not really one of us."


    Amara''s smile faded at once. Martin and Andrea were visibly upset, reprimanding, “Celeste, what nonsense are you spouting! Apologize now!"


    Celeste, twenty and still in college, had a delicate, if not striking, beauty. She often dressed like a little princess, her personality matching her style.


    Upon hearing that, she mumbled defiantly, "Why should I apologize? I''m not going that. Am I not stating facts? She and Finnian are nearly divorced, and look, she cam@alone today. Oh, wait."


    Celeste paused, covering her mouth and feigning surprise with a theatricalugh.


    "I almost forgot. She always attends these gatherings alone. Finnian doesn''t even acknowledge her."


    Her exaggerated tone made Martin


    and Andrea Want tosh out, but beingposed people, they couldn''t bring themselves to


    discipline her publicly. They sai


    sternly, "Is this what you''ve learned in college? How can you be so rude? Apologize to Amara, now!


    Celeste just scoffed, arm crossed before the chest, turning her gaze out the window, clearly uninterested in apologizing.


    Watching this, Martin and Andrea


    were visibly upset with their lips shivering. Busy careers had kept


    them from raising Celeste closelyt


    leaving her in Peter''s care for a couple of years. She grew up with Hogan, the two shared many traits, and by the time Martin and Andrea realized, it was toote for them to change her ways.