Frank had no affection for this son, but at the sight of Ynda''s pregnant belly, he refrained from any harsh words and simply gave them a cold nod.


    Because it wasn''t arge celebration, the guests were tactful. After presenting their gifts and making polite conversation with the family, they each found an excuse to depart.


    By dinnertime, only members of the Thompson family were left at the long dining table.


    The seating arrangement at the long dining table was a matter of protocol.


    Mr. Thompson Sr., of course, sat at the head. In the past, his sons, Frank and Tobias, would have nked him on either side.


    But as Bet''s military career advanced and his rank climbed, Mr. Thompson Sr. began seating him at his side. It seemed a simple matter of convenience for conversation, but over time, Bet''s ce beside his grandfather became an epted fact.


    Bet''s position within the family, and in his grandfather''s esteem, was now unassable.


    Yvonne, by extension, benefited from Bet''s status. She was seated next to him, a position that ced her ahead of even Frank and Emma.


    Throughout the meal, Mr. Thompson Sr. spoke almost exclusively to Tobias and Bet. The others barely had a chance to speak.


    Eden and Ynda were seated at the far end of the table, and Mr. Thompson Sr. didn''t so much as nce in their direction.


    Ynda, for her part, could barely stomach the change in her status.


    Previously, as Bet''s girlfriend, she had enjoyed special treatment, ced on a pedestal by everyone. Now, Yvonne upied that coveted spot, and Ynda seethed with a helpless, red-eyed fury.


    Having married Eden and now carrying his child, her options were gone.


    Meanwhile, her father had failed to secure his promotion and was now stuck in Istra, his career in ruins and facing constant ostracism. The entire Walker family was now forced to keep a low profile, so Ynda didn''t dare make a scene.


    Besides the asional murmur of conversation between Mr. Thompson Sr., Tobias, and Bet, Nic was the only one at the table speaking freely.


    Nic satin Karina''sp, the picture of innocence. She still struggled with her silverware,


    spoon to using he


    up bits of food and


    ce them on her mother''s te.


    "Mommy, eat," she''d say.


    Karina would gently stroke Nic''s hair and patiently feed her, saying nothing.


    Mr. Thompson Sr. nced their way for a moment before his eyes moved on.


    Dana and Noah both looked over at Karina and Nic in turn, their expressions unreadable.


    After dinner, Mr. Thompson Sr. summoned Bet back to the study.


    With nothing to do, Yvonne took a walk around thepound, politely greeting a few neighbors she passed.


    The evening air was chilly, and Yvonne hadn''t brought a jacket, so she headed back inside after a short walk.


    As she entered the house, even before reaching the living room, she could hear the sound of arguing. It was the main branch of the family.


    Yvonne was smart enough not to get involved. But the sound of their quarrel was impossible to ignore.


    Because it was his grandfather''s birthday, Noah had been trying to avoid a scene and had ignored Karina''s provocations all evening.


    After dinner, when Noah tried to take Nic home, Karina clung to the child and suddenly erupted.


    "I''ve raised Nic since the day she


    was born. I can''t trust you to take


    of


    ears of her you


    canave your


    divorce, but I''m getting full custody.


    Noah nced at the child in her arms, his expression turning to ice. "Karina, must


    you do this in front of her?"


    "You''re divorcing me for that whore, so why don''t you have the guts to admit ? Afraid your daughter will findout? Karina shrieked, her voice so loud it startled the child.