Chapter 1855


    "Thanks, Uncle and Auntie," Ophelia said. Hardly had she finished speaking before Bernard came over


    with a fresh cup of tea and Cornelia followed, presenting a te of pastries.


    Ophelia quickly stood up to ept them, saying, "Grandpa and Grandma, you''re too kind. I can


    manage on my own, but thank you."


    Bernard and Cornelia fussed over her a bit more, saying, "Well, you and Be have a nice chat. We''re


    going to head upstairs."


    "Take care, Grandpa and Grandma," Ophelia called out as they left.


    Ophelia watched their retreating figures. But she barely had a moment before Arabe''s maternal


    grandparents came over with a fruit tter, urging her to help herself generously.


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    "Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma. It''s just, I feel bad seeing you serving fruit to someone younger


    like me," she said, her voice with genuine concern.


    "That''s what we should do, dear," they replied warmly. "It’s more appropriate for us the elders to look


    after you. Now, you and Be enjoy your time. It''s not often we have you over, so don''t rush off. Both


    our family, and Be in particr, are happy you coulde."


    "I''ll stay a while longer," Ophelia assured them, grateful for their hospitality.


    Louisa, afraid she would impose on their gathering, also parted with Keh. They soon left the living


    room, leaving behind the brothers and the two girls.


    With the elders gone, the atmosphere became more rxed.


    "Be''s never been one to invite friends over, so the family''s excited, maybe a bit too eager. Hope we


    didn''t startle you, Ms. Almond," Hans said.


    Ophelia was quick to reply, "Oh, not at all. I''m just so happy for Be. Toe back to such a loving


    family, and to see how much you all care for her. It makes me happy, too. Be''s been through some


    rough times, but it looks like she''s finally found her silver lining."


    Then she quickly changed the subject, not wanting to delve into past sorrows, adding, "This family''s


    hospitality is truly something else, a cut above the Murphys. The Murphys were awful, except for


    Grannie Grace, of course."


    She shot Arabe a smile, careful not to offend.


    She knew all too well the ce Grannie Grace held in Arabe’s heart.


    The brothers were surprised by Ophelia’s candor in openly criticizing the Murphys in front of everyone.


    It was clear she harbored deep resentment on Be''s behalf.


    "Thank goodness fate turned the tables, letting them get a taste of the hardship Be endured,"


    Ophelia added, her words full of empathy for her friend.


    "Be''s lucky to have such a caring and genuine friend like you. I''m pleased for her," Hans said with a


    soft smile. "I hear you''ve just returned from abroad, Ms. Almond. You were pursuing opportunities


    overseas?"


    "Yes, I was involved in a project in Belloria, but someone kept throwing wrenches in the works, so it


    hasn''t been going smoothly," Ophelia exined—that ounted for her extended stay abroad.


    "Someone causing trouble? Be''s brother Sean has some influence in Belloria; he might be able to


    help. Who''s been giving you trouble?" Hans asked, then turned to Sean, "Did you know Ms. Almond


    before this?"


    "Not personally," Sean replied. He knew of her, but she was unaware of him.


    To the outside world, he was just the infamous Sheen, and she was none the wiser.


    "Well, this is a good time to get acquainted. It''ll be great to have someone to watch your back in


    Belloria. From my knowledge, you both share a passion for sports and racing," Hans said, looking


    between Sean and Ophelia. "My brother''s team, Drift Swifts, has made a name for itself in Belloria.


    Ever heard of it, Ms. Almond?"