?


    Roseanne gently returned her focus to the te in front of her, savoring each bite.


    The Dixon family had pulled out all the stops for their guests today, even going so far as to hire a chef renowned for his work at state dinners. The dishes were a testament to his skill, each one a perfect blend of vors, colors, and aromas.


    Even the simplest dessert in the middle of the meal was a treat usually reserved for the most prestigious events a delicate almond jelly.


    For Mamie, this feast was nothing short of euphoric bliss!


    "Roseanne, this is so good... and this... and this... you have to try some..." she urged, barely pausing between bites to invite Roseanne to join in. Roseanne couldn''t help butugh, "Yeah, I''m on it."


    As they were thoroughly enjoying their meal, Scales suddenly stood, "Roseanne, Mamie, could youe with me for a moment?"


    The girls exchanged puzzled nces.


    Mamie asked, "What for?"


    Her expression all but screamed, "Don''t interrupt my feast."


    With a sigh, Scales exined, "I need you toe to the main table, to meet some of the elders."


    Mamie was tempted to ask if that was really necessary.


    After all, they didn''t know these people. What was the point of meeting them?


    She''d rather spend her time enjoying a few more bites of the delicious food!


    But then she thought better of it. Scales had personally invited them, and since they were going to meet the elders, it wouldn''t be polite to refuse.


    Besides, if they were just casual acquaintances, Scales probably wouldn''t have bothered introducing them to his family.


    So, the two of them picked up their sses and followed him to the main table.


    As they rounded the screen, though Roseanne had her suspicions, she was still taken aback to see Owen Reynolds there.


    Lamont Dixon presided over the table, nked by Damaris Dixon and Laird.


    And there was Owen Reynolds, sitting right beside Laird.


    To her further surprise, Corley was also present, and seated next to Owen Reynolds.


    "Caley-" the grandmother beamed as her grandson approached, "Oh, these must be your two friends?"


    Roseanne & Mamie: "Hello, ma''am!"


    "Ah-hello, dears. Such well-mannered children."


    Laird immediately stood up, smiling as he moved to join Scales and pointed at Roseanne and Mamie, "Let me introduce them. These are Scales''s ssmates andb partners."


    He proceeded to introduce everyone present.


    Meanwhile, Baily, who had eagerlye over to offer his respects and a drink, was tantly ignored.


    et


    Watching Roseanne being formally introduced to everyone, and noting that Owen Reynolds was not only paying her full attention but even offering a smile-a stark contrast to his usually formal demeanor with others-Baily clenched his teeth in frustration.


    After the introductions, Laird cheerfully suggested, "You''ve all brought your sses, right? Perfect, let''s go around and offer a toast to the uncles and aunts here."


    Then he turned to the elders, "These three are stil students, so let''s skip


    the alcohol. It''s not a good want to


    and it''s not something we want encourage. A drink from their


    sses will suffice, just to show our intentions, let''s not make a big deal out of it."


    Immediately, one of the middle-aged menughed, "We wouldn''t dream of encouraging these future pirs of our country to drink alcohol! A soft drink is just fine, it''s the thought that counts. This is a family gathering, after all; we''re not concerned with formalities."


    With no other choice, Roseanne and Mamie exchanged nces and followed Scales, offering their toasts to everyone in turn.


    When it was Owen Reynolds''s turn, Roseanne found herself unable to address him as "Uncle." Opting for "Professor" instead, she managed to avoid any faux pas.


    Owen Reynolds''s expression darkened slightly as he picked up his ss, his gaze flickering to Laird.


    Laird caught the look and thought, "Why does it suddenly feel so chilly?"