Tina couldn’t believe her eyes. ‘Where on earth had Aria suddenly found such a sister? Lily’s academic performance was shockingly outstanding
A thought suddenly struck Tina. She hurriedly stood up and said, “Go ahead without me. I need to make a quick call.”
It wasn’t long before Tina returned, beaming with joy. Seeing this, Jonathan couldn’t help but t tease, “What’s the good news, Ms. Fletcher? You’re grinning from ear to ear.”
“It is indeed good news.” Tina sat down, unable to wipe the smile off her face. “It just occurred to me that my cousin is also a senior in high school, so t called to ask about his score. He didn’t do as well as Lily, but he still did great, exactly 1450.”
Hearing that, Finn instantly perked up. He was already plotting how to get this episode trending.
Finn thought, if Lily tops the SAT, I’ll have to push for another trending topic!
Calista felt like she’d been punched in the gut, leaving her momentarily breathless.
Vanessa inwardly gloated for a few seconds at the sight of Calista’s expression, then put on a show of concern. “Calista, you look pale. Not feeling well?”
Calista forced a smile. “I’m fine. I just thought of the saying that the new generation surpasses the old. Looks like they’ve already surpassed us.”
While joy filled most hearts, only Calista was left nursing her bitterness.
After dinner, the crew tidied up the dining area and kitchen while everyone played a couple more games before settling into casual conversation. Jonathan cracked jokes from time to time, instantly lifting the mood.
After the indoor recording wrapped up, Finn gathered the guests and led them out.
Meanwhile, Owen made reservations at the restaurant. Aria invited Cloe to join them, then set off with Lily and Pearl.
The two groups ran into each other right outside the restaurant. Cloe glanced at Kim and said, “He insisted on tagging along. There was no stopping him.”
Aria smiled, “No problem. After all, it’s his younger brother who’s treating.”
Julia came running over to them, waving excitedly. “Hi, Aria, Owen!
Owen stepped forward, crouched down to hug Julia, and straightened up. “Don’t run so fast next time,” he said.
“Alrighty!” Julia chirped sweetly, tilting her head as she stretched her arms toward Lily and Pearl. “Here are some gifts for you. Mom and I picked them out together.”
Lily and Pearl naturally took out the gifts they’d prepared in advance, smiling playfully at Julia and saying, “Julia, we’ve also prepared gifts for you.”
Cloe smiled at the scene.
Owen also brought a gift for Julia, a hand–carved gold pendant. He said, “Aria and I made this together. She drew the design, and I did the carving.”
Owen had hand–carved four, one each for Aria, Lily, Pearl, and Julia.
“Wow!” Julia exclaimed in delight as she took the gift. “Owen, you’re amazing. But Aria is even better. Her drawing is gorgeous.”
Aria chuckled, “Where did you even see the drawing?”
Julia grinned mischievously and said, “it’s right in my heart.”
Empty–handed, Kim watched as everyone exchanged gifts and glanced at Owen resentfully.
1/2
Chapter 487
He seethed inwardly, ‘Seriously? He went behind my back and prepared gifts without telling me a thing!
Kim seized the chance to slap Owen hard on the shoulder as the group moved forward. “Oh, look who’s trying to be the perfect gentleman, Was isto hard to give me a heads up?”
Owen grabbed Kim’s hand with an expressionless face and squeezed it hard. Kim’s face immediately twisted in pain.
Owen scoffed, “Seriously? You needed a heads–up for this? After all these years as chairman, your EQ still hasn’t improved?”
Kim smacked Owen hard on the back. “I only learned about this dinner when I got to my girlfriend Cloe’s place. Why didn’t you tell me about such a big thing?”
Owen was firmly on Cloe’s side. It never even crossed his mind to tell Kim about it.
“Cloe never agreed to date you, and you’re already calling her your girlfriend?” Owen asked.
Kim retorted, “You haven’t even managed to win over Aria yet, so stop acting so smug.”
Owen flashed a knowing smirk. “No, I’ve made it.”
Kim was speechless, his fists clenched in anger.
Kim went all out, but Owen was not a pushover either. He swiftly kicked Kim behind the knee.
Though they initially held back, the two brothers lost control and started brawling in the lobby.
