“Grandpa, I-“Christina began, but Sherry firmly her arin, her off. Carl was siding and no one could sway him. The commotion downstairs had the whole villa in uproar, Ethian, and Christina’s father, descended the stairs with a look. “Christina, nonsense are causing demanded, his gaze sharp. After rebuke, Christina had no but her complaints Carl to Ethan with chilling tone. “Ethan, keep a eye on wife and daughter. From now on, I don’t want hear another word against Yani this house!” “Dad, I’ll handle this Ethan assured Carl “Grandpa, thank you. Yanina said, standing behind Carl, feeling bolstered by his support. After the Zamora family took her in. Carl always treated like gold, even marry her to his own grandson. Yanina v grateful to Carl, cherishing him as if he her own granddad. “And your” Earl playfully Cameron the head. “Don’t you know how stand up for wife? Letting others push her around? If you ever Yani I’ll kick your ass. Cameron glanced slightly, and promised Carl he’d do better. Dad… Quinci gently steered Carl back to his seat, sensing he’d said his piece. “I’ve always been lucky a husband who spoils me in–laws who love me, but I really envy With watching over her, Yani’s luckier than I ever was. “Dad, you blame for feeling this way. ” Quinci added, trying lighten the mood. “At her age. I’d probably be jealous of your favoritism too. Carl a look Quinci. ‘Sure, you’d be jealous, but you wouldn’t be sneaky behind people’s backs! He glared at Christina again. back by Sherry, kept her head down, Meanwhile, Sherry Yanina a apologetic smile. “Yani, Christina’s just honest. Please don’t take it personally Yanina gently in agreement. “Dad, I’m getting hungry from all this talking. Quinci the subject, rubbing her belly and to Seeing sister–in–law’s attempt to help, Sherry smiled instructed the servants to serve everyone to dining room. “Grandpa, my just called. He’s coming Christina announced, puffing up her chest. boyfriend, Steven Hopper, was the young of the prominent Hopper from Yvale, a top school graduate with a talent painting. and set to inherit the business. “Even though Steven’s busy with his exhibit Sunday, he made time to have dinner with Aunt Yanina when he heard she was home. I really thought, Christina finished, a challenging look at Yanina. “Yarina was but Cameron reached out and gently pulled,her into his arms. Yanina “Is trying to me? It seems a bit late. Three months ago, have onto for Cameron. Yanina slightly to avoid Cameron’s embrace. Just then, Cameron’s phone rang, its sweet melody filling the room. going to get this,” he said, to leave before 10:14 Tue, Oct 22 # G Chapter 13 anyone could respond. “You guys go ahead eat. While thought it work, Yanina knew better. Cameron set that ringtone for Callie. Yanina bitterly to herself, realizing there was no chance left for and Cameron Yanina walked with Carl and others to the dining room. As they settled John, the butler, leaned over to Carl. His expression as he looked at Yanina. “Cameron mentioned a critical condition, and he’s off to the hospital. Do you know friend this might be?” kept her steady, though inside she felt colder. just one of his… good friends. ” forced a unable to say Callie’s name. Everyone else seemed oblivious, but Carl noticed the deep sadness in Yanina’s eyes. After dinner, the Zamora family gathered, the cleared. “Quinci. you should stick longer,” Sherry suggested with a smile, chatting with Quinci like they were pals. “And by the way, isn’t your son at the marrying age? anyone in mind?” smiled back gently. “Sherry, love life’s own business. Besides, Wade’s just taken the at the company. career should come first. No to rush marriage. As Quinci spoke, Yanina’s eye. is not just about love. Remember when Cameron over and married have to smart about choosing a daughter–in–law. A wife from a modest background versus well- family–that makes difference. The right could give Wade a lot support in the future. Though was about Quinci’s son, it was clear she had about Yanina’s origins. Quinci was about to respond when Christina bounced a dapper man in a suit her. “Grandpa, Steven’s here!” she tang out. Hey, Sherry, Mr. Zamora! Steven greeted, laden with gifts, his enthusiasm palpable as he acknowledged Carl murmured a soft hello, eyebrows lifted in a of concern. Sherry, on hand, beamed like a proud mother–in–law, “Hey, Steven’s Come and sit down, Sherry him over. heard you’re Sherman’s protégé. You must be incredibly talented in painting. an show in Yvale at your age. blushed a little at Sherry’s praise. “Oh, too kind. Painting’s just a hobby, and exhibition? Just lucky. ” he laughed, downplaying his success, Yanina couldn’t rest she heard ‘Sherman. ” asked, “Are you talking about Harnett?”