Chapter 5

Amid the noise of celebration, I heard Julian’s uncle—the same man who had borrowed more than two million dollars from us over time—raise his glass and laugh loudly.

“Jule is truly reliable. That’s what a real Holt family man looks like.”

His third aunt, whom I had once gone to great lengths and used my connections to help send her daughter overseas, clapped while wiping away her tears.

“This is wonderful! I’ve always liked Tessa. She’s such a reliable girl.”

Meanwhile, Julian’s younger brother, whose repeated business failures I had helped smooth over each time through my family’s resources, stood up excitedly to toast them.

“Jule, and Tessa, my soon-to-be sister-in-law, I wish you a long and happy marriage and a safe delivery for the baby.”

Each of them had once benefited from my help, received my kindness, and taken what I had offered.

Yet, at this moment, none of them remembered I existed. Not one of them mentioned my name.

Just then, a five-year-old cousin of Julian’s suddenly broke through the flattering chatter with a loud, clear voice.

“Is she your sister-in-law? What about Annie?”

The innocent question drained all color from Tessa’s face.

She swayed and fell into Julian’s arms. Her eyes darted in panic. She looked guilty.

Even Julian’s composure cracked for a brief second.

But he quickly recovered and pulled her into a firm, protective embrace. His gaze turned cold as he looked across the room. His voice was sharp and decisive.

“Whoever I acknowledge is your sister-in-law. Anyone else is irrelevant and doesn’t need to be mentioned.”

I listened to his words from the adjoining room. My nails dug deep into my palms.

All these years, I had used my family’s money to cover his company losses, pulled every string I could to smooth his path, and even given up my own career to devote myself entirely to him.

I had given him everything, only to be dismissed as “irrelevant.”

Heat surged to my chest again, and I forced it down.

Sensing the tension, Julian’s father, Owen Holt, quickly smoothed things over with a smile.

“Let’s not bring up unnecessary matters on such a happy occasion. There’s actually more good news. Tessa is expecting a boy! The Holt family line will continue!”

The relatives raised their glasses again in celebration.

“Congratulations, Tessa! You can tell she’s blessed, unlike someone else who’s nothing but a hen that can’t lay eggs. She nearly brought the Holt family line to an end!”

“Good thing Jule is smart. He chose well and got himself a lucky girl like Tessa.”

“If you ask me, fertility is what truly matters. Status means little. What matters is carrying on the family line. Tessa has done really well!”

Seeing that all the relatives were on her side, Tessa quickly regained her composure.

She smiled and nodded in acknowledgment before turning to Julian with an affectionate gaze.

“Thank you all for your blessings. I’m so happy to become a part of this family. I love Jule, and I’m willing to have his child. From now on, the three of us will always be this happy together.”

Julian wrapped his arms tightly around her and made a vow to everyone present.

“I will give Tessa and our child the best possible life. I’ll make sure everyone witnesses our happiness!”

Applause broke out once again.

Just then, the door swung open, and I stepped inside amid the chatter and noise.

I smiled as I met the gaze of everyone in the private room.

“Such a lively gathering! Why wasn’t I invited?”