CHAPTER 97

SOME WILL TEST YOU...

The Vandell estate had never looked so alive. Lights spilled across the sprawling lawns, glowing through the windows of the mansion as though it were a palace celebrating a coronation. Staff hurried in and out of the hall, their uniforms crisp, trays gleaming in their hands.

Kate Vandell, regal as ever, stood at the center of the preparations like a queen surveying her court. The event wasn’t just any gathering it was the annual Vandell family celebration, an old tradition where everyone from the eldest uncle to the youngest toddler gathered under one roof. It was as much about business as it was about blood. Deals were whispered in corners, alliances renewed with glasses raised, and expectations silently laid upon the next generation.

Abigail stood at her mirror upstairs, hands trembling slightly as she adjusted her dress. It wasn’t fear this time. It was awareness. Tonight, she would meet the extended Vandell clan the cousins who ran branches of the empire, the aunts who loved gossip, the nephews studying abroad, the old uncles who judged everything.

And she knew Obetta would be there too.

Luke entered without knocking, his tie loose but his eyes sharp as ever. He paused when he saw her. “You’re nervous,” he said plainly.

She met his gaze in the mirror. “Shouldn’t I be? This is… bigger than anything I’ve faced so far.”

Luke walked to her, resting his hands on her shoulders. “They’ll look at you. They’ll talk about you. Some will test you. But remember one thing” he turned her gently so she faced him“you’re here because you’re my wife. That’s enough.”

The words steadied her. She nodded, drawing a deep breath. “That’s enough.”

The main hall glowed with chandeliers, long tables heavy with silverware and arrangements of fresh white lilies. The Vandell crest was etched into the glass doors, a reminder of legacy and wealth that stretched back generations.

Guests arrived in waves. Men in tailored suits, women in gowns that shimmered under the lights. Children ran through the hall before being hushed by mothers. Every corner buzzed with chatter.

When Luke and Abigail entered, heads turned. Some smiles formed, some whispers rose, and some eyes narrowed.

“Luke,” an older man greeted, clasping his hand firmly. “You’ve been scarce.”

“Business,” Luke replied smoothly. His hand at Abigail’s waist never faltered as he introduced her. “My wife, Abigail.”

The man’s eyes flicked over her, assessing, measuring. Then he smiled politely. “Welcome to the family gathering. It takes courage to step into all this.”

Abigail smiled back, her voice calm. “Thank you. I’m happy to be here.”

As they moved further in, more relatives approached. A group of younger cousins, laughing and bold, surrounded them with curiosity.

“So you’re the Abigail we’ve heard about,” one of them said, grinning.

“All good things, I hope,” Abigail replied, her tone light.

“Depends on who you ask,” another teased, earning laughter from the group. But instead of shrinking, Abigail tilted her head and smiled wider.

“Then I’ll have to win over the ones who doubt me,” she said simply.

The cousins looked at each other, impressed despite themselves. One of the younger nieces even slipped her hand into Abigail’s, tugging her toward the dessert table.

Luke watched silently, his expression unreadable, but deep down he noted how quickly Abigail adapted. She wasn’t crumbling under the weight of family eyes she was holding her ground.

Across the hall, Obetta arrived.

Heads turned for her too, though for different reasons. She was dazzling in a red gown, her smile practiced, her confidence sharp. She kissed cheeks, exchanged pleasantries, and moved through the crowd like she owned it.

But she couldn’t ignore the sight of Abigail laughing with the younger cousins, her warmth genuine, her presence accepted.

Jealousy simmered beneath Obetta’s perfect smile. She approached Kate, who stood near the grand staircase like a monarch overseeing her kingdom.

“Mrs. Vandell,” Obetta greeted smoothly, kissing her cheek.

Kate regarded her with a small smile. “Obetta. Your family’s presence is always appreciated.”

Obetta’s eyes flicked toward Abigail, then back to Kate. “I see she’s already making herself comfortable.”

Kate’s gaze followed hers. Abigail was helping a little nephew fix his bowtie, her laughter carrying lightly over the crowd. For a moment, Kate’s lips twitched not quite a smile, but close.

“She’s doing well,” Kate said softly. “Better than I expected.”

Obetta blinked, caught off guard. “You think so?”

Kate turned her eyes back to Obetta, sharp as glass. “Do you not?”

Obetta’s mouth opened, but no words came. She quickly masked it with a laugh. “I only meant… she seems very different from our world.”

“Different doesn’t mean incapable,” Kate replied, her tone smooth but edged. Then, as though dismissing her, she turned to greet another relative.

Obetta’s jaw tightened. For the first time, she felt the ground shifting beneath her feet.

Dinner was served in the grand dining hall, everyone seated according to age and position. Abigail found herself between two of Luke’s cousins, both older women who wasted no time in subtle interrogation.

“So, Abigail,” one began, her fork glinting under the chandelier. “Where did you study again?”

“University of California,” Abigail answered calmly.

The other cousin arched a brow. “Not here?”

Abigail smiled lightly. “No. But education isn’t only about where you go. It’s about what you make of it. And I made the most of mine.”

Luke’s hand brushed hers under the table, a silent gesture of pride.

Later, as the meal ended and music began, Abigail was drawn into a circle of younger relatives. They asked her questions, teased her lightly, even challenged her with games. And though she stumbled once or twice, her laughter never faltered. By the end of the night, several of them were clinging to her as though they’d known her for years.

Obetta watched from across the room, her glass of champagne trembling slightly in her hand. She had expected whispers, ridicule, rejection. Instead, Abigail was weaving herself into the fabric of the family with quiet grace.

And the more they accepted her, the more Obetta felt like an outsider.

When the night wound down, Kate made her way to Abigail. The older woman’s expression was unreadable, her eyes calculating.

“You managed tonight,” Kate said simply.

Abigail met her gaze without flinching. “I did my best.”

Kate studied her for a long moment, then inclined her head. “We’ll see if your best continues.”

It wasn’t approval, not yet. But it wasn’t rejection either.

Luke, standing just behind Abigail, caught the subtle shift. His mother hadn’t dismissed her. That was a start.

As they left the hall together, Luke leaned close, his voice low against Abigail’s ear. “You did more than manage. You left them curious.”

Abigail smiled faintly, exhaustion tugging at her but pride warming her heart.

For the first time, she felt like she belonged. Not because she fit into their world perfectly, but because she refused to let it swallow her.

And though Obetta burned with silent rage across the room, Abigail knew tonight, she hadn’t lost ground.

She had gained it.