?Chapter 358:


    “Aunt Chelsea, give me a break!” Gregory pleaded, his face etched with difort.


    Jules, lounging on a nearby armchair, caught Gregory’s pained expression and struggled to hold back hisughter.


    “Mom, go easy on him.” He was somewhat familiar with the past incident. Though Jules and Gregory were cousins, he couldn’t help but think Gregory had only himself to me for his troubles with Corrine. He deserved it.


    Jayden’s arrival marked the start of the dinner.


    This was Chelsea’s birthday dinner, attended only by her closest rtives, making it a modest gathering rather than a grand affair. Jayden’s prominent political status meant that a more borate celebration would likely draw unwanted attention and spark harmful gossip. A family meal like this one was more suitable.


    Everyone enjoyed a warm and cordial atmosphere throughout the meal.


    Following the meal, Corrine brought out the gift she had selected with care. Chelsea’s face lit up with joy and a wide smile upon seeing the gift.


    Trying to contain his surprise, Gregory inquired, “Is that the blue diamond fromst night’s Forreal auction?”


    Corrine nodded.


    “Yes.”


    Gregory quietly appreciated the grand gesture of wealth.


    “Clearly, generosity runs in the Ford family,” a sarcastic voice remarked. That voice belonged to Gregory’s sister, Callie Hoffman, two years younger than Corrine.


    Callie and Corrine had a history of rivalry, both open and in secret, stretching back years.


    Gregory’s expression darkened slightly, his eyes shing with brief irritation.


    “It’s Aunt Chelsea’s birthday. Let’s all get along.”


    “Why do you always take her side, Gregory? Remember, I am your actual family!” Callie’s tone sharpened on the words “actual family.”


    Her statement wasn’t just for Gregory; it was also a jab at Chelsea.


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    Chelsea was Callie’s aunt by blood, but she tended to show favoritism toward Corrine. Not just Chelsea, it seemed to Callie that her whole family’s preference leaned unfairly toward Corrine. Convinced that Corrine had usurped the affection rightfully hers, Callie had harbored resentment for years.


    Herments instantly charged the dinner’s atmosphere with tension. Callie’s remarks were clearly aimed at Corrine, and Jayden, visibly irritated, swiftly came to her defense.


    “Corrine belongs to the Ford family.”


    He implied that Corrine’s presence at Chelsea’s birthday dinner was because she was a Ford and Jayden’s niece, not because of any obligation to the Hoffmans. His voice was calm, yet it carried a distinct edge.


    Callie had always been afraid of Jayden. Seeing his subtle anger, Callie sat quietly in her seat, her face ashen.


    In that moment, Jules let out a softugh.


    “Callie, nobody forced you to be here. Now that you’re here, try to enjoy the evening instead of causing yourself distress.”


    Her attempt to humiliate Corrine publicly was a clear provocation. Callie knew that Jules was always quick to support Corrine. Frustration evident, she balled her hands into fists, struggling to contain her upset.


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