?Chapter 147:


    With a heavy exhale, he conceded, “Sure.”


    Instantly, smiles blossomed on the faces around the table.


    However, Joyce, seated next to Katrina, pulled gently at her sleeve.


    “Mom, dealing with Dani won’t be easy these days. She won’t go along with this!”


    After all, these rtives had never shown Dani any kindness. And now they expected her to secure jobs for their children? Dani was no longer someone to be trifled with.


    Katrina appeared unfazed by this. She decided to let them manage Dani on their own.


    The only thing that mattered to her was ensuring Joyce’s engagement to Alexander was secured.


    Turning Joyce into Alexander’s wife—that was the ultimate goal, the one thing that truly mattered.


    “Hey, Joyce, life must be good to youtely, huh? Looks like you’ve put on a few pounds.” Ronald, seated across from Joyce, made the remark offhandedly.


    Katrina turned to her daughter at his words. How much weight could Joyce have really gained?


    Katrina subtly lifted her hand and pinched her daughter’s arm, feeling the unexpected softness.


    “What’s going on?” she inquired in a subdued tone.


    Your next chapter awaits g?lnσν??ls?c?m


    Joyce, looking somewhat bothered, responded, “I don’t know! I’ve just been really hungry all the time.” As she spoke, she reached for a side dish.


    Katrina’s brow furrowed, about toment, when the door to their private room burst open.


    Richard and Alexander entered, smiling as they presented a thoughtfully wrapped gift to Katrina.


    “Sorry for the dy, Mr. and Mrs. Harper. Traffic was a nightmare,” Richard apologized.


    Katrina eyed Alexander, who seemed disengaged, more interested in his phone than the event.


    Katrina beamed, encouraging Alexander to sit next to Joyce and addressing Richard warmly, “Oh, please, there’s no need for formalities here.


    You can call my husband Caiden and me Katrina. Let’s keep it rxed.”


    Katrina was skilled at smoothing over any awkwardness, her words weaving a sense of unity and ease.


    Her approach made it clear to all present; this gathering was more than a mere family dinner. It was a strategic move to cement an alliance between the two families.


    This contrasted sharply with Dani and Alexander’s hastily arranged wedding, which hadcked a formal introduction to family members.


    Now, with Alexander present, they nodded in approval.


    He was mature andposed—a perfect match for Joyce.


    “Alexander, I’m Joyce’s second uncle, Wyatt. Over there is her third uncle, Ronald. We haven’t had much interaction before, but from now on, let’s keep in touch. We’re family, after all.” With a swift motion, Wyatt finished his drink in one gulp.


    As he set down his empty ss, he noted that Alexander had only sipped his water.


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