Chapter 428
New Year's Eve arrived in the blink of an eye.
The sound of firecrackers heralded the passing of the old year.
A warm spring breeze seemed to blow through the celebratory air.
"Good morning, Sophia. Why are you up so early?"
"Good morning, Grandfather!"
Sophia Sullivan had just come downstairs and saw Isaac Atlante sitting in the living room, steeping tea.
A beautifully polished pair of antique walnuts rested beside his hand.
"What would you like for breakfast?"
"I'll eat whatever is in the kitchen," Sophia said. "I'm not picky."
It was only eight-thirty after breakfast.
Sophia thought David and Isabella Sullivan were still asleep.
She was about to go upstairs to wake them.
Unexpectedly, Isabella had already taken her laptop to the study.
David had accompanied the grandmother out for shopping.
They had left with the driver for the morning market before dawn.
They returned at nine-thirty.
Their relationship had improved to the point—
"David knows so much! He even knows how to bargain!"
"No, no! I just shop for groceries often and have a bit more experience than others…"
One compliment from the grandmother.
And the middle-aged son-in-law blushed bright red.
The live-in staff had been given leave two days prior.
Only two chefs and one driver remained.
The grandmother had just finished taking stock of the ingredients upon returning home.
She immediately headed into the kitchen.
Her focus on tonight's New Year's Eve feast was evident.
David wasn't idle either.
Fresh from his mother-in-law's praise.
How could he not seize the chance to impress?
He promptly followed her into the kitchen.
At noon, the family gathered around the table for a simple meal.
Though called simple, there were still six or seven dishes.
The real main event was in the evening.
In the afternoon, Sophia woke from her nap.
She first played two games of chess with her grandfather.
Then she helped pack red envelopes.
Stacks of pink banknotes were arranged on the coffee table.
Beside them were red envelopes printed with blessings.
The large ones held ten thousand.
The medium ones held five thousand.
The small ones held one thousand.
Thirty of each needed to be prepared.
It was no small task.
Sophia's hands moved steadily.
She couldn't help but ask, "Do we have that many relatives to visit?"
Isaac sighed. "We didn't in the past. We're starting this year."
Sophia understood the reason after a moment's thought.
Previously, the elderly couple spent most of their time abroad.
New Year's was often spent hastily in a foreign land.
Visiting relatives and friends was out of the question.
Now that Isabella had been found.
The family was reunited.
Her grandfather and grandmother felt the desire to reconnect.
Isaac sighed. "We've been abroad all these years and gradually grew distant from relatives and friends. Some we occasionally called, others we lost touch with completely. We'll definitely be staying in the country from now on. Your grandmother feels it's necessary to reconnect with old relatives and friends…"
"Firstly, for the liveliness. Having people coming and going prevents the house from feeling cold and deserted. Secondly, to expand your social circle. These connections could develop into a network for you younger generation in the future."
"Ultimately, people are social creatures. Seeking warmth in a group is instinctive. If anything were to happen to us in the future, you would have people to turn to for help."
This was the concept of family.
Before, the elderly couple was busy searching for their daughter.
They had no mind for managing social connections.
Now their daughter was found.
She brought back a son-in-law and a granddaughter.
The grandmother became active again.
Making plans and paving the way for her daughter's family.
Sophia understood the elders' good intentions.
She didn't offer any advice.
She didn't say anything.
Her hands moved even more deftly as she packed the red envelopes.
Sebastian Evans arrived home at four in the afternoon.
Perhaps to match the occasion.
He wore a red sweater today.
It was revealed when he took off his coat upon entering.
The vibrant, eye-catching red made his skin appear even paler.
The grandmother smiled warmly. "That's a wonderful outfit! So festive! Sophia is wearing a red sweater today too. What a coincidence between you siblings!"
Sebastian looked toward Sophia.
She was not only wearing a red sweater.
But also a white scarf.
The combination of red and white.
Easily drew attention.
The grandmother, seeing this, looked somewhat pleased. "Well? Doesn't Sophia look beautiful dressed like this?"
Sebastian nodded, calmly withdrawing his gaze. "Yes, beautiful."
His tone was even.
He simply agreed with the grandmother's words.
It wouldn't give anyone cause for suspicion.
He walked over to the coffee table.
"Packing red envelopes?"
The grandfather wasn't polite either.
He waved a hand. "Don't just stand there. Come help."
"Alright." Sebastian rolled up his sleeves.
He crouched down beside Sophia.
With his help, efficiency greatly increased.
Soon, all the money was packed.
Leaving behind a pile of money bands.
Replaced by bulging red envelopes.
By six in the evening, it was completely dark.
At some point, a light snow had begun to fall outside.
Fluttering softly down to the earth.
Inside, the fireplace was lit and the heating was on.
Decorations were bright red and full of festive joy.
It felt like a completely different world from outside.
Outside, the cold wind whistled.
Inside, there was laughter and happy chatter.
"The last dish! Dinner is almost ready!" The grandmother emerged from the kitchen, happily announcing the progress.
Everyone began to move upon hearing this.
Setting out bowls and chopsticks, pulling out chairs, fetching wine glasses… each attending to their own task.
Just as the final dish was placed on the table and everyone gathered to begin eating—
The doorbell rang.
Sophia was the first to rise. "I'll get it."
The grandmother couldn't help but frown and mutter softly, "Everyone's home having their reunion dinner on New Year's Eve…"
Who could be so inconsiderate as to visit someone else's home at this hour?
The door opened, followed by a woman's cheerful laughter—
"Happy New Year, Sophia!"
That voice…
Sebastian's smile froze.
Before the grandfather and grandmother could react.
The visitors had already crossed the living room—
"Mom, Dad,Theodore Valdemar and I are here to celebrate the New Year with you."
Irene Valdemar wore a red coat today.
Her hair was clearly styled specially.
All pinned up, making her look particularly spirited.
Walking beside her was her husband, Theodore Valdemar.
The man wore a suit, his figure tall and straight.
He carried numerous large and small bags in his hands.
He spoke immediately after. "Dad, Mom, Happy New Year."
As he spoke, his gaze fell on Isabella's face.
Then it swept over David Sullivan beside her.
"Isabella, brother-in-law," this form of address seemed somewhat difficult for him, but he managed to say it, "Happy New Year."
David immediately stood up, responding with a smile. "Happy New Year, Happy New Year!"
He still wore an apron.
The cuffs of his sleeves were still rolled up, not yet straightened.
Compared to Theodore in his suit and leather shoes.
He seemed far too ordinary…
Too ordinary to appear in the Atlante home.
And to sit at such a feast.
Yet the reality was—
Florence Atlante: "David, please sit down! Why stand up? There's no need for such formality. Don't be a stranger."
"Mom, I was just greeting brother-in-law. We only briefly met last time in the city, didn't have time to talk."
Isabella raised an eyebrow slightly upon hearing this.
She looked up at David.
He caught her gaze.
Immediately returned a "don't worry" look.
Signaling he wouldn't cause trouble.
Isabella: "…" Who was worried he would cause trouble?
Really…