Chapter 486:

His Uncle Cory had meticulously styled his hair, lavishly applying gel until it gleamed, sculpting a dramatically slicked-back look. Attempting a youthful flair, his ensemble—featuring a high-end sweatshirt adorned with whimsical cartoon prints and casual jeans—clashed strikingly with his more mature, lined face, lending him a somewhat comical appearance.

Ailyn’s gaze drifted from Cory to Kristopher, who stood confidently beside Carrie, then to Albin, who was casually leaning near Camille. To her side, Cory, who could easily be mistaken for her father in terms of age, and to her other side, men who seemed to have stepped out of the pages of fashion magazines—charming and poised. For the first time, she truly perceived the glaring contrast.

Previously, Cory hadn’t seemed so out of place. Born into wealth, his demeanor carried an effortless elegance that distinguished him from the typical youthful crowd. When Ailyn brought him to her old neighborhood, her neighbors would often whisper in awe, “Ailyn, your boyfriend looks like a high-ranking executive.” As they strolled through the mall, even the charming, youthful sales associates showered Cory with compliments, a fact that had always filled Ailyn with a sense of pride.

But now, standing there, Ailyn felt a compelling urge to vanish into the background, to meld into the shadows on the wall. She hoped fervently that Cory would not spot her, that he would simply continue on his way, oblivious to her presence.

man previously acquainted with the Myers family was the first to stir, his excitement palpable. With a

Cory could even glance in Ailyn’s direction, his gaze landed on Kristopher at the head of the table.

with a tender smile. “Please, try these; they’re the handiwork of

deliberate tone, “I’m attending the reunion with my wife, Uncle. And you?

her voice a hushed murmur filled with concern. “Kristopher’s remarks are

tight-lipped smile, “It seems your

around were far from oblivious. Witnessing Kristopher’s overt disregard for Cory, they grasped the underlying tension between Mr. Norris and his uncle.

to the table, slammed his briefcase down with a resounding thud, and exclaimed, “Kristopher, remember, I am your uncle! You’re supposed

edge of his cup, his voice gentle and quiet as he remarked, “Respect isn’t handed out freely; it’s earned. Reflect on your own deeds—do any truly reflect the dignity expected of an

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