Resurrecting the Genius Within (Calypso Rain)

Chapter 44 Family's Dinner Time

As soon as Layla received news of an invitation from her Uncle Sean to a luxurious hotel, she hastily donned her brand-new dress.

Layla gave Ethan a disapproving look as he appeared in his shabby clothes. "Didn't Isabelle buy you new clothes?" she asked. "Why are you wearing those old ones again?" Ethan shrugged, "I washed them."

"Glorious International Hotel is the best five-star hotel in Norward City," she said. "If you don't dress appropriately, it would be awkward if we can't even get in."

Ethan didn't want to argue with Layla, who was thrilled upon hearing the name of the hotel where their uncle invited them.

William also dressed in his finest outfit, and they rented a six-seater taxi for the occasion.

On the way. Layla kept checking her makeup in the mirror and chattering with Eleanor about how luxurious the hotel was..

Layla searched for information about the hotel online and presented it to her mother.

"Mom, according to the internet, a single vegetable at this hotel costs hundreds of dollars. Just look at these abalones and lobsters," she exclaimed.

As William sat in the passenger seat, he turned his head and asked, "What kind of vegetable is so expensive?" The price they paid for their meal made him feel like they were eating gold instead of vegetables. Isabelle and Ethan sat together at the back of the car.

Ethan stumbled upon a video interview featuring Isabelle, where he noticed some negative comments in the comments section from people who claimed to have insider information. He elbowed Isabelle to get her attention.

Isabelle removed her headphones and glanced at the phone screen that Ethan had given her. "Isabelle, why don't you remove these videos when we get home tonight?" Ethan whispered.

It was easy vices for Isabelle, and erasing a few videos was easy.

"Why go through all that trouble?" Isabelle didn't care.

Seeing her attitude, Ethan didn't say anything else.

As they pulled into the hotel, Eleanor couldn't help but stick her head out the car window to marvel at the luxurious establishment.

Meanwhile, Layla straightened out her skirt and suppressed her excitement as she exited the car. She quickly took out her phone to snap pictures to post on social media after their meal.

As they approached the entrance, the doorman immediately recognised Isabelle and Ethan. He came forward to bow respectfully, asking. "Do you have a reservation?"

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"Excuse me. I'm actually here to find my younger brother. He invited us," William said, his formal tone betraying his nervousness as he stuttered slightly

"Of course, sir, May I ask for your brother's last name?" The waiter inquired politely.

"Jenkins. It's Sean Jenkins," William replied, his Norward City accent coming through. He seemed uncertain and lost.

"Please follow me," the waiter said, motioning for them to enter.

Layla was busy taking photos on her phone. At the same time, her mother asked her to capture the beautiful decorations and surroundings of the hotel. Meanwhile. Ethan led the way inside while Isabelle strolled behind him with her hands in her pockets.

As they reached the entrance, a high-end car pulled up, and Mike and his father stepped out.

Shortly after, another luxury car arrived, carrying the beautiful and impeccably dressed Nella and her father.

Nella was carrying a handbag and looked stunning, oozing the air of a wealthy young lady.

Upon seeing Mike, she smiled, but he appeared oblivious to her presence.

Bob walked directly over to Peter with a wide grin spreading across his face. He held out his hands to Peter and spoke in a tone of almost excessive deference, "Deputy Mayor Sanders, it's quite early for you to be

here."

"I just got here! Peter and Bob shook hands and exchanged greetings.

"It feels like we just met yesterday, and look at Mike! He has grown so much and is still as charming ast ever, exclaimed Bob, glancing over at Mike. "Hi, Uncle Bob," Mike responded politely. "Great to see you all!" Bob nodded in agreement.

"Mayor Foster is running a bit late, but let's head up to the top floor, room 101. Our friends are already there," said Peter, motioning towards the waiter approaching them.

With that, they walked into the hotel.

Nella took the opportunity to approach Mike and asked, "How did you do on your exams?"

"Not bad," Mike responded indifferently.

"Everyone says it was hard, and I didn't do well either. Which university are you planning to apply to?"

Taragon University

Upon hearing this, Nella couldn't help but bite her lip.

She wished she could blame Isabelle for causing trouble at school, which led to her grades slipping and missing the chance to go to Taragon University with Mike. It was all Isabelle's fault! It was all Isabelle's fault!

Sean had reserved a spot for the gathering on the floor's main hall. The table was a

as a magnificent crystal

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round table that could accommodate more than thirty people.

Almost everyone had arrived just as the waiter showed William's family of five to the table.

William rushed to greet his brothers. "Am I late?" he asked, panting.

Sitting in the main seat, Sean greeted him as the elder brother but didn't bother to get up. Pointing to the remaining seats, he invited William's family to sit. "Please take a seat. The food will be served shortly," he said, his protruding belly obstructing his movements.

"Hey Eleanor, you're looking fabulous! It looks like you've had a prosperous year, commented Kimberly as she carefully examined Eleanor's outfit from top to bottom, her eyes accentuated with subtle eyeliner.

"Your business carnings far surpass my measly salary," replied Eleanor. However, inwardly, she couldn't help but feel resentful. You flaunt your wealth every day, she thought. "My daughter got accepted into Taragon University, and I bet your son won't even get into a decent school."

Meanwhile, Layla greeted each relative at the table with her charming personality, earning their

admiration.

"Look at Layla, she's so well-behaved. All you ever do is play with your phone and computer, Kimberly scolded her son, turning her head towards him.

Rachel pointed towards the new arrival and asked, "Who's that?"

That's Isabelle," William exclaimed.

"Isabelle? She's lost so much weight, I hardly recognised her. She's become even more beautiful than Layla, Rachel commented.

Upon hearing this, Layla's smile froze on her face.

"Ethan seems to have grown taller. Why didn't you say hello when you got here?" Kimberly then turned to

Ethan.

"Isabelle, Ethan, why don't you greet everyone?" William instructed.

"Hello, Aunty, Ethan politely greeted.

Isabelle glanced at her so-called aunty, who was seated far from her. Her lips seemed to move slightly, but the next moment, she looked away and asked, "When are we going to eat?" Kimberly's face immediately changed, and she remarked, "What bad manners! How were you raised? You act like you've never had a meal before.

Tom approached Isabelle's defence and said, "Cut her some slack. We all know William's situation isn't great. It's their first time in a fancy restaurant, and the kids haven't had much good food. It's understandable."

The three younger brothers clearly did not show any respect for their eldest sibling. As a simple man. William was left feeling embarrassed and didn't know how to react.

Upon witnessing his father's 'humiliation, Ethan felt uneasy. He offered some words of comfort, "It's all right, Dad,"

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Feeling relieved, William gazed at his sensible son and nodded. "I'm okay now"

Eleanor was not someone to curse out loud, but she couldn't hold back this time. She turned to the second

son and asked, "How did Michael perform in his college entrance exam? You must have done well, right? You've always been a top student. Did you get into Taragon University?"

aunt's

Tom's family was not pleased with what they heard.

Michael, busy fiddling with his phone, looked up and joined in with his parents' disapproval of Eleanor, a less privileged relative. He hesitated momentarily and then retorted, "Taragon University isn't a cakewalk, Auntie. Did you ask because Isabelle got in?"

Kimberly burst out laughing, knowing well about Isabelle's academic record.

Taragon University? She was lucky to have made it to high school.

With poor grades and no financial support, Isabelle would likely be forced to join a factory straight after her exams were over.

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