Chapter 8 A very ambivalent attitude

The dinner table exuded an air of awkwardness. For the first time in years, the old Collins joined everyone for the meal. Vanessa displayed great concern for the old Collins' health throughout the dinner.

"Dad, here's some Giopino for you from the kitchen. Have some," the old Collins gently offered him a bowl.

Vanessa chimed in, "Alina also enjoys this soup."

A bowl of soup soon appeared before Alina, served by Vanessa. Alina expressed her gratitude, "Thank you."

"Mum, why are all the dishes Alina loves today? Didn't you ask someone to make Coq Au Vin for me?" Julia muttered, casting a glance at Vanessa.

Vanessa shot her a direct glare, silencing Julia. She kept her head down and reluctantly continued eating.

Alina noticed that some of the dishes on the table were the same as those from three years ago when she first returned for dinner.

"Alina, eat. Look how thin you've become over the years. My Alina must have suffered out there," the old Collins expressed his happiness, but his resentment towards Caleb grew stronger.

Caleb silently consumed his meal.

Alina responded, "I am eating, Grandpa."

"Have more, eat until you're satisfied," the old Collins urged, sighing once again. "I'm glad you're back. Your mother should make it up to you."

Alina tensed up. Her initial reaction was to not react to whom the old Collins was referring to.

Vanessa also stiffened momentarily upon hearing his words before responding, "Don't worry, Father. I'll ensure she regains her weight."

She subconsciously glanced at Caleb, who was staring at her.

Alina shifted her gaze to Mrs. Collins. Although Mrs. Collins didn't look at her, she continued eating.

Dinner came to an end. Alina contemplated excuses to leave, but the old Collins kept holding onto her, making it difficult for her to find a way to excuse herself. As the night grew late, she finally managed to coax the old Collins into resting before making her way downstairs.

To her surprise, she encountered Vanessa, who used to retire early. Alina took a step down the stairs and brushed past her, but Vanessa spoke up.

"Your previous room has been cleaned up. It's not safe for you to stay at Mulherd Manor, so live in Collins Castle."

"No need for that, ma'am," Alina refused, feeling that she no longer belonged there.

Vanessa's frown deepened, her face turning cold. It was unclear whether her expression was due to Alina's refusal or the way she addressed her.

She added, "Max will worry if you live in Mulherd Manor. You've seen how his health has declined."

This marked the first time Vanessa had spoken to Alina in such a kind tone. Alina wanted to refuse, but the words wouldn't come out. She felt embarrassed, yet considering the old Collins' health, she also had some hesitation.

"By the way, are you free?" Mrs. Collins' sudden question caught Alina off guard.

"What?" Alina was momentarily taken aback by Mrs. Collins' unexpected words.

Mrs. Collins continued, "Join me for a party tomorrow."

"It's not appropriate, is it?" Alina immediately declined. When she first arrived, Mrs. Collins mentioned that she seemed to bring trouble to the Collins family. If the two of them attended high-society banquets together, she wondered what others would think.

However, Mrs. Collins spoke with seriousness, "Caleb hasn't signed the papers yet. You're still married, so there's nothing inappropriate about it. Just choose an appropriate dress for the evening."

Without waiting for Alina to respond, Mrs. Collins left.

Hardly had she left when Caleb arrived. His tone was mocking, "I underestimated your capabilities."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Alina retorted sharply.

In truth, she felt quite bewildered at the moment.

He chuckled but didn't say anything further.

That night, Alina slept exceptionally well, perhaps because she had once lived in this room for years.

The following morning, both the old Collins and Caleb were present at the breakfast table.

"Dad, I woke up early and had the kitchen prepare this breakfast," Caleb announced.

Mrs. Collins appeared visibly better, and although seriousness still lingered in her eyes, her tone seemed lighter.

Jonah, who stood on the sidelines, even exclaimed, "It's been many years since Max had breakfast with everyone."

Especially after Alina disappeared three years ago, they hadn't even shared breakfast, let alone the reunion dinner.

Alina heard Jonah's exclamation as she descended the stairs. It was clear how important Alina was to the old Collins.

And Caleb was seated right next to the old Collins.

The old Collins' face darkened when he saw Caleb and ordered, "Go and check on Alina. She has returned, so take good care of her."

Caleb was eager to go to her, but Alina still held reservations towards him, especially after the events of the previous night.

Mrs. Collins interjected, "She has just returned and is likely exhausted. Let her rest, I'll save some food for her."

Upon hearing Mrs. Collins' words, the old Collins appeared more at ease, but his gaze towards Caleb remained filled with anger.

Alina took a deep breath and stepped forward, addressing them, "Grandpa, Mrs. Collins."

"Alina, come here," the old Collins beckoned her.

"Yes, Grandpa," Alina responded.

Alina felt a pang of sadness in her heart when she heard that her grandfather hadn't joined everyone for breakfast in a long time. During her time living there, he had always been present at the table with them. There was only one seat left at the table, next to Caleb. Alina hesitated, reluctant to sit there, but ultimately she had no choice and took her place.

After breakfast, the old Collins addressed Caleb in a less-than-pleasant tone, "If you haven't figured things out after all these years, don't bother coming back. I don't need you as a grandson if Alina is with us." It raised the question of who was the true blood relative in this family.

The news of Alina's return had already become a hot topic in Ingford. However, a photo that circulated that morning created an even bigger stir. Speculation grew about who would ultimately end up as a member of the Collins family: Alina or Emma. There were rumors that Mrs. Collins personally took Alina to a party for the noble ladies' circle, and it was said that the jewelry Alina wore had been bought by Mrs. Collins two years ago. Mrs. Collins' actions made it clear who held a place in the Collins family.

Emma, in an upscale apartment in Ingford, saw the picture and her heart filled with rage. Especially in the photo, Alina was casually and confidently holding Mrs. Collins' arm. Alina possessed an innate nobility. Emma angrily smashed the red wine glass in her hand, her long curly hair disheveled, devoid of the elegance she once had.

"What on earth are you doing, Miss Bell?" Kara Knight, her assistant, rushed to her side, cleaning up the mess.

Emma grimaced upon seeing Kara, "Why are you here?"

"Do you have any idea how much we'll lose if this show fails?" Kara said, mentioning the show that Emma wanted to succeed so badly.

The news that followed the party took Alina by surprise. In the afternoon, after enjoying afternoon tea with her grandfather, Alina felt anxious about how to bring up the topic of her divorce. Finally, her grandfather spoke, "Are you considering divorcing Caleb?"

At those words, Alina's heart skipped a beat as she looked up at her grandfather, whose once-sharp eyes had grown hazy.

"Grandpa," she choked out, her voice trembling.

The old Collins responded, "I know that brat has caused you a lot of suffering and has done some terrible things. But can you grant me one request?"

"What is it, Grandpa?"

"Don't get a divorce while I'm still alive."