CHAPTER 55: CHAPTER 55: MEETING MY FUTURE SISTER-IN-LAW

"To tell you the truth, today is not your sister’s day to host a dinner. Today is a very special occasion; it’s the day for the Warner family to formally meet your girlfriend’s parents. Your father will also be coming over soon. Unless you disagree with this match, how can you still be impolite and stand them up?"

The previously quiet atmosphere in the car became tense once again because of Renee Perry’s words.

Annelise Winter, even though she was sitting in the front passenger seat, far away from Renee and her son, still felt her heart sink.

Renee really knew how to hit where it hurt most!

Intentionally letting her know that Elias Warner no longer loved her.

Intentionally making her see for herself how well-matched Elias Warner and his fiancée were now.

As if deliberately, Renee still maintained her manners while introducing Elias Warner.

"Annelise is now considered a daughter raised by our family in name, so bringing her to the family banquet is a matter of courtesy! Such an important gathering, you won’t refuse to attend again, will you?"

Indeed, these words successfully brought Elias Warner, who was about to leave, back.

He sat back down, "When was this gathering arranged? How come I didn’t know about it?"

"Just in the last couple of days! Surely you won’t blame us for not notifying you in advance? We just wanted to surprise you!"

Elias Warner remained silent, his eyes subtly falling on the thin and tense back in the front seat.

Suddenly, he was intrigued, wanting to see her reaction.

"Alright then, let’s go. Let’s not keep them waiting."

Unexpectedly, her son was so cooperative.

Renee relaxed completely, glancing at Annelise Winter, who had been silent in the front row, "Annelise, you have no objections to going for a meal together, do you?"

Annelise clenched her hands, about to speak, but Renee interrupted her.

Without needing her to speak, Renee made the decision for her, stabbing each word into her heart, "You knew about Elias’ girlfriend a long time ago, right? Today is the day our two families formally meet. You count as Elias’ sister in name, also our family member; now that you’re here, you might as well go to the meal and meet your future sister-in-law."

Annelise never expected that the moment she got off the plane, she would face such a scene!

Renee actually wanted to take her to meet Elias Warner’s fiancée and family.

She didn’t look back to see how Elias Warner’s gaze was at this moment, but his presence was too strong; she knew he was waiting for her reaction.

He must love his current fiancée very much!

Otherwise, if suddenly told to meet the parents, he wouldn’t agree to it.

He even seemed eager to meet his fiancée.

A sour feeling welled up in Annelise’s heart.

She didn’t have the courage to look!

She couldn’t bear to see him with another woman!

Even if it meant being a coward today.

"Ms. Warner, I think I’ll pass, I have something else to do, so I won’t be joining you!"

Without hesitation, Annelise firmly refused and was about to get out of the car but was stopped.

"Better not, Annelise."

Renee extended her hand, holding Annelise’s tightly from behind, "Today is Elias’ big day. No matter how you look at it, in the eyes of outsiders, you are still considered the Warner family’s daughter. It’s just a dinner with family; we don’t expect anything else from you. Just do your Aunt a favor, hang in there, alright?"

Giving her no chance to refuse, Renee instructed the driver to lock the doors and drive!

Annelise sat up straight in her seat, knowing she couldn’t get out of the car, and remained silent, holding back.

Elias Warner and his girlfriend were meeting the parents today, and after that, they’d likely discuss engagement or even marriage!

Unwilling to have a meal with her, yet eager to meet his girlfriend’s family.

It was clear to anyone where Elias Warner’s priorities lay.

Why subject herself to humiliation!

This was Renee’s goal all along!

To have Elias Warner completely extinguish her hopes right in front of her!

Although she had already mentally prepared for this moment when she insisted on Elias taking her to Breslin, she didn’t expect Renee to resort to this plan!

Her chest ached from the pain so intense it was suffocating! Annelise turned her gaze away, forcing herself not to cry!

Renee, satisfied, released her hand.

"See, Annelise is so understanding." Having achieved her goal, Renee turned her attention back to Elias Warner.

"Elias, promise your mom you’ll find a match who’s your equal and stop wasting your time and feelings on someone not worth it. Stop making your father and me worry! Your father and I are getting old. We won’t be able to work for many more years. Before your father retires, you must take on the heavy responsibilities!"

Elias Warner kept his face stoic, saying nothing, which was answer enough.

They soon arrived at the reserved hotel.

On such occasions, the groom’s family should arrive early to show respect to the bride’s family.

As they reached the hotel entrance, they happened to meet Elias Warner’s father who had just arrived.

In his fifties, with a stern expression, the man exuded a fierce aura, making it intimidating simply to stand in his presence.

Elias Warner’s father was a man of influence, often seen on the news channel.

Renee knew given the Warner family’s principles, they would never approve of a romance between a brother and sister in the family, which was why she accepted Annelise as a goddaughter despite her noble status.

If she dared to defy Renee’s wishes, she’d forever sever Annelise’s hopes with Elias Warner.

Looking at the current situation, Renee seemed to have succeeded.

Elias Warner, for once, respectfully called out "Dad."

Preston Warner nodded in satisfaction, patting his son’s back, "How was the flight? Are you getting used to flying commercially?"

Even in concern, men wouldn’t show it overtly.

Elias Warner, composed and reserved, with a naturally noble demeanor, let his voice drift forward, "Not difficult at all."

Watching the father-son interaction from behind, Renee was filled with contentment.

Except for Annelise, walking alone at the back, increasingly out of place with the family of three ahead.

It was Elias Warner’s father who first remembered her, pausing on the steps to look back.

"Annelise, you’re here too? It’s been quite a while, hasn’t it?"

Addressed directly, Annelise responded obediently.

"Uncle Warner."

"Hmm. Uncle’s been too busy, rarely at home. If you have any problems, remember to tell your Aunt."

"Thank you for your concern, Uncle Warner. Everything’s fine with me,"

explained Annelise.

Seeing her response, Elias Warner’s father gestured for her to join them.

"Come on, child. It’s rare for our family to get together. Why so reserved? Your brother Elias’ girlfriend’s family will be here shortly, so quickly, come on up!"

At this moment, going in was the only way not to appear inconsiderate.

She hadn’t expected that Elias Warner’s father would be so forgiving and unchanged, treating her just as kindly as before!

By stepping on the stairs and entering the private room with them, she could meet Elias Warner’s rumored fiancée and find out who she was.

But she didn’t want to appear at a gathering for meeting the parents.

Even less did she want to see him showcasing his affection with another woman.

Annelise ascended the stairs step by step!

With gritted teeth and clenched eyes, she resorted to her old trick!

"Ah!"