Chapter 557
Chapter 557:
The voice that rang out belonged to Rosita Valdez, Kelsey’s aunt—a woman known for stirring the pot.
The Valdez family were a typical middle-class household. Kelsey’s grandparents worked as devoted high school teachers and raised two daughters: Leona, the elder, and Rosita, the younger.
Leona excelled at school and earned a scholarship to study overseas. There she met Trevor. Trevor, the sole heir to his family’s legacy, faced pressure to choose a bride who fit his family’s expectations. Leona’s modest background didn’t match their ideal, but Trevor’s love for her was stronger than tradition. In the end, love won and Trevor and Leona were married.
Rosita’s life followed a very different path. She attended a modest college and became a mother while still a student—an event the local community treated as scandalous. Kelsey and Manuel, Leona’s children, felt little affection for Rosita, yet Leona kept the family ties close and tolerated her sister. Taking advantage of Leona’s kindness, Rosita became a frequent guest at the Finch household. Out of respect for their mother and to keep the peace, Kelsey and Manuel maintained a polite front with Rosita despite their true feelings.
Today, however, Kelsey’s expression turned icy as Rosita’s words cut through the room.
“Aunt Rosita,” Kelsey said sharply, “the wedding plans are for my parents and the Chadwick family to handle. You’re overstepping p>
No sooner had Kelsey spoken than Manuel jumped in. “Exactly! Since when do you get to poke your nose into my sister’s marriage p>
Rosita’s face flushed at their bluntness. “Is this how your mother raised you to speak to your elder?” she snapped. “Such disrespect p>
Before she could continue, Amelia interjected, her voice cool as a winter breeze. “I didn’t know the Finch family’s matters were open for the Valdez family to dictate p>
Amelia, well versed in the Finch family’s dynamics, had come prepared for the wedding discussions. She had heard whispers about Rosita’s character. Although she already had a rough idea of what kind of person Rosita was, she couldn’t help but furrow her brow at the woman’s arrogance.
When Amelia learned that Shepard and Kelsey were about to marry, she considered Kelsey family. Rosita’s meddling sparked a fire in her.
𝘗oр𝘶l𝘢r 𝘴𝘁о𝘳𝗂𝗲s оn ѕ.𝗰𝗼𝗆
Rosita, despite her unremarkable background, had basked in the glow of the Finch family’s influence and gained a degree of respect among the city’s elite. It had been ages since anyone had dared speak to her so sharply. Meeting Amelia’s frosty stare, Rosita simmered with indignation but held her tongue, wary of Wyatt standing at Amelia’s side.
“What’s all the commotion about?” Trevor and Leona asked as they approached, their faces lit with warm smiles.
At the sight of Rosita, Leona’s smile dimmed ever so slightly. She knew her sister better than anyone. While she could overlook Rosita’s antics for the sake of their parents, today was a momentous occasion for her daughter. She wouldn’t let anyone dim Kelsey’s joy.
“Rosita, why aren’t you with Mom and Dad? What brings you here?” Leona asked.
“Leona, you should’ve heard the way Kelsey spoke to me just now!” Rosita exclaimed. “She was so disrespectful p>
“My daughter wouldn’t do anything wrong. And even if she did, it’s not your place to criticize her!” Trevor cut in before Leona could reply.
He had long grown weary of his sister-in-law’s overreach. If not for his love for Leona and respect for her parents, he wouldn’t have tolerated Rosita at all. To Rosita, Trevor had always been courteous, though distant. His sharp words now caught her off guard, leaving her speechless.
Trevor turned to Wyatt with a gentle smile. “Wyatt, how do you have time to be here today p>
Wyatt shared a glance with Shepard before replying, “It is a grand day for Shepard, so Amelia and I thought we would come along p>
Amelia’s face lit up with a smile. “Mr. Finch, I hope you’ll forgive our impromptu visit today p>
Trevor’s eyes twinkled with warmth. “You’re always a welcome guest, Mrs. Stewart p>
Amelia laughed softly, teasing yet sincere. “We’re about to be family soon. Please, call me Amelia p>
Trevor’s hearty chuckle filled the air. “Very well, I’ll call you Amelia from now on p>
After a few more lighthearted exchanges, Trevor turned to Shepard. “How about we go to the backyard to talk p>
Shepard nodded with a smile. “I would be delighted to p>
Trevor, pleased with Shepard’s background and character, led the way to the backyard with Amelia and the others trailing behind.
Rosita, catching the movement, instinctively started to follow, but Leona stepped into her path to stop her. “Don’t cause any trouble, Rosita,” Leona said firmly. “Or I’ll have to ask you to leave p>
Leona turned and joined the others, leaving Rosita standing alone. Her gaze followed her sister’s retreating figure, eyes smoldering with resentment as if Leona were an enemy rather than kin.
In the serene backyard, Leona caught up to Shepard and offered a gentle, apologetic smile. “Please, don’t let Rosita’s words trouble you p>