Although the party ended smoothly, the participants felt it was strange.
Because of Erica, the uninvited guest, Christina looked unhappy all the time.
Charles tried to cheer people up, while Crystal tried to look well, but everyone had mixed feelings.
After dinner, they left after drinking some tea.
Chandler's parents realized that although Chandler and Patrick had a good relationship, they both would be affected by their wife's words, especially Patrick who would always listen to Christina...
Being left behind, Mrs.Stephenson reminded Crystal of something important in a low voice.
"Crystal, we are not so close to the Hopkins family like the Shepherd family.Chandler and Patrick have been friends since they were young so that he could get close to Patrick.You should be more careful when speaking with Christina from now on..."
Crystal had been thinking about Erica today.
Now, hearing Mrs.Stephenson's order, she looked up uneasily.
"Mom, actually, Christina.."
Crystal guessed that Mrs.Stephenson disliked Christina's unwillingness and indifference.
"I know you are good friends, but now that you are married.Besides, since we have different standpoints, we need to think from different perspectives."
Mrs.Stephenson gently instructed Crystal, "I know Christina is kind.She saved Geoffrey before and I am grateful to her, knowing that she treats us well."
"But she's now the granddaughter-in-law of the Hopkins family.Sometimes it's inevitable for us to have a conflict.If she says something on impulse, it will have a great impact"
Mrs.Stephenson said it implicitly.
Just now, Mrs.Stephenson found that Patrick denied Christina nothing, letting her lose her temper at will.
The Hopkins family did not need to please others, while others were careful when dealing with the Hopkins family.
Plus, the Hopkins family was always united while Christina was direct.
Therefore, people would get in trouble if they say something wrong to offend Christina.
Looking at Mrs.Stephenson, Crystal nodded after a while.
"I see."
Mrs.Stephenson had had two sons, but since the death of her eldest son, Chandler became the real support of the Stephenson family.
Although it was not good to let Crystal alienate Christina, it was also for their stable life.
"We don't have as many rules as the Hopkins family and the Shepherd family.Our relatives and ancestors didn't make many achievements, but we have been wealthier than average people.Your father and I have been teaching and doing research at college for most of our lives.As Chandler's wife, you don't have to be stressful.We just need to try our best to support him«"
Crystal was relieved to hear Mrs.Stephenson admit that she was Chandler's wife.
Although Crystal had got a marriage certificate with Chandler, she was always uneasy.
The lightning marriage made it like a dream.
Every time Crystal met Chandler's ex-wife, she wasn't confident enough.
It seemed that the Stephenson family was finally satisfied with Crystal, so she was a little relieved.
Mrs.Stephenson patted Crystal on the shoulder.
"Get downstairs to say goodbye to Christina and Charles."
After all, the dinner tonight was to celebrate Geoffrey's birthday, and they had to act decently.
When Crystal trotted there, she saw Chandler on the stairs behind the elevator.
"Here's a check for five million.Take it first.If it's not enough..."
Chandler handed the check over.
"It's enough"
In fact, Crystal didn't mean to eavesdrop.
It sounded that Chandler was talking to Erica.
Hearing it, Crystal unconsciously stood still, wondering what they were talking about.
Chandler and Erica have known each other and married for so many years, and she had given birth to a son for him.
They indeed were intimate.
Then, Crystal witnessed on the spot that Chandler gave Erica the check with no hesitation, which was not a small amount for the Stephenson family.
Thinking of Chandler who always stayed up late at work and had a stomachache, Crystal felt that Erica was too greedy, even asking her ex- husband for money after getting divorced.
"I'll pay you back."
To Crystal's surprise, Erica suddenly said.
Not only Crystal but also Chandler looked a little surprised.
Previously, Erica had been stubborn and arrogant.
After the divorce, she was only to be gentler.
"You don't have to do so."
Chandler was generous to his ex-wife.
Then, the man turned around and was about to leave.
However, staring at his back and watching him walking away, Erica seemed to be emotional, with her right hand clutching the check.
The next second, she called him.
Hearing Erica's eager voice, Chandler turned around calmly, eyeing her.
"What's the matter?"
Gazing at the man, Erica asked hysterically, "Chandler, tell me, are you happy now?"
Sobbing, the woman uncontrollably raised her voice.
"You're finally divorced from me.Are you happy that you don't have to be responsible for me anymore...
"It was you who asked for a divorce."
Expressionless, Chandler replied and left.
Erica stood there alone, leaning against the wall, and burst into tears regardless of the image.
Hiding in a corner, Crystal was shocked when looking at Erica who was crying sadly.
She had always thought that Erica was so arrogant and domineering that she would never cry so miserably.
Seeing it, Crystal had mixed emotions.
It seemed that Erica was not a bad woman.
Their strange conversation just now seemed to show that Erica didn't want to leave Chandler at all.
When Crystal took the elevator down to the lobby, Christina and the others had already taken the car home.
Crystal had no choice but to make a phone call as a courtesy and tell a lie as an excuse.
"Today is Geoffrey's birthday party and Chandler told me yesterday that Erica would come over.After all, Erica is Geoffrey's biological mother.Chandler asked me for my opinion, and I agreed, but I forgot to tell you."
Crystal knew Christina was a loyal friend, and she had always been at odds with Erica.
Just now, she had resisted her anger for not troubling the Stephenson family.
As a result, Crystal decided to lie to her.
As expected, after hearing it, Christina seemed to be happier.
"You knew Erica would come? Why are you so generous? We were enjoying ourselves just now and it was obvious that she wanted to offend you."
Charles who was with her couldn't help saying acidly.
"I've said that you are too nosy and worried."
"Who is too nosy? You?"
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