Chapter 779

All eyes at the dining table instantly focused on Cecilia Evans.

She covered her mouth, her face pale.

Aaron Truman immediately put down his chopsticks. "Feeling unwell?"

Cecilia shook her head.

It was probably psychological—knowing the fish soup had been tampered with made her stomach churn just thinking about drinking it.

But the soup was harmless to a normal person.

Only someone with bowel cancer would have a reaction.

She glanced at Aaron.

He had drunk it too. Why wasn't he showing any symptoms?

The drug must not have taken effect yet.

Cecilia forced a weak smile. "It's nothing. You should have some more soup."

Aaron relaxed slightly.

The doctor had said cancer patients often deteriorate rapidly after learning the truth.

If they remained unaware, they might live a little longer.

It was just a psychological comfort, but...

Aaron absentmindedly finished his fish soup and picked up some greens dressed with peanut sauce.

Cecilia suddenly set her chopsticks down.

She stood up, picked up a glass of champagne, and walked toward Evelyn Ross and Alexander Vance.

"Uncle. Aunt."

Cecilia raised her glass. "I was immature before. This toast is for you."

She took a sip.

Evelyn and Alexander exchanged a look, then raised their own glasses and took a small sip.

It was a gesture of respect for the Truman family.

They thought that would be the end of it.

But Cecilia spoke again. "I said the wrong thing earlier and offended you, Aunt. But I didn't mean it... I just felt sad seeing the house so empty."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow.

Why was she bringing this up again?

"And?"

Cecilia looked at her. "Could you invite Julian over another day? There's a misunderstanding between us... If you put in a good word for me, Aunt, he listens to you the most. He might forgive me."

On the surface, the request seemed reasonable.

If one didn't know about Julian Evans's past with Evelyn.

But Julian had pursued Evelyn in college.

Though their relationship was now purely platonic, Julian had chosen not to move back with his mother precisely to avoid any appearance of impropriety.

Their past was complicated enough. Seeing each other daily would only stir things up.

The person who would mind the most was Alexander.

And now Cecilia was saying "Julian listens to you the most"...

This woman knew. She knew Evelyn was her.

Evelyn gave a cold laugh and set her glass down heavily on the table.

"I'm not close with Julian Evans."

"How can you not be close? You were college classmates."

Cecilia wore an innocent expression. "He listened to you even back in college. If you say something, he'll definitely agree. Aunt, you want the family to be harmonious too, right?"

Evelyn scoffed.

Still acting?

"What are you talking about? I don't understand. I grew up in New York. How could I have attended the same university as Julian Evans?"

Cecilia opened her mouth to say more.

Alexander cut in directly. "Niece, if you don't want to eat, you can leave. No one here wants you."

Cecilia choked on her words.

Alexander's sudden anger was unexpected.

Sebastian Truman, Mia Truman, and Aaron—those unaware of the background—were all taken aback.

Sebastian had an inkling.

Mia already disliked Cecilia and frowned at her persistent pestering.

But Aaron knew nothing.

He stood up abruptly and strode over.

Cecilia's eyes were already red.

She lowered her head, her voice choked. "Uncle, I'm sorry... I didn't mean anything else. I just thought... Julian and I are still siblings. Family shouldn't be like this..."

She wiped a tear. "I know I'm a love child. But Father is gone now... Julian and I share the same blood. I've said too much and upset you. I won't say anymore..."

Alexander looked at her coldly.

If it weren't for the Truman family's protection, he would have dealt with a woman like her long ago.

Like a persistent fly, buzzing annoyingly.

"Then keep your mouth shut."

Cecilia froze.

Aaron had already reached her side, placing a protective hand on her shoulder.

"Uncle. Aunt. What exactly did Cecilia say that was wrong? Is it wrong for her to want the family reunited? Could she choose to be born a love child?"

Aaron grew more agitated as he spoke. "I heard your former wife was also a love child, Uncle. Are love children inherently guilty? What era is this? Still looking down on someone's birth?"

Both Alexander and Evelyn frowned.

Sebastian's voice was stern. "Aaron, that's enough."

It was a warning to stop.

Aaron took a deep breath and looked at Cecilia. "Cecilia, this family doesn't welcome you. Everything you say is wrong. Everything you do is wrong. Then let's leave!"

He took Cecilia's hand and strode toward the door.

He had to listen to his elder brother, but his wife didn't have to endure this humiliation!

A cold smile touched Cecilia's lips.

By her calculations, Aaron's illness should be acting up soon.

Right then—

A sharp pain stabbed through her lower abdomen.

Cold sweat instantly drenched her forehead.