Chapter 10

As Nadine settled into her seat, she caught a glimpse of Gigi's smug expression directed her way. "Jean, you and Brad make such a perfect match. You're like a match made in heaven," Gigi remarked. This morning, Nadine had brought up the "nudes incident", leaving Gigi unable to retort. Seething with frustration, Gigi decided to stir the pot further by intentionally arranging for Jean to sit with Brad at dinner just to aggravate Nadine. Noticing Gigi's glance, Nadine remained composed, calmly turning her face away and focusing on Sean instead. Brad was as good as dead ever since she signed the divorce agreement. Their loveless marriage had reached its inevitable conclusion. From now on, whoever sat beside Brad had nothing to do with her. She and Brad would never cross paths again. Therefore, Nadine remained unusually calm, unfazed by Gigi's attempts to provoke her. For someone whose heart was as cold as ashes, nothing mattered now except Sean. Jean blushed at Gigi's words. "Gigi, that's nonsense!" she said with her head lowered, her demeanor resembling that of a startled rabbit, eliciting sympathy. Brad heard Gigi's remarks and glanced at Nadine, eager for a reaction. However, he found none. Nadine didn't even flinch, as if Gigi's words were insignificant, and remained as silent as a statue. Seeing that her provocation did not affect Nadine, Gigi felt a surge of resentment. Clenching her teeth, Gigi persisted, "Jean, you should join us for dinner every evening. You see, whenever you're around, Brad brightens up. "Normally, he wears a stern expression, as if the world's weight is on his shoulders." Nadine remained silent, her gaze fixed lovingly on Sean, disregarding Gigi's attempts to provoke her. Her heart was already scarred. What would become of her without Brad if she didn't heal and move on after the divorce? Gigi's words failed to provoke Nadine but caught Adam's attention. Sitting at the head of the table, he observed the movements of everyone below. When he noticed the provocation in Gigi's eyes, his expression immediately turned grim. "Gigi, what are you doing? Is this how you talk to your sister-in-law?" Adam cherished seeing the family together, vibrant and lively. While Gigi could be whimsical at times and make inappropriate remarks, her behavior today to openly provoke Nadine in front of guests had displeased him. Seeing Nadine quietly enduring the injustice, he felt a pang of sympathy for her. He sternly addressed Gigi. Observing only Gigi was being criticized, Evelyn hastily defended her. "Adam, it's just a little argument between the kids, nothing serious. You shouldn't worry about it." Adam snorted lightly, his hazy eyes suddenly becoming sharp. His piercing gaze fell on Evelyn's face. "Just a little argument between kids? Is that what you think? "Daniel, do you think so too?" Turning to Daniel, Adam sought his perspective. Daniel was typically swamped with work, rarely seen during the day and only appearing at the Hamilton family dinner table in the evenings. He had little idea of what Gigi was like on a daily basis. Earlier, he found it peculiar when he heard her praising Jean. But now, witnessing Gigi's attitude toward Nadine and being reprimanded by Adam, he finally grasped the gravity of the situation. "Gigi, when did you become so arrogant and rude?" Daniel asked. Feeling the weight of Adam and Daniel's scrutiny, Gigi slammed her cutlery with frustration. "How was I rude and arrogant? It's crystal clear that Jean and Brad have been inseparable since childhood. They were deeply in love. Then suddenly, Nadine swoops in out of nowhere and snatches Brad away. "Has anyone ever stopped to consider Jean's side of the story? She's been devoted to Brad all along. Even after their breakup, she didn't entertain the idea of moving on. For years, she's been waiting patiently for him all alone. "What on earth did she do to deserve this? Your consciences seem to have taken a twisted turn. Is it too much to ask for some fairness here? "You're willing to sacrifice Jean's and Brad's happiness for Nadine's superficial ties to the Hamilton family. How can you justify that? Can't I just defend Jean's feelings for a moment?" Tears welled up in Gigi's eyes as she spoke. Adam frowned. "We're discussing your attitude toward Nadine now. Why are you bringing up these old matters? "Daniel, you need to discipline Gigi properly! She's becoming more and more outrageous!" "Gigi, you shouldn't have this attitude toward Nadine." Daniel put down his cutlery, looking at Gigi calmly. Gigi grew increasingly agitated. "Nadine has never been my sister-in-law in my eyes! Jean is! I refuse to acknowledge Nadine's status as my sister-in-law! She's a homewrecker!" With that, Gigi's tears fell. Jean embraced Gigi, reassuring her. "Gigi, you don't have to defend me. As long as Brad loves me, I feel no injustice." Smack… Adam slammed his hand on the table, causing the silverware to clatter. "Gigi Hamilton, are you questioning my decision?!" Tearful, Gigi stood up from her seat, defiantly looking at Adam seated at the head of the table. "Yes! I can't stand your autocracy! Brad's marriage should be his own decision, not yours!" Adam was furious, but before he could respond, a sharp pain pierced his chest. Witnessing this, Nadine hurried to get nitroglycerin pills and fed them to Adam. "Mr. Hamilton, you must stay calm. Don't exert yourself," she urged. Brad dialed the family doctor without hesitation. Daniel couldn't focus on eating anymore and he rushed over to check on Adam's condition. "Dad, how do you feel?" Adam grasped Daniel's hand, settled after a moment, and calmly uttered, "I'm not dying just yet." After the chaos subsided, Adam regained his composure and took his seat at the head of the table. However, his face still bore signs of weariness. Before Adam could speak, Daniel addressed the situation. "Gigi, your behavior today was unacceptable! You will be sent into timeout!" Feeling this might be insufficient, he turned to Adam. "Dad, do you agree with her punishment?" Adam nodded. "Make her write a 3000-word reflection too. She can't sleep or eat until it's done." Gigi's eyes widened in desperation. "Dad, are you doing this to your own daughter for an outsider?"