Chapter 151 Major Issues and Minor Issues
Michelle's face turned pale. She clenched her fists tightly, intense hatred churning in her eyes.
"I don't understand what you're talking about. I don't know this person," she refused to admit.
I didn't care whether she admitted it or not. I wasn't a judge here to sentence her, nor was I a police officer here to arrest her and throw her in jail.
The "gift" had been delivered. My purpose was accomplished, and I could leave now.
After flying and traveling all night, then rushing over early in the morning to deliver the gift, I was yawning from exhaustion.
The car gradually drove toward our old home—Gale had already bought back our previous house. Five years had passed, and both the house and yard had changed a lot. Gale had hired workers to renovate everything. At first glance, the yard looked messy, piled with construction materials.
"Finally back!" Marcus was extremely excited. The moment the car stopped, he couldn't wait to push open the door and rush out. "The orange tree I planted before is still here! Bella—your tree is still here too! The little garden Mom and Dad built is still here!"
Marcus's voice, carried by the wind, changed from excitement to choking up.
My eyes also reddened. As I pushed open the car door, I thought of Lucas. I turned to ask him, "Come inside with us."
I figured that given Lucas's personality, he'd probably stay. On the way here, I'd been debating whether to have him sleep in a guest room closer to me or farther away.
When I spoke, my words carried an expectation and awkwardness I hadn't even noticed myself.
But Lucas shook his head. "Another time. I need to go back to The Valeri Manor first."
He got out of the car with me, nodded from a distance at Gale who was waiting for me not far away as a greeting, didn't say anything extra, hugged me, and then got in his car and left.
I watched the black sedan drive farther and farther away until I couldn't see it anymore, then suddenly snapped back to reality.
Gale had already walked to the front gate, his gaze slightly heavy. "Bella."
I suddenly felt guilty and didn't dare look at Gale. "Lucas is also coming back to participate in the hunting competition. We were going the same way."
Gale was the person most opposed to me associating with Lucas. His eyes were too sharp, as if they could see through all my thoughts. My explanation seemed pale and weak.
I simply stopped explaining and hung my head, waiting for Gale's scolding.
A broad, warm hand pressed on my head and gently rubbed it twice.
"Bella, I won't interfere with your feelings. I just hope you won't get hurt and will be happy every day."
I couldn't help but feel my nose tingle. "Gale."
I hugged Gale, tears falling on his shoulder. Gale laughed and patted my back. "You're all grown up, still crying like a little kid."
"I—" I felt a bit embarrassed. "Adults can cry too!"
Marcus walked over from the garden. "Why are you two still at the door?"
Gale and I both looked at Marcus. His eyes were red and the corners a bit moist. Being watched by us, he said loudly, quite embarrassed, "I wasn't crying!"
Gale and I exchanged glances and laughed together.
When I woke up, it was already afternoon.
I ate something simple and walked into the living room.
Gale was sitting on the sofa reading. Sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, falling on the carpet. The room was warm and cozy.
"Gale, where's Marcus?"
"He ran out to play."
I smiled. "Gale, tell me about the hunting competition."
Looking back, I had never fully participated in a hunting competition and wasn't clear about the process.
Gale picked up his teacup and took a sip. "The hunting competition usually lasts 3 to 5 days, depending on what competition events the main host has planned. After all, it's an important occasion for each family to display their style and strength. The more events, the longer it lasts."
"This time it happens to be the Valeri family's turn as main host. Holden wanted to make it a big event, but Lucas withdrew the Valeri family's liquid funds, so many prepared events couldn't proceed. Holden ended up dividing the mess equally among the other four co-hosting families."
At this point, Gale smiled with some schadenfreude. "There have been quite a few funny jokes lately."
I urged Gale to tell me more details. Gale picked out embarrassing incidents about the Valeri family to tell me, then touched my head and said gently, "Thanks to you making such a scene at New Year's, the Valeri family's prestige isn't what it used to be. The other families have concerns and don't dare target me, which is how I was able to smoothly buy back our house."
I quickly shook my head. "How can this be my achievement? You've worked hard during this time, Gale."
Gale didn't continue arguing with me about whose achievement it was. He continued, "The daytime hunting is just an appetizer. On the last evening, the five major families will announce a topic, and all the families invited to participate in the hunt will express their views on this topic."
I scratched my head and joked, "Are they imitating the United Nations?"
Gale was amused. "Many people think so."
After the joke, Gale's expression became more serious, reminding me, "Based on each family's position, you can see who they support and whose side they're on. The division of factions isn't set in stone. At this time close to the hunt, the more changes there are, the more unknowns—the situation behind all this is very complex."
I nodded seriously to show I understood.
"Gale," I suddenly thought of something and asked hesitantly, "What was the topic five years ago?"
Gale sighed softly. "Five years ago, the major topic was about the construction of that new energy research center. I didn't find out about the minor topic, but I guess it was probably related to the massacre of our family."
My heart kept sinking. "Topics are divided into major and minor?"
"Of course. The major topic is public, with all invited families participating in the discussion. The minor topic is a secret belonging only to the five major families." Gale said, "The major topic is usually only announced on the last day, but there are already vague rumors now. It should revolve around the conflict between us and the Gambino family."
I frowned. "Discussing who's right and who's wrong? Are they trying to stop us from taking revenge?"
"This is where taking sides comes in." Gale sneered. "They'll consider which side is more advantageous and choose between us and the Gambino family."
My frown deepened. "Then don't we have to win over other families?"
Gale waved his hand, indicating I didn't need to worry. He put down his cup and said in a gentler tone, "I'll handle these matters. The hunt doesn't start for several more days. During this time, just give yourself a vacation, go out and have fun, see old friends. Don't stay cooped up at home all the time."
"Got it." I nodded in agreement.
In the evening, Julie came over and we had dinner together.
Seeing Gale and Julie so close made me feel much better too.
The next day, Marcus went out again as soon as he woke up. I took my time getting dressed and ready, and even when I walked out the door, I still hadn't decided where to go.
"Bella." Lucas called out to me.
I saw his car parked by the gate. He was standing under the plane tree in front of the gate, his posture relaxed, with an indescribable ease in his composure.
I was stunned. "When did you get here?"
The corners of Lucas's mouth curved into a faint smile. "Just now."