Chapter 353 - The Peace Offering

While the rest of Isabella's family was concerned about what was going inside the house. Manuel and Alice were rejoicing inside. 

Federico, Manuel's father questioned his daughter's intention, "Alice, did you research on this boy on purpose?"

"Why yes, daddy. I only have Bella's best interest at heart," she replied before looking at Isabella's uncle and aunt. "We don't mean to cause any trouble for him, but it is best that we are aware of his vices."

She sat back on her chair and finished up her meal before saying, "I just wish that Bella would see how better off she would be if she was with Manuel."

Before anyone could react to her last line, they saw Stefano and Vittoria return and behind them were Isabella and Hanxi.

They saw Matteo holding on to Hanxi for dear life. His arms firmly wrapped around his neck and the same could be said with his legs encircling Hanxi by the waist. 

"Take a seat. Both of you," instructed Stefano. 

Isabella was quick to take the seat next to Alice, distancing Hanxi from her. She felt that Alice and Manuel were colluding with each other. 

"Everyone, please pay attention," Stefano announced after gesturing his wife to take a seat. "Today is not just a celebration of living another year, but also to share the good news. The good news of my daughter's emotional achievements over the year… and… I cannot deny that man next to her has aided to this family's healing."

"It had been a while since I have seen my daughter happy. I'm sure you all agree, seeing the positive changes in her this past year."

Some of Isabella's relatives, even from her mother's side, gave their agreement by words or by simply nodding. Some of them had, in fact, witnessed Isabella break down, especially during the first year following her kidnapping. 

Stefano turned to Alice and then to Manuel before acknowledging their revelation, "Alice, you probably were worried about Bella. I assume that was the reason you tried to question Hanxi… and I understand that."

He then directed his gaze to Isabella and Hanxi saying, "However, both Hanxi and Bella have assured me it was all in the past now. So I ask everyone here to forget about what you have heard earlier. I have given Hanxi a chance to prove himself instead of causing my grandson and Bella pain."

"And! If I may say…Regardless of one's past… what matters most now is how we carry ourselves at present and in the future," Salvatore added. 

Words of approval were once again heard from the others before Salvatore said, "We all have done something shameful in our past. Right? If you remember well, brother. You used to come after me in college because I was partying almost every night."

Eleonor laughed at her husband before revealing, "Oh, I remember those days." She turned to Isabella saying, "He puked on me so he had to buy me a dress. That was practically how we met."

Isabella's uncle purposely tried to change the topic, hoping to continue with the happy gathering that it was supposed to be. Eventually, everyone started laughing as Salvatore added more tales of his youthful adventure. 

Hanxi smiled at his stories and Isabella came closer to his ear saying, "My uncle is a talker."

He was still holding Matteo then. He turned to her and surprisingly received a peck on the lips. He heard her say, "I'm sorry, Hanxi. Don't ever let this affect you or us. I love you so much."

Hanxi was utterly touched by her words. He felt Isabella has been confessing her love to him without hold these past few days. The love he received from Andrea and her family plus Isabella's and Matteo's seem to have completed him. It filled his heart with contentment. 

He loosened his hold on Matteo, merely supporting him with one arm and embraced Isabella with the other. He kissed her on the cheek and said, "Thank you, Bella. I love you too."

After Salvatore's telling, one other cousin of Isabella told on the other. Shortly, it became a revelation of experiences of their past. Everyone returned to being comfortable, especially after the housemaids brought in the deserts.

While the rest of the invited guests were enjoying their sweets, Manuel was jealous over Hanxi and Isabella's affection towards each other. Even Alice could see her brother's anger towards the couple. She quickly texted her brother saying, "It's time for plan B."

Alice cleared her throat before turning to Isabella and Hanxi. She apologized saying, "Bella and Hanxi, I'm really sorry. I never meant for it to turn out that way. I was just curious about Hanxi. Please forgive me, Bella and Hanxi." She then gestured for her brother using her hand, saying, "Manuel is also sorry for overreacting. Right, brother?"

Isabella was kind-hearted by nature and Alice was her long-time friend. However, at that very moment, she felt like Alice was being too intrusive of her life. Without looking at Alice, she said, "Your sincerity remains to be seen."

Hanxi also ignored them and just pretended to be busy with Matteo who was now sitting on the other side of him. 

"Bella, how could you say that? We have been friends for so long. I was only looking out for you." Still the same, as she spoke, her voice was loud and clear. 

"Just - Just forget about it, Alice. Please, enjoy your dessert," said Isabella, not wanting to talk any further. She also noticed that Alice was once again drawing attention. 

Alice quickly hugged Isabella, thanking her for her kindness. Then she promptly shifted to talking about Isabella to Hanxi. 

At first, she talked about Isabella's hobbies when they were little, but soon it shifted to an entirely different direction. 

"You know Hanxi, Bella really likes beautiful dresses, dine at five-star restaurants, her shoes, her bags, and even her shampoo is just so expensive. She is a very high maintenance girl… Just like me! Haha!"

She went on and on about Isabella's lifestyle, dream home, and even Matteo's schooling. Clearly highlighting Isabella's lavish spending. 

Isabella's aunt, who was seated in front of Alice, was confused about where her statements were leading to. She remarked, "That is true for all of us here, Alice."

"Yes, aunt. Exactly! We are a high maintenance group of individuals, but that's fine. It's because we are wealthy and we can afford to do so," said Alice. She then ate from her slice of cake and added, "In the long run, I hope that you can live up to her expectations, Hanxi."

The hidden meaning of her words was obvious. Everyone understood her. Even Stefano was quick to catch up. He said, "It's okay, Alice. We will be here for them, should they end up marrying each other. As necessary, Hanxi can learn our business. If he becomes truly part of our family, we are more than happy to share."

"But, uncle," Manuel interrupted their conversation. "I think it would be best for Hanxi to have a business of his own."

Looking confidently at Hanxi, Manuel added, "You will be a better man knowing you have a stable income of your own; a business or an investment!"

Manuel suddenly acted like he was in deep thought while his sister took over giving words of encouragement over the idea of getting into business. After Alice was done, as if getting an instant idea, he then blurted out, "I have an idea!"

"How about this, Hanxi. As a peace offering to you, I am willing to sell you 1% of my share at the Bank of Trust Italy with a 60% discount!" Announced Manuel with excitement. He then pretended to calculate using his phone before saying, "That is only 2.4 Million Dollars."

Isabella's relatives were in awe. They have tried to get a share from the Lombardi's in the past, but they refused to sell any of their shares due to how successful the Bank of Trust Italy had become. 

Federico and Sylvia, Manuel's parents were in shock. They wondered what had gotten into their son's mind. What Manuel said next nearly made Sylvia faint. He said, "But having only 1% share may not have enough income considering Bella wants a mansion by the beach… Let me see... Okay, this is final. I will sell to you 2% of my shares for 4.8 Million Dollars… if, and only if you can come up with the money today."