The next morning.
Nathan was eating breakfast with his family when the doorbell rang.
Benson went to open the door, revealing his estranged older sister and sister-in-law, Lily Smith and Matthew Marley.
He exclaimed in surprise, "Lily, Matthew, what brings you here? Please come in."
Lily had never really been on good terms with her father, Sean. That was why after she married into the Marley family from the East, she had basically cut off all contact with the Smiths.
Their sudden visit today came as a happy surprise to Benson Smith and his family.
It had been years since Benson had seen or heard from his sister, yet she had arrived empty-handed this time.
She and Matthew walked into the living room, glancing around all the while. Noting how well-off her brother and his family were, she said in a strange tone, "Oh wow, Benson. It looks like you're doing pretty well. This is a far cry from the doghouse you used to live in."
"This is all thanks to my daughter and son-in-law," Benson replied honestly.
At that moment, the rest of the people in the house came into the living room.
Benson was quick to introduce Lily and Matthew to Nathan, "Nathan, this is my older sister and her husband. You and Penn can call them Aunt Lily and Uncle Matthew."
Once more, Lily spoke oddly, almost rudely, "So you're the jinx my brother accepted into his family?"
Ever since she came inside the house, she had been rather impolite. Whatever that came out of her mouth was nasty and rude.
Nathan and Penny frowned while Benson felt embarrassment well in him.
Nathan was the General of the North, a hero in the army. Thus, calling him a jinx was one of the biggest insults out there!
Feeling quite protective of this son-in-law of his, Benson clarified, "Lily, Nathan is no jinx. He's actually very outstanding, and we're all very proud of him."
Acting like they were the owners and not guests, Lily and Matthew sat down on the couch imperiously. They reached out to grab some of the peanuts set out on the table, tossing the empty shells on the floor carelessly. There was an ugly sneer on her face when she stated, "Outstanding? He's in hot waters now, and your family is in dire straits, yet you're completely oblivious to it!"
Benson and his family were stunned to hear that.
He hurriedly questioned, "Lily, what do you mean by that?”
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