Chaoter 42: General Family Meeting
As the evening approached, the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow over the Allen family’s opulent villa. The atmosphere inside crackled with electric energy as it came alive.
The grand and spacious living room, adorned with lavish furniture, was full of people. Among them stood the formidable figure of Florence Allen, Kourtney’s grandmother and the Matriarch of the family whose presence commanded respect and obedience.
Ever since the death of old master Robert Allen 9 years ago, Florence had been in charge of the family, ruling with an iron fist.
She had set strict rules and expectations for everyone, ensuring they maintained the family’s reputation and legacy. Her eldest Son, Luke, who happens to be Kourtney’s dad, was her favorite child, yet she didn’t hesitate to discipline him when needed.
Tonight, every single member of the Allen family, totaling about forty, was currently present for the meeting. Even the servants were here too, because Florence believed they were an integral part of the family and deserved to be included in important discussions.
The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and curiosity, everyone wondering what Kourtney possibly wanted to say that was so important. It was so unusual for her to call a meeting, as she was known for her reserved nature.
The room buzzed with whispers and speculations as they awaited Kourtney’s arrival to begin.
“What is it that Kourtney has to say… She’s never called a family meeting before,” Kourtney’s older first cousin, Diane, said out loud.
Diane, known for being talkative with her sharp wit and quick tongue, couldn’t resist starting up a conversation.
“I don’t know, but I have a feeling it’s something important,” replied Uncle Eliot, who had always been very fond of Kourtney.
He was the third son of Grandma Florence, working as the Vice President of Allen Corporation, the second in command to Luke, Kourtney’s father, who was currently reading a newspaper in silence.
“Whatever it is, she better hurry up so we can eat dinner,” Kourtney’s younger cousin, Jason, a funny character, couldn’t resist the temptation of the sumptuous spread laid out and waiting for them at the dining table. That was all he thought about.
Jason was a fatty and a glutton. With a mischievous grin, he carried a bowl of food almost everywhere and shamelessly indulged in his gluttonous desires. His insatiable appetite was legendary within the family, and he wore his love for food as a badge of honor, even during formal gatherings like this.
“Well… It better be important. I just canceled a date night with a promising catch for this,” the insufferable Denise Allen, Kourtney’s Aunt and the youngest child of Grandma Florence chimed in.
At 41, Denise was still painfully single and searching, always going on blind dates that led nowhere. To make matters worse, she was known to be an extremely rude and pompous lady, a turn-off for the men she dated.
Denise had always hated Kourtney’s guts, and it became even worse after Kourtney called her a “bitter old hag” a few years back during a Thanksgiving day argument. She could never forget that insult, no matter how many times Kourtney had apologized to her.
On the other side of the room, Fiona, Kourtney’s favorite cousin, sat engrossed in her own world. At just 17 years old, she had already made a name for herself as a famous TikTok personality, with a legion of followers eagerly awaiting her next viral video.
Fiona’s phone was an extension of her being, capturing every moment and transforming it into captivating content for her adoring fans. She couldn’t resist the urge to document this family gathering, secretly recording snippets of conversations and capturing candid shots of her relatives, much to their annoyance.
“Guys… I think I can guess what this is all about!” Diane’s giddy and annoying voice echoed through the room.
“What do you mean?”
“Yeah… What is it?”
The others pestered her for an answer.
“I won’t be surprised if my dear cousin reveals she is also pregnant with Brandon Smith’s child.”
“Nonsense! If she dares to use such tricks to stop the wedding, I’d personally force her to vomit the child,” Aunt Denise was the first to snap.
She could never sit back and watch Kourtney succeed in becoming the Smith family’s new young mistress – which was why she was one of those who had encouraged and supported Kathlyn to go after Brandon in the first place…
Sick!
“Hmmm…. I also don’t know what my sister is planning to say, but I hope you all won’t be so harsh on her like that. It’s my fault why all this is happening in the first place. I fell in love and couldn’t help it. Kourtney is innocent in all this,” Kathlyn who had been sitting quietly and massaging her little baby bump, spoke for the first time with welled-up tears.
She always loved to pretend like a saint in front of the whole family despite being the instigator. She had just been discharged from the hospital after feigning being hurt from last night’s fake push by Kourtney.
When Kathlyn was informed by Margaret that Kourtney was calling for a general meeting, she instantly demanded to be discharged, not wanting to miss out on how her older sister would make a fool of herself.
Whatever Kourtney had to say, Kathlyn was convinced it would be of the intention to prevent her marriage to Brandon in the coming week. She was also convinced that it was too late for Kourtney to do anything, so she’d just sit back and watch the show of whatever bullshit she chooses to come up with.
“You’re too nice, Kath. She even dares to push you down after being fully aware of your condition. A wicked Bi*tch like that doesn’t deserve to marry into the estimable Smith family. She’s not as worthy as you, who is lovable and pure as snow,” Aunt Denise continued to degrade Kourtney and hype Kathlyn in the presence of everyone.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.
“Oh, Aunt… Please don’t say that. Kourtney is still my older sister, and I love her, no matter what she does to hurt me,” Kathlyn continued to sound as if she was the weak and oppressed one. She wanted so badly to gain more sympathy from the rest of the family.
“Did I just hear a deranged person calling our dear Kourtney a bi*tch?” Aunt Matilda, the wife of the 4th Allen master, Zachary, walked in majestically.
Matilda was known for her eccentric fashion sense and vibrant personality, and she never failed to make a grand entrance. Dressed in a flashy outfit that could rival a queen’s ensemble, she made a statement wherever she went.
With her infectious laughter and larger-than-life presence, Aunt Matilda brought a sense of joy and liveliness to every family gathering, effortlessly breaking the ice and bridging any gaps that may exist between relatives. Thankfully, she was also one of the few who seemed to like Kourtney a lot.
“Wow… Denise! How low of you to keep hating on the poor girl like she isn’t your niece,” Matilda countered Denise.
“Look who just came in looking like an unseasoned peacock and yet have the cheek to call me deranged. It’s not a surprise that you’re defending Kourtney. You’ve always been the odd one out in this family,” Denise bit back swiftly and with equal ferocity. Her voice dripped with disdain.
“Oh, Denise. You never fail to disappoint me with your bitter words. Stop backing like a dog for once. Your wrinkles are getting worse by the day.”
The tension in the room escalated as the two women continued to exchange heated words, their insults flying like daggers while the rest of the family just watched in silence.
The two formidable women have been at loggerheads for years, and their verbal sparring matching was always the intensity of a championship boxing match. Matilda was never one to back down from a challenge, while Denise had inherited her mother’s strong will and strictness, making their clashes a spectacle that the family had grown accustomed to over the years.
“Silence, everyone!” Grandma Florence shouted at the top of her lungs amidst the chaos.
She stood up with a big whip in hand ready to slash the back of anyone who made more noise. One could say that she was extremely bold and energetic at almost eighty years old.
“Kourtney is here now! Shut your little traps so we can all hear what she has to say,” Grandma Florence continued to yell, even though the room had already fallen into a hushed silence. Her authoritative presence lingered in the air, ensuring that everyone was fully attentive.
Seconds later, Kourtney made her grand entrance into the packed living room, and everyone collectively held their breath.