Evelyn Ross was about to leave with Elder Xavier.

A mocking voice interrupted them.

"A prodigy? Elder Xavier, your eyes must be failing you."

Ethan Valentine strode over, his gaze sweeping over Evelyn with contempt.

Elder Xavier quickly explained, "I've been observing her for some time. Besides, she did hold her own against you for three moves."

Ethan sneered, "That was because I underestimated her. If we spar now, she wouldn't last a single move."

Evelyn frowned. "Then let's have a match. If I can withstand five of your moves, you will allow Elder Xavier to take me to see the Sect Leader."

She still wasn't entirely sure of her own capabilities.

Ethan scoffed. "I won't spar with you. But you can't go either. Elder Xavier, inner disciples must pass rigorous evaluations. Character is paramount. This Grace Nan has a despicable character!"

Elder Xavier was taken aback. "How so?"

"In every way possible!"

Ethan glared daggers at Evelyn. "She's two-timing and shows no remorse. Grace Nan, someone like you is unworthy of joining the inner sect. Elder Xavier, she and I are sworn enemies. The choice is yours."

With that, he turned and walked away.

Elder Xavier looked troubled. He turned to Evelyn anxiously. "Grace Nan, provoking the Evans family is one thing, but why did you have to anger this little tyrant? His eldest brother runs wild in New York. He's a notorious troublemaker within the Cortez Sect. He's also the Second Senior Brother under the First Senior Sister! If you've offended him, the inner sect will never accept you!"

The Cortez Sect valued harmony above all. They never accepted sworn enemies of existing inner disciples.

This prevented internal strife.

Elder Xavier's brow furrowed deeply. "Since your skills have improved and you wish to join the inner sect, you must go apologize to the Second Senior Brother immediately! Mend this relationship first. How did you offend him anyway?"

Evelyn found the situation both frustrating and amusing.

It was all because of Ethan's self-righteous misunderstanding!

She couldn't be bothered to explain. She simply said to Elder Xavier, "In three days, the Valentine family is holding a Family Reunion Gala. After the event, this misunderstanding between us will be resolved."

Elder Xavier nodded. "Very well. Once your misunderstanding is cleared up, I will take you to see the Sect Leader."

"Thank you."

Evelyn's attitude was humble and respectful.

Elder Xavier clasped his hands behind his back, speaking earnestly. "Young people should prioritize harmony…"

…

Evelyn had won her match that day.

Her next match was scheduled for three days later, after the Family Reunion Gala.

She walked straight out of the Cortez Sect.

Alexander Vance's car was already waiting outside.

She got in, and they drove home together.

After the car had driven some distance away, Ethan Valentine stormed out to the Cortez Sect's entrance.

He stared furiously in the direction the car had gone, thinking this woman was utterly arrogant!

Was she so certain his uncle would indulge her unconditionally?!

Ethan pulled out his phone and initiated a group voice call in the family chat.

The group only had the seven brothers.

Marcus Valentine was busy with something and didn't answer.

This didn't affect the other six from connecting.

Their eldest brother, destined to inherit the family business, was always busier than the rest of them.

The call connected quickly.

Charles Valentine's voice came through. "Third Brother, are you alright?"

Ethan sneered. "That Grace Nan is causing trouble even within the Cortez Sect! During her match today, her opponent blatantly went easy on her!"

Charles was silent for a moment. "...How could Uncle fall for someone so fickle?"

Other voices chimed in one after another.

"What's going on? I received an invitation to the Family Reunion Gala even though I'm abroad. I thought we were recognizing some long-lost relative. Turns out it's for a new aunt?"

"Uncle's woman is called Grace Nan? What kind of name is that? What's wrong with her?"

Ethan laid out his version of the truth over the call.

After he finished, the group fell silent.

After a long pause, someone finally spoke.

"I never thought Uncle would be such a lovesick fool."

"Is love in later years always so impulsive and irrational?"

"Why must Uncle demean himself like this? This makes me angry!"

…

Everyone shared their thoughts, growing more and more indignant.

Seeing their anger, Ethan himself calmed down.

Shared anger was better than anger alone.

Now, he felt psychologically balanced.

He proposed, "Brothers, shouldn't we unanimously oppose her at the Family Reunion Gala?"

"Agreed! I'll definitely rush back. If Uncle introduces her to me, I will never acknowledge her as my aunt!"

"...When I saw the invitation, I thought our long-lost cousin had finally returned! Turns out it's for an aunt!"

"Wishful thinking! Our family doesn't have the genes for daughters! Both the eldest and second branches only have sons! Seven brothers like the Calabash Brothers! Thankfully, we adopted two girls, or the family's balance would be severely off!"

"Adopted ones can't compare to a real cousin. Do you think our mom could still have a baby at forty-five?"

"Seventh Brother, you are truly a filial son."

…

The conversation drifted further and further off topic.

Time slipped away unnoticed.

In the blink of an eye, three days had passed!

The Valentine Family Reunion Gala was a grand affair.

New York's elite gathered together.

Everyone was curious, unsure exactly what kind of relative the Valentines were recognizing.

Alexander Vance drove Evelyn and Mina Sherwood to the event.

Mina didn't want to see Marcus Valentine, but this was her best friend's recognition ceremony. She had to witness it personally.

The two women got out of the car and walked towards the banquet hall.

As they approached, they saw seven men of different temperaments but equally striking presence standing ahead.

They were the seven Valentine brothers.

Marcus Valentine saw Mina, his eyes turning cold as he looked away.

Mina immediately lowered her gaze.

The fetus in her womb was almost three months old, her belly slightly rounded…

She also pretended not to see Marcus, walking past the seven men with Evelyn.

Penelope Valentine, the only girl in the Valentine family, was also there greeting guests.

Seeing Evelyn, she nervously watched her brothers' reactions.

She was afraid they would favor their blood cousin and neglect her.

To her surprise, except for Marcus, the other six brothers glared at Evelyn with clear hostility. Their faces plainly said "keep away"!

Penelope was stunned.

Weren't these brothers the ones who most desired a sister?

Why were they so hostile towards Grace Nan?

Excellent!

She had been most afraid that her blood cousin's return would steal her brothers' affection.

Now, it was clear her brothers preferred her!

Grace Nan, even if you are the blood cousin, so what?

The one who grew up with them is me!

And you, in their eyes, are nothing!

As Penelope secretly rejoiced, commotion came from inside the hall indicating Mr. Valentine's arrival.

Someone asked loudly, "Mr. Valentine, exactly what relative is the Valentine family recognizing at today's Family Reunion Gala?"