Jamal, eager to showcase his newfound status as the future father-in-law of Sergio, purposefully lingered behind, seemingly unaffected by the commotion around him.

However, as he sat in the living room, he couldn't shake the anticipation that overwhelmed him. His knee shook nervously, and he gripped the armrest, attempting to compose himself.

When Sergio and his entourage entered, Jamal put on a flattering smile. He stood up and approached them. “Please, come in."

His arrogance around the villagers sharply contrasted with his humble demeanor in front of Sergio. Recalling his performance, Jamal harbored regret.

Jamal invited several of his close relatives to entertain Sergio and his relatives.

As introductions ensued and the gathering settled down, the conversation inevitably turned to Wendell. Relatives delicately shared that Wendell was battling kidney failure, recuperating, and unable to join the festivities.

Marnie chose not to inform Shirley and Wendell about their trip back.

Otherwise, Wendell would have attended had he known.

Sergio, upon learning of Wendell's condition, expressed genuine concern, "Kidney failure is a significant health issue. Marnie, why didn't you tell me? I should have visited him earlier. Lynch from Healthwell Hospital is a friend of my grandfather. If one of your family members is in trouble, I can manage to lend a helping hand."

Sergio's compassionate words earned him unspoken praise from those present. Whether it was a genuine offer of help or a diplomatic gesture, he navigated the situation with grace, demonstrating respect for Marnie's family without a hint of condescension.

The attendees touched by Sergio's compassion found solace in the prospect of his willingness to lend a helping hand in times of need.

Marnie was in a difficult position, explaining, “Wendell has already undergone a kidney transplant operation, and he's currently recuperating. I just want to avoid disturbing him during his delicate phase."

A relative of Marnie spoke up. "A kidney transplant operation must be costly. Shirley is still in school. How did she manage to gather such a substantial sum of money?"

Marnie played innocent and shrugged her shoulders. “I'm not sure.

Shirley handled it herself. I offered to contribute part of my salary, but she declined, insisting she had it covered. I noticed she has a designer bag, so I retracted my offer."

What could a college student do to get two hundred thousand in such a short time?

Marnie's words caused that relative to form several assumptions about how Shirley managed to raise that large amount of money, all of them negative.

Worried that Sergio might come to the same conclusion and get a bad impression of the Nelson family, he quickly shifted the conversation to a different subject.

But Sergio did reach the same conclusion. A young schoolgirl could only become a mistress or sell her body to earn quick money.

There were students from prestigious universities who had high-paying jobs immediately after graduation. Some of them even made two hundred thousand within a few months, but this was a rare occurrence.