Susan walked up with a big smile and gave Wendy a huge hug. "Wendy.welcome home!"

Wendy hugged her back, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Alright, you two, enough with, the waterworks. Come on, wash up and let's eat!" Jessica called out. "We made dinner together,so hurry and try it!"

Susan let go of Wendy and helped set the table. "Wendy, start with the soup. I spent four hours making it."

She handed Wendy a bowl of soup, and Wendy slowly sipped it.

The rich, savory broth warmed her from the inside out,chasing away the exhaustion and pain she had been carrying for so long.

The three of them sat around the dining table. To show her gratitude,Wendy had prepared a special dish she had just learned to make: Baked Escargot.

Everyone eagerly dug in, but as soon as Jessica tasted it, she couldn't help but comment, "Wendy, are you sure this is Baked Escargot and not baked rubber? The texture is something else."

Wendy blushed, a bit embarrassed. "It's not that bad, is it? I thought it tasted okay."

She was usually a good cook, but this was her first time making this dish,and it hadn't turned out as expected.

"No worries, when you're starving, even tree bark tastes good," Susan joked,joining in the fun.

As she spoke, she poured two glasses of champagne and a glass of milk for Wendy.Standing up with a big smile, she said, "Let's toast to Wendy's new beginning and leaving the tough times behind!"

They all raised their glasses, and Wendy, with tears in her eyes, clinked glasses with everyone. "Thank you all. Things will only get better from here."

Before they could finish their first drink, the doorbell rang.

Susan patted her pants and stood up with a smile. "I'll get it!"

Wendy turned to look and saw Susan open the door, only to quickly shut it again without a word.

The person outside wedged their foot in the door, trying to push it open.

Wendy squintedd and recognized Linda Chase, who also happened to be Ethan's cousin.

Linda grimaced' in pain. "You're going to break my toes!"

Susan pushed against the door with all her might, her voice full of disdain."I wish I could!"

Susan disliked Linda because of past incidents involving Ethan. Linda had always sided with Ethan in their disputes, causing friction between her and Susan. Though the issues weren't major, Susan had never let it go.

As they struggled at the door, a calm, slightly exasperated voice came from outside. "Wendy, for my sake, let her in. She twisted her ankle recently and it's still healing."

Wendy recognized the voice as Michael's, Linda's brother, a man known

for his gentle and courteous demeanor.

"Damn it, you brought backup!" Susan grumbled, stepping back.

Wendy came out of the living room, surprised to see Linda and Michael."What are you two doing here?"

"We just found out you were in the hospital!" Linda said, taking a bunch of food from Michael with an apologetic look.

Susan glanced at Jessica and pursed her lips. It was obvious who had spilled the beans.

Jessica gave a sheepish smile and stuck out her tongue at Susan.

Wendy, remembering past misunderstandings with Michael, felt a bit awkward. "Michael, are you just dropping Linda off?"

"Not exactly," Michael replied calmly, with a hint of hope in his eyes. "It's Christmas. If you don't mind, can we join the celebration?"

Given the festive atmosphere, Wendy couldn't turn them away.

Susan,momentarily setting aside her grudge with Linda, whispered to her,"Michael's really something."

Linda made a shushing gesture.

Susan smiled, secretly agreeing that Michael was indeed a good guy-polite, considerate, and worlds apare from Ethan.

With so much food, they moved the coffee table aside and spread everything out on the carpet.

Wendy brought two more clean glasses, while Susan,Jessica,and Linda

searched for a comedy movie to play on the projector.

The main lights were turned off, leaving only two soft floor lamps, creating a cozy ambiance.

They lounged on the sofa, gently swirling their drinks, chatting casually.The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable.

Michael, noticing the neglected Baked Escargot, asked curiously, "Can I try this?"

Wendy quickly waved her hand. "It's really bad. Just eat the other food.There's plenty."

Michael, undeterred, took a spoonful of the Baked Escargot and tasted it.He chewed slowly and then swallowed, nodding slightly. "It's not bad."

He continued eating until he finished the whole dish, leaving Wendy stunned. "You don't have to force yourself. If it's bad, don't eat it."

Susan, seeing this, teased Michael, "Impressive."

Linda and Jessica couldn't help but laugh at the scene.

Meanwhile,across town...

"Since when did Linda get so close to Wendy?" David Simmons muttered,lounging on a sofa and scrolling through Facebook after a few rounds of cards.

"Is that Wendy's place? Looks pretty cozy," he commented absentmindedly."And Michael's there too?"

Ethan, who had been distracted all evening, froze at David's words. He tightened bis grip on his cigarette and then reached over to take David's

phone.