David and Emma arrived at the manor where Allison was holding her welcome party . The long hallway led them to the grand banquet hall , where the sounds of chatter and laughter filled the air . Guests were clustered in small groups , conversing animatedly as waiters in crisp uniforms walked silently by , offering drinks . The atmosphere was warm , lively , but for Emma , it felt stifling . She scanned the crowd , quickly realizing that the majority of the guests were Allisons friends , the same people who had always made Emma feel like an outsider . A group of young women , standing at a table near the center , exchanged sharp glances as they noticed Emma entering . Their eyes flickered with disdain , and they made their way toward her . Emma recognized them immediately ; Allisons besties . She sighed inwardly , wondering , for the hundredth time , why her sisters girlfriends had always been so hostile toward her . One of them , Michelle , raised an eyebrow and offered a faint smile that never quite reached her eyes . Emma , she greeted in an overly sweet tone . Emma nodded in return , forcing a polite smile , and clinging tightly to Davids arm . As the party progressed , Isabel , Emmas stepmother , dressed exquisitely in a deep emerald gown , stepped forward to address the room . She raised her glass with a flourish , her voice full of pride . Ladies and gentlemen , it is my greatest pleasure to announce that my daughter , Allison , has returned home ! After studying abroad , she has truly realized her dreams . Shes a shining example of ambition , strength , and success ! The room erupted into applause , and the praises for Allison flowed like honey . Shes a true inspiration to all women ! She didnt let anything , not even love , deter her from achieving her dreams , one woman said . Shes everything a modern woman should be independent , strong , and focused , another added . .e Emma is so lucky to have a sister like Allison , a man remarked , his voice full of admiration for Allisons accomplishments . As Emma stood at the edge of the room , trying to steady her nerves , the whispers reached her ears , sharp and cutting despite their attempt to be discreet . Shes just a housewife , one woman muttered , her voice laced with disdain . No ambition , no spark . How can she ever compare to Allison ? Another chimed in , her tone quieter but no less biting . Allison has always been brilliant , hasnt she ? Emmas just … there . Always has been .