The family chatted until almost nine before parting ways.
As she was leaving, Sean Thorne and Lily Colton gave Annabelle Leighton an especially thick red envelope.
"Uncle, Auntie, I can't possibly accept this," Annabelle Leighton demurred.
"Take it. It's just a small token of our affection. If you don't accept, it means you don't think of us as your aunt and uncle."
Upon hearing that, Annabelle Leighton quickly tucked the red envelope away.
"Well, thank you, Uncle and Auntie."
"Good girl."
Leaving the Thorne family's home, Annabelle Leighton still felt completely enveloped in a warm sense of happiness.
"Your uncle's family has such a wonderful atmosphere. I really love it."
"If you like it, I'll bring you here more often."
"Okay." Annabelle Leighton glanced at Morgan Hayes. "I'm just sorry that I probably won't be able to take you to meet my dad."
