Chapter 319

Chapter 319:

Elaine beamed and said, “My daughter is indeed very well-mannered.”

Amanda chuckled, a touch of envy in her eyes. “I envy you. My little rascal is only good at causing chaos. A daughter is so much better than a son.”

Madisyn glanced at Mara with an innocent expression and said, “Well, if you’re going to be envious, you should envy Mrs. Riggs. She has two daughters!”

Elaine raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Mrs. Riggs, you have two daughters?”

It appeared Mara had only mentioned her biological daughter earlier.

Mara’s expression stiffened for a moment, but she quickly recovered with a smile. “Yes, but the elder one isn’t my biological child. She’s been away for quite some time, and I’m hesitant to mention her. If she knew I mentioned her, she’d probably be upset.”

Elaine nodded in understanding. “Kids grow up and develop their own personalities.”

Mara sighed, a hint of helplessness in her voice. “My stepdaughter has always been difficult. No matter what I get for her, she doesn’t want it. It breaks my heart. Losing her mother at such a young age must have scarred her. No matter how hard I try, nothing seems to change.”

Madisyn fought back a grimace, finding the whole act nauseating.

Mara, despite her cunning and schemes, was really good at pretending to be a kind woman.

Elaine tried to comfort her. “Give her some time. She’ll eventually see the good you’re doing for her.”

Mara shook her head with a sad smile. “I hope so, but it’s been twenty years, and nothing’s changed. She never responds to my messages or calls. The only time she accepts anything is when I send money.”

Pausing for a moment, she added helplessly, “What else can I do? I just feel so sorry for her.”

Mara’s pitiful demeanor painted her as a devoted stepmother in everyone’s eyes.

Meanwhile, Susan was cast as the ungrateful, rebellious stepdaughter.

No wonder Susan had such a bad reputation in Ansport; it was all Mara’s doing.

Elaine thought for a moment and suggested, “Why not visit her now and then? Take her out and spend some quality time together. Girls need that kind of companionship. Her father’s probably too busy to give her the attention she needs. That’s where you come in.”

Mara nodded, her expression growing even more sorrowful. “You’re absolutely right, Mrs. Johns. I’ve done that, actually.”

“What happened?” Elaine asked.

Mara’s voice grew even more sorrowful as she recounted, “I never saw her. I waited at the airport all night, caught a cold, and had to return home. Before I set off, I had asked her if she would meet me, and she had promised she would.”

Elaine raised her eyebrows in surprise.

It was clear the girl had a rebellious streak.

Amanda said flatly, “Honestly, it might be best not to bother. Some people are just ungrateful.”

Elaine remained silent, but she sighed inwardly, reflecting on the situation.

Madisyn, suppressing a smirk, asked in an innocent tone, “Is that so? Mrs. Riggs, you must have such a hard time. I truly sympathize. How much do you usually give her?”

“I give her whatever she asks for, usually no less than a hundred thousand dollars each time,” Mara replied. A hundred thousand dollars was a substantial amount.

“Oh, I see,” Madisyn said, glancing at Elaine. “By the way, Mom, my good friend will be joining us later. Let’s all have dinner together.”

“Of course. You’ve made a friend so quickly here?” Elaine asked, pleased.

“No, it’s the one you’ve met before.”

“Oh, is it Susan? What a coincidence! Let’s have her join us for dinner,” Elaine said warmly.

She then turned to Amanda and Mara. “My daughter’s friend will be joining us soon. She’s a sweet girl and a close friend of my daughter’s. They spend a lot of time together.”

“That sounds lovely. I always enjoy the company of young people,” Amanda said with a gentle, graceful smile.

Mara, on the other hand, felt a hint of unease. Susan? Could it be Susan Riggs? But after glancing at Madisyn, she dismissed the thought.

How could Susan Riggs possibly know Madisyn and be such good friends with her? Mara relaxed and welcomed the idea.

They continued chatting, and soon the dishes were served, but Susan had yet to arrive.

“Hasn’t your friend arrived yet?” Mara asked.

Madisyn checked her phone and replied, “She’s almost here.” Mara nodded.

Moments later, a graceful figure entered the restaurant. The girl was wearing a mask, and as soon as Madisyn spotted her, she waved. “Over here.”

Susan walked over and took a seat next to Madisyn. “Was it far?” Madisyn asked.

“Not at all,” Susan replied with a smile, then turned to Elaine and greeted her, “Hello, Mrs. Johns. You look even younger than the last time I saw you!”

Elaine laughed. “You are such a kind girl.”

Madisyn introduced the two women to Susan. “This is Mrs. Santos, and this is Mrs. Riggs.”

Since the moment the girl took her seat, Mara’s gaze had been riveted on her face. Even though the girl wore a mask, her eyes were strikingly familiar. Mara’s mind raced. She was unable to believe it could be true. Then, as if to confirm her fears, Susan removed her mask, revealing a delicate and charming face.

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