Chapter 131-1

Chapter 131

Robert glanced at Ruby and spoke coldly, "Since you’re back, sit down and eat."

"I’ll pass. Just tell me why you called me here," Ruby replied curtly. She had no interest in maintaining a façade of familial affection; it was exhausting and fake.

"Ruby, your father often mentions you. Don’t you miss this family even a little? Your mother cries over you all the time but doesn’t dare call, afraid she’ll upset you. They’re getting old, and they deserve our care," Sienna chimed in, her words laced with exaggerated concern.

Ruby’s lips curled into a sneer. ’Still the same phony act after all these years. "Oh, spare me. That’s your mother, not mine. She doesn’t miss me; she’s probably sticking pins in a doll wishing for my demise," Ruby retorted.

"Ruby," Emily interjected, feigning hurt as she clutched her chest. Tears streamed down her face as she said, "I know you’ve never liked me. I never expected you to call me ’Mom, but how can you think so ill of me? I’ve prayed for your happiness and safety at the temple for years. You’ve truly let me down."

Robert slammed his utensils on the table, his voice rising in anger. "Look at yourself, Ruby! Is this how a proper lady behaves? Why can’t you learn from Sienna? She’s everything you’re not-polite and well-mannered."

Ruby knew why Robert favored Sienna. Sienna was sweet-tongued, and Emily’s admiration fed his ego. Ruby’s bluntness, on the other hand, reminded him of her late mother-someone who had never pandered to him. "Back then, his former father-in-law never respected him, constantly belittling him and making him feel utterly worthless. Every interaction stripped him of his dignity. It wasn’t until his former in-laws passed away and the Dixon Group flourished under his leadership that he finally felt like a man worthy of respect.

Later, he met Emily. The way she looked at him, with admiration shining in her eyes, made him feel seen and valued. And Sienna, with her sweet, flattering words, was everything Ruby and her mother were not. This stark contrast only deepened his resentment toward Ruby and her mother.

Ruby rolled her eyes and scoffed, "Learn from her? You mean how to act like a manipulative woman, dripping with fake sweetness? No thanks, I’d rather keep my breakfast down."

"Ruby, why do you have to say such hurtful things? Can’t we just have a nice family dinner without