Chapter 525

Mia discreetly averted her gaze, felgning ignorance.

Beside her, Karen appeared taken aback by Eva’s direct remark.

Struggling to respond, she said, “Why does background matter so much nowadays? Our family showed

Mia kindness in the past. Just because she’s found wealthier relatives, does that mean she should

forget

about us?”

“As far as I know. It was only Patricia who showed kindness to Mia. It’s not fair to credit the rest of you.

“Besides, my brothers–in–law are looking for partners whose backgrounds match theirs, or at least

aren’t

impoverished!”

Eva’s words were sharp and unapologetic.

Feeling humiliated, Karen’s eyes teared up. “Who are you to label us as poor? Is money all that

matters?”

Edna intervened abruptly, reproaching. “That’s enough! Show some decorum, will you? They are from

wealthy backgrounds, unlike Sally. Have you no sense of shame?”

“Fine. I guess I’m just an unwanted guest here, right? I’ll go.”

Frustrated, Karen slammed her hand on the table and rose to leave. Patricia quickly reached out to

restrain her. “Karen, please don’t be upset.”

“Patricia, Mia’s family is overstepping their bounds. Despite our financial struggles, we were the ones

who raised Mia.”

Dominic interjected firmly, “Let’s clarify this. It was Aunt Patricia’s family, not yours. Your family isn’t

involved in this.”

Eva gestured toward the door. “Feel free to leave if you wish.”

“Fine. I’ll leave immediately. Who cares, anyway?”

As Karen made her way toward the door, she hesitated, her eyes flickering back to Patricia.

Mia grasped Patricia’s hand firmly and spoke in a composed tone. “Let’s focus on our meal.”

“But what about Karen?” Patricia replied.

“She can simply call Sean to pick her up directly; it’s not a big deal.”

Mia remained resolute, refusing to let Patricia be swayed. She recognized Karen’s typical tactics and

was unwilling to entertain them.

If they didn’t establish boundaries now, Mia feared Edna and Karen would only become more

audacious.

and troublesome in the future.

Edna gestured dismissively. “Oh, don’t mind her, that’s just her temper.”

As Karen reached the door, nobody attempted to stop her or convince her to stay.

Faced with the embarrassment of returning, she stormed out of the room In a fit of frustration,

Once the meal concluded, there were no further incidents.

“Mia, I need to use the restroom,” Patricia remarked.

“Aunt Patricia, I’ll come with you,” Mla replied.

Edna also insisted on joining them, and eventually, Eva accompanied them as well.

From outside the restroom, they could hear heated arguing.

“I’m sorry: I didn’t mean to.”

“Madam, do you have any idea how costly this gown is? You couldn’t afford to reimburse me even if

you

sold everything.”

“It was just a small splash of water.”

“This fabric can’t handle any moisture: it leaves permanent marks. It seems you’re not familiar with

high-

end evening gown materials!”

Upon hearing the familiar voice, Mia hesitated to intervene, but Patricia had already recognized the

person.

As she approached, Patricia found Karen standing before an elegantly dressed woman, Regina

Lawson,

wearing an apologetic expression.

Tears welled up in Karen’s eyes as she spotted Patricia.

“Please, Patricia, I need your help. I accidentally splashed a bit of water on her dress while washing my

hands, and now she’s demanding compensation.”

Regina’s voice grew louder, “Isn’t compensation expected when you damage someone else’s property?

It

seems rather uncivilized not to.”

Edna promptly fired back, “Who are you calling uncivilized? My granddaughter is wealthy now. What

gives you the right to accuse us? She could easily afford a bracelet worth a hundred thousand dollars.”

Turning to Mia with pleading eyes, Karen Implored, “Mia, please help me.”

Mia’s patience was wearing thin; It seemed Edna and Karen were simply troublemakers.