Chapter 44
Although Mandy knew Summer was trying to provide her an out, the thought of dropping more cash on a present for that unsophisticated woman from the Davis family just didn’t sit right with her. So, with a snort of derision, Mandy’s gaze landed squarely on Mirabella. “Conning an old woman out of her money under the guise of kindness–is that your game?” she sneered.
Mirabella lifted her eyes, her delicate features marked with an air of Indifference. She looked at Mandy, her expression neither angry nor upsel.
Mandy’s brow furrowed at the sight, and she pressed on. “If you’re after money, you could’ve just come to me. Why keep bothering an old woman? Do you find that amusing?”
Catherine glanced at Mirabella, worried she might take offense, and quickly Interjected, “Mandy, how can you say such things?”
Mandy’s face darkened. “Mom, please, this is between us.” She then strode over to Mirabella, looking down on her with a mix of contempt and superiority. “Alright then, how much do you want? A hundred grand? Two hundred? Three hundred thousand should keep your family comfortable for years, right?”
Mirabella arched an eyebrow, her lips curving into a sly smile. Though she lounged lazily in her chair, Mandy’s aggressive stance didn’t faze her. Tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, Mirabella slowly stood up. “Only three hundred thousand? After all that talk, I thought you would offer me thirty million. It seems you’re not that concerned about an old woman being swindled after all.” Her voice was light, dripping with disappointment.
Mandy could only laugh in disbelief. “Ha, thirty million? You’ve got quite the imagination.”
Mirabella stared at her as if she were a simpleton. “So you don’t have even thirty million to your name. I’d be embarrassed to have said all that earlier if I were you. How awkward.”
Mandy nearly choked on her own outrage. Was this bumpkin suddenly possessed by some sort of defiant spirit? Mirabella couldn’t be bothered to engage with Mandy any further, turning her attention to Catherine with a note of regret in her soft voice, “It seems I won’t be able to spend time with you this weekend after all.”
Catherine understood that Mirabella was about to leave. She wanted to ask her to stay, but after witnessing Mandy’s behavior, how could she have the courage to ask Mirabella to stay?
Catherine sighed, mustering a weak smile. “Don’t take what Mandy said to heart.”
Mirabella nodded, murmured a nonchalant ‘hmm,‘ and headed for the door.
When Mirabella left, Mandy fumed, “Mom, don’t let her in again. Did you see how arrogant she was? She doesn’t respect her elders at all!”
a pot
Exhausted by her daughter’s rant, Catherine rose silently and retreated to the kitchen. She turned off the simmering of ribs and stared blankly at the prepared vegetables. After a moment, she wiped her eyes and exited the kitchen. Without a word to Mandy or Summer, she went to her room and slammed the door shut.
Startled by the loud bang. Mandy’s face darkened even further. “What’s Grandma’s problem now? Throwing a tantrum?!”
Summer glanced at the closed bedroom door and whispered, “Maybe Grandma just really likes Mirabella.” Hearing this only soured Mandy’s mood further. “Mistaking trash for treasure is the epitome of ignorance!”
