Remington nced at Fiona, his lips pressed into a thin line. Grandma had clearly intended to help him win back Liz. Now that Liz was still here, why stir the pot by inviting Ste over? "Grandma, we finally have Liz back for a quiet dinner. Why spoil it by inviting someone unrted over?"


    Remington''s tone was disapproving, while Fiona looked at him with a half-smile. "Guests are guests; it''s only polite to greet them."


    Remington couldn''t grasp Fiona''s logic, casting a worried look towards Lizetta. Lizetta caught his gaze and lifted the corners of her lips.


    "Mr. Dashiell, you seem so anxious; it makes you look guilty. What, are you afraid I''ll make things hard for Ms. West?"


    Lizetta actually didn''t mind seeing Ste; they had old scores yet to settle. Misinterpreting his concern, Remington''s expression darkened slightly as he retorted, "As long as you''re happy."


    At that moment, the butler ushered Ste in. Ste was dressed in an elegant cream-colored French dress paired with a light purple cashmere cardigan, ented with a slim ck belt cinching her waist. Her hair was loosely tied back into a bun, adorned only with a pair of pearl earrings. She also carried a thermal food container, presenting a modest and gentle appearance that would instantly endear her to the older generation.


    Upon entering, her gaze lingered on Remington for a few seconds, her eyes curving into a smile before she turned to Fiona. "Fiona, with the weather being so unpredictable, I''ve made some bird''s nest soup, a cure-all that''s great for the spirit. Please, have some." Ste approached with the container, only then seeming to notice Lizetta, her face turning a shade paler. "Liz, you''re here too? Is this a bad time? I hope I''m not intruding."


    Lizetta didn''t bother with pleasantries, nodding bluntly, "If I say you''re intruding, would you leave now?"


    Ste hadn''t expected such


    boldness from Lizetta, especially in front of Fiona Lizetta must be crazy. Remington might tolerate Lizetta'' behavior, but Fiona, with her emphasis on propriety and appearance, would surely


    disapprove. Yet, this might veline


    Ste''s favor, showcasing her as more gracious and understanding byparison.


    Caught off guard but still managing restraint, Ste apologized. "I''m sorry, if that''s the case, I''ll take my leave now and visit Fiona another time."


    Having been brought in, Ste


    must''ve been expected by Fiona.


    et el


    Now that Lizetta wasn''t Mrs. Dashiell anymore, what right did she have to dismiss one of the grandmother''s guests? Wouldn''t that be an affront to Fiona?


    Just as Ste turned to leave, Fiona''s voice stopped her. "Wait a moment."


    Ste turned back, hopeful, waiting for Fiona tofort her, perhaps even send Lizetta away. Instead, Fiona chided, "Ste, you''re being too sensitive."


    Ste was bbergasted, unable to follow Fiona''s logic. Fiona continued sternly, "Lizetta was just joking, and here you are making a scene. Isn''t that making everyone ufortable?"


    Ste was speechless, feeling utterly nauseated. Was Fiona blind? How could Lizetta''s remarks be taken as a joke?Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Biting back her frustration, Ste


    managed a forced smile. "Oh, Lizetta was joking? My mistake then. I know she has many misunderstandings about me and hasn''t liked me much. After ourst encounter at the club, where I drank a whole bottle of brandy to apologize to Lizetta and ended up sick, I hoped she would see my sincerity and we could move past our differences. I''d do anything for that."