“Right,” Susan replied. Mary’s fake smile was so sickening that it sent shivers down her spine. She nodded reluctantly. “I understand everything you just told me.”
At this juncture, the housekeeper walked over with a plate of strawberries.
Mary picked one up with a fork and offered it to Susan. “Here, these strawberries are freshly imported from France. I got them especially for Ashlyn. Won’t you have one as well?”
Susan shook her head. “T-Thanks, but I’ll pass.”
“Surely you’re happy that I’m being nice to Ashlyn?” Mary scoffed as she stuffed the strawberry into Susan’s hands. “If you don’t eat it, I’ll get angry again.”
The housekeeper called out, “Madam, Ms. Ashlyn has returned.”
A glint appeared in Susan’s eyes. She immediately got up and turned toward the door. “Ashlyn, you’re back!”
She rushed forward and took a good look at her granddaughter.
Ashlyn was in slippers anyway, so she did not change her shoes and simply walked into the living room.
Only then did Ashlyn notice that she was still in pajamas. She passed Susan a box of strawberries she had bought on the way here. “Grandma, this is for you.”
Susan held the box of strawberries as though it was her greatest treasure. She smiled brightly. “Ashlyn, I’m glad to see you.”
“Ashlyn, don’t blame me for saying this, but aren’t you dressed a little too casually?” Mary scrutinized Ashlyn’s casualwear and slippers with contempt.
Ashlyn was beautiful, so she would look stunning even if she were dressed in rags.
Mary continued spitefully, “You look so unkempt! If your dad’s business partners see you in this state, they’d think the Berry family is full of beggars! I’m saying this for your sake as well.”
“Oh, shut up!” Ashlyn spat at Mary.
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