The matriarch seemed angry, but just then, a girl walked in.
"Wow, everyone is here. Grandma, what are you chatting about?" The speaker was Jane Whelan, the daughter of the third branch.
Upon seeing Jane, a rare smile appeared on the matriarch's face.
"Jane, how is your piano practice going? The exams are coming up soon."
"Don't worry, Grandma, I'll definitely pass."
"Mother, our Jane works so hard. Even her teacher praises her natural talent."
Elena watched as they chatted about family matters, completely ignoring her as if she were insignificant.
Elena rolled her eyes and quietly left the main hall.
No one was paying attention to her anyway.
She went to find Amanda.
At that moment, Amanda was in the back kitchen helping prepare lunch.
"Here, pick the stems off this vegetable."
"Wash the green peppers!"
"Peel the garlic."
Amanda was very diligent, almost being used like a servant.
Elena walked over and grabbed her mother's hand. "Mom, what are you doing?"
"Helping cook!" Amanda was used to it.
In the past, when they lived at the estate, she had always worked alongside the servants.
The matriarch had said she wouldn't feed idle people.
So even though they had been kicked out, every time she visited the Whelan estate, she still had to help with the work.
"Stop working!" Elena snatched the garlic from her hand.
"I failed your father. If not for me, maybe he wouldn't have been driven out, and you wouldn't have had to suffer!"
Elena hadn't expected her parents to have such a history.
"Mom, it doesn't matter. No one blames you. With me here, no one will dare bully you from now on!"
Amanda hugged Elena and cried.
Soon, it was time for lunch.
Elena intended to say goodbye and leave immediately.
But before she could speak, the matriarch said, "Elena, sit down and eat with us! After all, it's our first meeting."
Elena looked at her mother, and Amanda signaled for her to sit.
So, she took Amanda's hand, intending to bring her to the table.
"Wait a minute. Your mother isn't allowed at the table. Didn't you know?" Christine suddenly shrieked.

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