The True Heiress: Legend Mode novel Chapter 125

The hostility was palpable.

Juno gave a nonchalant nod, her tone icy. "Then we won't host it."

Aunt Margie spoke up. "Are you serious right now? Do you have any idea how grand a Corrington birthday banquet is? Is the 'Mercer' name really that important to you?"

Juno didn't give her an inch. "Not everyone is as shallow as you, Aunt Margie."

The sharp retort left Margie speechless for a moment before she muttered under her breath, "Tch. Let's see if you really care as little as you're pretending to."

Gordon, realizing he might have pushed a bit too aggressively, slightly softened his stance. "Changing a last name isn't that difficult."

Juno leaned back against the sofa. "I'm not changing it, and Grandma has already permitted it. Furthermore, my parents haven't said a word about it. Aren't you overstepping your bounds, Uncle Gordon?"

"They're too soft. They spoil you because they're just thrilled to have you back, which gives you the delusion that you can just toss the rules out the window!"

Juno had no desire to argue with him. There was no point.

She simply followed Gordon's logic. "Since you're so opposed, Uncle Gordon, let's cancel it. It didn't mean much to begin with."

Gerda was furious. "That is enough, Gordon! I am still sitting right here!"

When was the last time Gordon had been scolded in front of so many people?

Gerda's voice raised, her anger evident. "I called you all here to inform you! We were supposed to be discussing *how* to organize the banquet, not sitting around letting you pick everything apart! I am the one throwing this party! My granddaughter has returned home, and I want to give her a proper celebration. Is that a crime?!"

*Crash!*

Margie nodded vigorously. "Right, understood."

Harrison had been quiet all day. It was rare for him to speak up now, his low voice carrying clearly through the empty, silent hospital corridor. "Your mother rarely has much to do at home. She was finally excited about something, and the two of you just had to ruin it for her?"

That comment instantly ruffled Margie and Gordon's feathers.

Margie snapped, "If we were planning this for Rhiannon, I'd give it my all! But Juno? Never. You all know perfectly well how she treated me. If she can't even show me basic respect, why should I bend over backward for her?"

Gordon added, "She's a daughter of the Corrington family, yet she returns and refuses to take our name. What? Is the 'Mercer' name somehow superior to Corrington? Is she that desperately attached to it?"

"Enough. Drop the subject. If you want to throw Juno a party, go ahead, but I don't see the need to make it such a massive spectacle," Gordon muttered.

Gwendolyn, who had been listening to the whole exchange, finally spoke up. "None of you need to worry about it. She is our daughter, and we will handle it ourselves."