Unmasked My CEO Ex-Husband’s Regret novel Chapter 96

It was precisely because they weren't familiar with each other that they needed to interact more. Who on earth banned someone from ever visiting again just because the first meeting was a little rocky?

Besides, it was just a kid's birthday party. The fact that Vivian was willing to attend was a massive favor, and Elara had the nerve to act picky?

To put it bluntly, Julian had simply spoiled her too much. Letting her have her way in everything had turned her into an unruly, self-centered woman who had zero respect for her elders!

For the sake of her relationship with her son, Meredith had swallowed her anger for years. Elara was practically out of the Beckett family by now; what right did she have to dictate her decisions?

The more Meredith thought about it, the angrier she got. Her tone turned as frosty as her expression. "Are you threatening me, Elara? You..."

"Enough."

Maddox suddenly spoke up, cutting her off. "Didn't Elara just explain? There will be a lot of kids, it will be loud, and she's just worried the Winthrop heiress might not handle it well. She's just being considerate."

Meredith choked on her rage, staring at Maddox in utter disbelief. Unable to argue with him, she settled for shooting Elara a venomous glare.

"I've received the invitation."

Maddox looked at Elara with a gentle expression. "We will be there on time the day after tomorrow."

Elara smiled in gratitude. "I thank you on Melody's behalf, Maddox."

Maddox waved his hand, signaling her not to worry about it.

After a bit more small talk, Elara used the excuse that Melody was waiting for her at home and took her leave from The Beckett Manor.

It was past lunchtime, and the household chefs were already prepping dinner. After Elara left, the maid brought a glass of juice for Meredith, who had just returned home.

Meredith was in no mood to drink. Once the maid left and the study door clicked shut, she looked at Maddox in bewilderment, her soft tone laced with resentment. "You never used to attend these troublesome gatherings."

Maddox picked his book back up, flipping to his bookmark. He didn't even lift his head. "How is my own granddaughter's birthday party a trouble?"

"...But there will be so many children. It's going to be a madhouse."

Meredith's grip on her purse tightened drastically, but she couldn't refute his logic. She forced a painfully awkward smile. "You're right. I'll reconsider."

So this was Elara's true motive for coming to the manor, wasn't it?

What a brilliant, manipulative scheme!

Julian had been in the kitchen cooking all afternoon and only saw Meredith's text right before dinner.

He frowned, murmured a quick excuse to Vivian, and stepped out onto the balcony to dial Meredith's number.

"What's going on?" Julian asked, his voice thick with confusion.

"What do you mean you can't bring Vivian to Melody's birthday party anymore?"

"Didn't you say this morning that it was fine?"