Chapter 44


    Although Mandy knew Summer was trying to provide her an out, the thought of dropping more cash on


    a present for that unsophisticated woman from the Davis family just didn’t sit right with her. So, with a


    snort of derision, Mandy’s gazended squarely on Mirabe. “Conning an old woman out of her


    money under the guise of kindness–is that your game?” she sneered.


    Mirabe lifted her eyes, her delicate features marked with an air of Indifference. She looked at Mandy,


    her expression neither angry nor upsel.


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    Mandy’s brow furrowed at the sight, and she pressed on. “If you’re after money, you could’ve juste


    to me. Why keep bothering an old woman? Do you find that amusing?”


    Catherine nced at Mirabe, worried she might take offense, and quickly Interjected, “Mandy, how


    can you say such things?”


    Mandy’s face darkened. “Mom, please, this is between us.” She then strode over to Mirabe, looking


    down on her with a mix of contempt and superiority. “Alright then, how much do you want? A hundred


    grand? Two hundred? Three hundred thousand should keep your familyfortable for years, right?”


    Mirabe arched an eyebrow, her lips curving into a sly smile. Though she loungedzily in her chair,


    Mandy’s aggressive stance didn’t faze her. Tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, Mirabe slowly


    stood up. “Only three hundred thousand? After all that talk, I thought you would offer me thirty million. It


    seems you’re not that concerned about an old woman being swindled after all.” Her voice was light,


    dripping with disappointment.


    Mandy could onlyugh in disbelief. “Ha, thirty million? You’ve got quite the imagination.”


    Mirabe stared at her as if she were a simpleton. “So you don’t have even thirty million to your name.


    I’d be embarrassed to have said all that earlier if I were you. How awkward.”


    Mandy nearly choked on her own outrage. Was this bumpkin suddenly possessed by some sort of


    defiant spirit? Mirabe couldn’t be bothered to engage with Mandy any further, turning her attention to


    Catherine with a note of regret in her soft voice, “It seems I won’t be able to spend time with you this


    weekend after all.”


    Catherine understood that Mirabe was about to leave. She wanted to ask her to stay, but after


    witnessing Mandy’s behavior, how could she have the courage to ask Mirabe to stay?


    Catherine sighed, mustering a weak smile. “Don’t take what Mandy said to heart.”


    Mirabe nodded, murmured a nonchnt ‘hmm,‘ and headed for the door.


    When Mirabe left, Mandy fumed, “Mom, don’t let her in again. Did you see how arrogant she was?


    She doesn’t respect her elders at all!”


    a pot


    Exhausted by her daughter’s rant, Catherine rose silently and retreated to the kitchen. She turned off


    the simmering of ribs and stared nkly at the prepared vegetables. After a moment, she wiped her


    eyes and exited the kitchen. Without a word to Mandy or Summer, she went to her room and mmed


    the door shut.


    Startled by the loud bang. Mandy’s face darkened even further. “What’s Grandma’s problem now?


    Throwing a tantrum?!”


    Summer nced at the closed bedroom door and whispered, “Maybe Grandma just really likes


    Mirabe.” Hearing this only soured Mandy’s mood further. “Mistaking trash for treasure is the epitome


    of ignorance!”