“I didn’te to see you,” Ste dered coolly, though her tone had softened considerably. “This milk powder is just what you need, and I had someone bring it from overseas. Drink it regrly every day. It will be good for you. By the time the baby is born, our granddaughter will be fair, delicate, and beautiful with big eyes.”


    The brand of maternal milk powder that Ste bought was different from the one Justin had purchased.


    Seeing it was another pack of maternity milk powder, Meredith said, “Okay, I’ll put it away for now.”


    “Why put it away? Mix some and try it now,” insisted Ste as she turned to the nanny by her side, “Go get some warm water. Three scoops of this powder will do. Remember to give it to yourdy twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.”


    Ste’s reference to Meredith had changed, acknowledging Meredith’s status in the family.


    Gramma Sterling gave Meredith a knowing wink, and Meredith smiled in response. She knew she had secured Ste’s recognition by carrying the child in her belly.


    “If it turns out not to be a granddaughter, I fear Ste might turn against us.”


    As the nanny really went to prepare the milk powder, Meredith was about to speak up to stop her, when Mrs. Wooten came over with the prepared milk, “Ma’am, your milk powder is ready, please check the temperature.”


    Seeing the milk powder, Ste asked, “What brand is this? Meredith, I heard from Terry that you weren’t drinking any milk powder. Howe you started? I even asked a friend to buy it from abroad specially for you.”


    Meredith replied truthfully, “This was bought by a friend just now; I asked Mrs. Wooten to mix a bowl for me to try.”


    Ste was instantly displeased, and nced at Justin who stood nearby. As a mother-inw who had presented a gift to her daughter-inw, it was a tant p in her face for the daughter-inw to choose a friend’s gift over hers.


    “So, you can’t drink the milk powder I brought? This is over a thousand dors, extremely nutritious, and if you don’t want it, I might just take it back,” Ste said with a tinge of sarcasm.


    Meredith remained silent.N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    Mrs. Wooten, holding the mix, was unsure whether to hand it to Meredith or not.


    Justin, not wanting conflict between Meredith and Ste, quickly intervened, “Meredith, try the one Sta bought for you. She went through the trouble; you shouldn’t disappoint her.”


    Gramma Sterling, smiling, said, “I’m actually quite thirsty myself, I’ll drink this. Mrs. Wooten, could you mix another bowl for Meredith?”


    Taking the milk powder from Mrs. Wooten’s hands, Gramma Sterling motioned her to use the brand Ste had purchased to mix another batch. This was also Gramma Sterling’s attempt to smooth things over between Meredith and Ste. Ste had made a personal gesture by bringing the nourishment, and if Meredith did not ept it, it would be seen as a direct affront.


    Knowing her daughter-inw well, Gramma Sterling recognized Ste’s need for respect. Not waiting for Meredith to speak, Gramma Sterling drank a bowl herself,menting, “Sweet, and quite tasty. Even in my old age, I need to replenish with some milk powder, hope you don’t mind?”


    Understanding the intent, Justin smiled, “Of course not.”


    Now Mrs. Wooten prepared another batch of the milk powder using Ste’s purchase which Meredith drank without furtherment as Ste watched.


    Ste’s mood visibly improved, “Remember, drink it twice a day, morning and evening. Once you finish, I’ll buy you more. My granddaughter is growing inside you; you can’t let her down. What did thest prenatal checkup say? When is the next one? Did the doctor mention whether it’s a boy or a girl?”


    Before Meredith could reply, Gramma Sterling interjected, “Why, do Meredith and Terry’s child need your approval too? Whether a boy or girl, they are blood of the Sterling family. You didn’t have the ability to give me a granddaughter back in the day; how can you make such demands on Meredith now? I may be old, but I’m not gone yet.”


    Ste was left speechless.


    With Gramma Sterling defending Meredith, Ste couldn’t gain any advantage.


    “Oh mom, can’t you be a bit kinder with your words? Why do you always have to retort?” Stemented.


    “You’re not exactly kind to Meredith either,” countered Gramma Sterling righteously.


    Silenced again, Ste had no response.


    Justin had to leave for his office and wasn’t around much longer.


    Gramma Sterling and Ste stayed behind for lunch. During the meal, Gramma Sterling suddenly doubled over in pain, clutching her stomach, her expression tormented.


    Meredith and Ste were both rmed.


    “Grandma, what’s wrong?”


    “Mom, don’t scare me.”


    Covering her stomach, Gramma Sterling requested, “Help me to the bathroom, I think my pants are wet.”


    Ste, upon noticing the state of Gramma Sterling’s trousers, eximed in shock, “Mom, you’re bleeding! Mom, how can you have your period now at this age?”


    In the middle of lunch, trouble had indeed struck.