Upon laying eyes on Diane, Mia swiftly discerned the motive behind her visit.
Despite Patricia's clear refusal earlier that morning, why did she still decide to show up in the evening?
Diane was in the company of two others, one of whom was a man.
The way he gazed at Mia left no doubt as to his identity.
Still, Mia couldn't help but ponder Diane's apparent lack of discretion in this situation.
"Ah, Ms. Lane, welcome home. We've been anticipating your return for quite a while," Diane greeted warmly as she stood up.
"This is the friend I was telling you about, along with her son. Isn't he quite dashing? I assure you, I have nothing but good intentions; Aunt Patricia and I are quite close, after all."
Mia remained unfazed, her eyes fixed on Sage and Ginger. "Both of you, go back to your rooms."
"Oh, that won't be necessary," Diane interjected. "They've brought gifts for the children—luxurious chocolates, the kind favored by the affluent."
Meeting Diane's gaze, the middle-aged woman, Pamela Baker, assumed a touch of superiority. "Certainly, feel free to help yourselves. After all, you probably haven't tasted such delicacies before. They're quite expensive."
Mia glanced disinterestedly at the candies arranged neatly on the table. Despite their fruit-flavored labels, she doubted their exorbitant cost.
After all, Sage and Ginger were accustomed to Eva's homemade candies, crafted from only the finest ingredients.
Unperturbed, Mia calmly declined, "No, thank you. These sweets aren't exactly nutritious. I'd rather the children not indulge in such snacks."
With a touch of innocence, Ginger gazed up at Mia and added, "Mommy, Uncle says we shouldn't eat these unhealthy candies. They'll damage our teeth."
Meanwhile, Sage maintained a serious demeanor as he quipped, "Candies of this quality wouldn't even be considered at our home."
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