Mia discreetly averted her gaze, feigning ignorance.
Beside her, Karen appeared taken aback by Eva's direct remark.
Struggling to respond, she said, "Why does background matter so much nowadays? Our family showed Mia kindness in the past. Just because she's found wealthier relatives, does that mean she should forget about us?"
"As far as I know, it was only Patricia who showed kindness to Mia. It's not fair to credit the rest of you.
"Besides, my brothers-in-law are looking for partners whose backgrounds match theirs, or at least aren't impoverished!"
Eva's words were sharp and unapologetic.
Feeling humiliated, Karen's eyes teared up. "Who are you to label us as poor? Is money all that matters?"
Edna intervened abruptly, reproaching, "That's enough! Show some decorum, will you? They are from wealthy backgrounds, unlike Sally. Have you no sense of shame?"
"Fine, I guess I'm just an unwanted guest here, right? I'll go."
Frustrated, Karen slammed her hand on the table and rose to leave. Patricia quickly reached out to restrain her. "Karen, please don't be upset."
"Patricia, Mia's family is overstepping their bounds. Despite our financial struggles, we were the ones who raised Mia."
Dominic interjected firmly, "Let's clarify this. It was Aunt Patricia's family, not yours. Your family isn't involved in this."
Eva gestured toward the door. "Feel free to leave if you wish."
"Fine, I'll leave immediately. Who cares, anyway?"
As Karen made her way toward the door, she hesitated, her eyes flickering back to Patricia.
Mia grasped Patricia's hand firmly and spoke in a composed tone, "Let's focus on our meal."
"But what about Karen?" Patricia replied.
"She can simply call Sean to pick her up directly; it's not a big deal."
Mia remained resolute, refusing to let Patricia be swayed. She recognized Karen's typical tactics and was unwilling to entertain them.
If they didn't establish boundaries now, Mia feared Edna and Karen would only become more audacious and troublesome in the future.
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