"No way! Absolutely not!"
Paula was adamant about refusing to accept the current turn of events. "This is a big deal, Mom! It's not right for you to make all the decisions on your own! We're part of the Brooks family too! We have a right to voice our opinions!"
The thought of Vivienne bringing Dorian's family into the Brooks Mansion was unbearable. She would rather be killed than have to endure such humiliation.
Baron had forbidden her from returning home, and each visit was a tightrope walk of fear and caution. Now, she always had to avoid her father.
Why should outsiders be allowed to waltz right through the doors of the Brooks Mansion?
Judith gave her a stern look, and there was a hint of authority in her voice. "This house isn't yours to rule. I'm old, but I can still make decisions on trivial matters like this."
Paula was livid. She almost collapsed onto the couch. "Mom! Have you lost your mind?! You're actually siding with strangers! Do you want to watch as the Brooks name is stolen from us?! Is that what will satisfy you?!"
She yelled hysterically, but no one took her seriously.
Timothy was a weak-willed man who always followed the orders of his parents. He didn't dare to speak up now.
His wife, Cheryl wisely said, "Let's listen to Mom. Dad's health isn't good. We need her to take care of things."
Kala and Carl agreed wholeheartedly. They basically raised both hands and feet in support.
"Very well." Judith nodded in approval while patting Vivienne, who was sitting next to her. "It seems we all agree. Not just about this, but for the future as well. Vivienne is now family. Anyone who dares to harm Vivienne will be harming me. I don't want to hear any complaints!" Her gaze swept across the room. It was quite sharp and intimidating for an old woman.
Timothy quickly nodded in agreement. "We'll listen to Mom. Of course, we have no other ideas. We're glad that Vivienne is back; we wouldn't dare harm her."
Judith's strong presence kept the situation under control. "Then this weekend, let's have Vivienne's parents move in. We'll have a proper meal together as a family, as a way to welcome them."
Despite Paula's strong opposition, Dorian and his wife, Cordelia, smoothly moved into the Brooks Mansion.
That evening, Judith personally ordered the staff to prepare a lavish dinner. She invited all the members of the Brooks family to attend.
Aside from Baron, who was not feeling well, and Scott and Ronald, who were busy with work, everyone else was present.
It was clear that Judith attached great importance to this gathering.
Ashley couldn't help but laugh as she looked at the grand arrangement. "Grandma really values our cousin. Who else has received such special treatment? Even her parents are allowed to stay at the Brooks Mansion. Who wouldn't be envious?"
Paula had been looking for someone to vent her frustration to. She had begged for half the day to attend this dinner, and naturally, she wasn't pleased.
Why should she have to tread carefully around her own family while Vivienne and her parents could stride confidently into the Brooks Mansion?
"Anyone would think that the Brooks family had fallen on hard times. Why were they letting any Tom, Dick, or Harry in?!"
"Paula!" Judith's stern gaze silenced her instantly.
Melissa, too, hurriedly hushed her outspoken daughter.
As long as Baron and Judith were still around, they were the ones who called the shots. Anyone else had to know their limits, even if they were unhappy about it.
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