Chapter 2

Mrs. Davies chimed in, "Just let her have it. After all, she's carrying our family's bloodline. Even though our son wronged you, our family can't be without an heir."

My daughter blurted out before I could speak, "Then am I not Dad's child? Am I not? In your eyes, what am I?" Her eyes reddened as she looked at my in-laws, her voice trembling.

I knew my in-laws didn't truly value my daughter, but I never imagined they'd say something like this to her face. I realized then that their previous displays of affection for her had all been an act; in reality, they still saw no worth in their granddaughter.

Hearing Mia's words, Mrs. Davies dropped all pretense. "I never said you weren't, but… you're a girl. How can a girl carry on our family name? After all your father did for you, and you can't even think of him? You're so ungrateful!"

Mr. Davies sternly said, "We're talking to your mother now, young lady, don't interrupt!" He then looked at me. "Sarah, for the sake of our years as a family, I hope you can understand us!"

I looked at them, calmly stating, "So, you knew about Julian and Luna all along?"

My words caught both my in-laws off guard. Embarrassed expressions crossed their faces as they exchanged uneasy glances.

Seeing this, my daughter's face twisted in disgust. "I used to respect you so much, and you always talked about decency and self-respect. I can't believe… I can't believe… you're just as shameless!"

"What did you say, you rotten girl?! Are you looking for a fight?!" Mrs. Davies lunged forward, trying to hit Mia, but I quickly shielded my daughter behind me.

"Why are you hitting her? Was she wrong?" I asked, my voice chilling as I stared at Mrs. Davies.

Mrs. Davies looked at me, then at Mia, who was safely behind me. She sneered. "Fine, fine, you two! Just because my son isn't here, you think you can disrespect your elders, ignore me completely, is that it?"

Mrs. Davies then dramatically collapsed in front of Julian's memorial picture. "Julian, you left us too soon! Your wife and daughter are ganging up on us two old people now! They won't listen to a word we say, and they even accuse us! All we want is for Luna to give us your heir. Why… why won't they understand our elderly wish?"

The friends and relatives sitting nearby watched Mrs. Davies' hysterical wailing. Some looked on with disdain, others nodded in agreement, and a few, seemingly not finding enough drama, pulled out their phones to record.

Mrs. Davies' heartbroken wails sounded utterly pathetic, and Mr. Davies seized the opportunity to approach me. He said earnestly, "Sarah, I know our family has wronged you, but… we truly want to have an heir for the Davies family. And we also need Julian's inheritance to raise the child. We hope you can agree."

"Mom! Don't listen to them!" Mia gripped my hand tightly, as if encouraging me.

Seeing my daughter trying so hard to protect me, tears welled up uncontrollably in my eyes. I reached out and stroked her hair. "It's okay, sweetie. Let Mom make the decision. I've already made up my mind."