Sophia Lee’s smile stiffened, like it was hurting her to even try. “Heh, Brandon, no need to blow things out of proportion. I was just joking earlier.”
“If it was a joke,” Brandon Taylor replied from the couch, his chiseled face unreadable and his tone chilly, “then you should apologize to Amelia.”
His voice was calm, but the warning in it was ice-cold. “Otherwise, I’m not joking either.”
Left with no choice, Sophia forced out an apology.
“I’m sorry, Miss Amelia. Please forgive my... joke earlier.”
Amelia Johnson gave a faint smile. “A joke is fine, and I don’t mind. Just… maybe watch where and how you do it next time, Miss Lee. Timing and place matter.”
It was supposed to be a joyful day, and Sophia’s words had already killed the mood.
Mrs. Brown's face was visibly
