Beatrice's face turned pale.
These two options—she didn’t want to choose either!
“I’ll give you ten minutes to consider,” Charlie said politely, tone impeccably courteous, yet his cold eyes were like those of a stern examiner holding a ticking stopwatch.
“If you can’t decide, I’ll choose for you.”
“You—! You’re forcing me!” Beatrice snapped, furious.
“Dearest mother, one must be reasonable. Allow me to lay it out for you:
When I said I didn’t want Jessica to return, you personally guaranteed she wouldn’t cause trouble or bully my girlfriend. You said her return was long decided.
I trusted you and didn’t stop you. Correct?” Charlie’s voice was calm and slow.
“…Mm.” Beatrice could only nod.
“Good. I gave you trust and respect. Out of caution, I also made it clear:
If she stirs up t
