Once Alina left, the mood in the restaurant changed sharply. Mrs. Wilson immediately turned to Susan, who blinked quickly and pressed her lips together under the pressure of the older woman’s glare.
“What is going on, Mrs. Carpenter?” Her voice was calm but deadly. “You told us your stepdaughter would cooperate. Instead, she embarrassed both my son and me. How dare you? Are you ready to face the consequences of this shame?”
Susan’s throat tightened, but she forced a polite smile.
"The thing is… she just needs time. She’s lying about being married. She’s heartbroken, that’s all. There was a man she fancied, and he rejected her. That’s why she’s acting so… difficult. I hope you understand."
She smiled again, trying to smooth things over.Mrs. Wilson narrowed her lips and rolled her ey
