But I didn't laugh. I didn't argue.
Instead, I nodded calmly. "You're right."
I pulled out my phone and transferred ten thousand dollars to Diana right there.
Her phone chimed. When she saw the notification, her grin nearly split her face. She latched onto Raymond's arm.
"See, Hubby? I told you Wanning wouldn't fuss! Now our travel budget is even bigger!"
Raymond looked at me with smug satisfaction. "Glad you're finally being sensible. Makes me proud."
Margaret nodded, smiling. "Exactly. We didn't raise you in vain."
She stepped forward, reaching for my hand. "Stay for dinner. Mom will make your favorite sweet-and-sour ribs."
I sidestepped her touch. "No."
I'm not paying a thousand dollars for a meal ever again.
She opened her mouth to protest, but I didn't wait. I yanked the door open and stepped into the hall.
As it clicked shut, Diana's voice drifted through the thin wood.
"Mom, were you really going to feed her? What if she didn't pay? We'd be out the cost of groceries."
Margaret's reply came muffled but clear. "I know Wanning. She's sensible. She wouldn't let us lose money."
So this was my home. Even a single meal was a calculated risk.