My mother-in-law’s face darkened. "He’s rebelling. Alexander, get this man out of the Worthington family immediately. Don’t bring any random people to my birthday party."
Charlotte’s eyes were red, tears streaming silently. I said sharply, "Today is my mother-in-law’s birthday. Don’t cry and bring bad luck to her. There’s no better time to cry than at an elder’s celebration."
She couldn’t reply. Desperately, she tugged at the necklace and placed it in Alexander’s hand. Choking back tears, she whispered, "I’ll give it back. I don’t want it anymore." Then she ran out, crying.
Alexander hurried after her, leaving everyone in the banquet hall stunned. After a while, he returned with Charlotte in his arms, her eyes red and swollen. He glared at me. "You’re cruel, Elizabeth! You’re deliberately trying to embarrass Charlotte in front of Mom. Do you think I care about you?"
"You’ll only make me loathe you more."
"Charlotte and I are just superior and subordinate, yet you insist on throwing mud at us."