Chapter 26

This was Maria’s first time seeing James’s mother again after five years. The woman clearly noticed how much more elegant and striking Maria had become—she was taken aback for a split second but snapped back to her usual frosty self the moment she saw Amelia standing beside her. She stepped forward with eyes just as sharp as they used to be. “Don’t forget your place. James is your boss, and Amelia is his fiancée. That makes her your boss’s fiancée—show some basic respect, will you?” Back in the day, just her tone alone would make Maria apologize instantly. But not anymore. Now, Maria just found her ridiculous. Curling her lips, she replied dryly, “Well, even with my 'disrespect', James hasn’t fired me yet. Hmm... you think maybe he still has a soft spot for me?” She knew full well James didn’t love her, but if saying that could make them both uncomfortable, she was happy to stir the pot. Maria took a step forward, locking eyes with Mrs. Bennett. “Don’t think for one second that I’ve fo