Chapter 564: Telling Brandon the Truth

Tina held her teacup, the rising steam obscuring half of her eyes. Rachel's message was clear: Tina should remember her place as merely an adopted granddaughter, not even a true granddaughter, and not overstep her bounds. Moreover, she emphasized that she alone was the true heiress of the Brookes family, and Tina should keep her distance. "Who's really trying to make their presence felt?" Tina laughed, "I'm always at ease around Grandpa, Aunt Rachel needn't worry." Rachel forced a laugh, sipping her tea to mask her unease. Tina was indeed unapologetic! Scarlett and Jared also returned, and at the dinner table, Scarlett and Tina chatted merrily. Rachel, trying to join the conversation, found herself unable to get a word in and could only offer an awkward smile. She ended up eating quietly. When it came time to pay, Jared had already settled the bill, insisting that as the only gentleman at the table, he couldn't let the ladies pay. "I said it was my treat, don't let it happen again,"