Chapter 258

Hannah shrank back at the shout, her back hunched as she collapsed into her chair. Her lips parted, but it took her a few moments to collect herself. "Charles, don't be mad, okay? You know how I am—always meaning well but messing things up. I just wanted the best for Debbie, hoping she could find a decent guy, not throw her into some nightmare. Please, don't yell anymore. I swear I won't bring it up again," she said, forcing a smile and reaching for the serving chopsticks to add some food to Charles's plate. But just as her hand moved, Charles shot her a glare so sharp she froze midair. Claire caught the subtle motion and let out a quiet chuckle. Typical—bully the weak, fear the strong. She ladled a bowl of soup for her mom, her voice unhurried as she finally said what had been bottled up for a while. "I get that Auntie meant well. But usually, if there's a good deal, most people would think of their own kids first. If I'm not mistaken, Cousin Nora's a bit older than me—and still singl