This remark completely ignited Mandy's fury. She stood up angrily, pointing at Bryden's nose and shouting, "How dare you say that to me?" "Mom..." "I've raised you for over twenty years, and now you call me petty? Fine, if you think someone else is more generous, go recognize them as your mother! From now on, I'm not your mom. Don't call me 'Mom' anymore!" Bryden hadn't anticipated his mother would get so furious. But now that she was in a rage, anything he said would only escalate her anger. After some thought, he decided to remain silent. Mandy began to cry in indignation, "Why do you think I'm against Emily? Everything I do is for you and Janet. Your grandmother and your father favor your brother, but you are the only son of the Norman family. Only you have the right to inherit our family estate. Vincent is an outsider! If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be targeting Emily so much. But look at what you're doing! I'm doing everything for you, and now you blame me? You're just like your ungrateful father, both of you are terrible!" Bryden frowned, explaining helplessly, "Mom, my brother has made it clear more than once that he doesn't want our family estate. Besides, he has his own businesses. In a few years, he might be richer than Dad. He won't compete for the inheritance." "How do you know?" Mandy wiped her tears with the back of her hand. "Money doesn't bite. Why would he give it up? Even if he does, will Emily give it up?" "Emily isn't that kind of person." Mandy sneered, "She is that kind of person! She instigated Mr. and Mrs. Morgan's divorce because she wants to inherit the Morgan family's fortune. Compared to our family, the Morgans are like ants to an elephant. If she won't give up the Morgans' money, how could she possibly give up ours? That woman is a tramp. Mrs. Morgan is right; I should have been wary of her long ago, to prevent you from being seduced by her!" Mandy's attitude was resolute; no one could persuade her otherwise. Bryden realized this and stopped arguing. Their perceptions were different, and continuing the discussion would only lead to endless quarrels. Mandy was his mother, and Bryden didn't want to make her too upset. "Alright, Mom, it was my fault. I spoke without thinking. Weren't you going to take a nap? Let me help you get back to your room." Mandy's expression softened at his words, but she uncharacteristically showed no intention of taking a nap. "I'm not sleeping today. I need to go out." "Go out? To see Mrs. Morgan?" Mandy glared at him. "Do you have to control who I see when I go out?" Bryden raised his hands in surrender. "I don't want to control you, but Mom, you need to be cautious of Mrs. Morgan. Asking for money is one thing, but I'm afraid she might have other plans." Mandy dismissed his concerns. "Don't think so badly of her. She's just a poor woman abandoned by her husband. I'm merely going to comfort her." Bryden reluctantly nodded and left, heading straight for Meggie's house. Meggie's house was very quiet, close to the garage. As Bryden arrived, he heard the sound of a car driving away. Mandy must have left. His steps paused momentarily before he walked into the living room. Bella was the first to notice him. "Bryden, you're here." Bryden nodded, asking, "Is Grandma resting?" "She just finished lunch and is reading the Bible now. Do you need to speak with Meggie?" Bryden replied, "Yes, I have something to discuss with Grandma." "Alright, I'll let her know. Please wait here for a moment." Bryden found a seat in the living room. Although Meggie was his grandmother, he seldom visited her here. Meggie wasn't particularly warm to him, and she liked peace and quiet due to her poor health. So, unless necessary, he preferred not to disturb her. On the wall hung an old photo of Meggie with Vincent. Vincent looked about five years old, standing there with his head down, his face not visible in the photo. "Bryden, you’re here." Bella was helping Meggie walk out slowly. Bryden hurriedly went to assist. "Grandma, I came to see you." Supported by both Bella and Bryden, Meggie sat down on the sofa. Her tone was affectionate, "I know you're a good child.""Grandma, was this photo taken when Vincent first came to our house?" Meggie was a bit surprised. "This photo has been here for over twenty years, and you're just noticing it now?" Bryden scratched his head. "I hadn't paid attention before. Ever since I can remember, Vincent has been very independent. I didn't know he had such a shy phase." "This isn't shyness. He didn't have the emotion of shyness in his heart." "Was it because of the scars on his face?" "Of course not," Meggie said. "The scars on his face never affected him, but he had scars in his heart, so he preferred to close himself off and hide in corners where no one could see him. This photo was taken on his first birthday after coming to our house. I wanted to celebrate it, but he was reluctant. It took a lot of persuasion for him to agree to take this photo with me." Meggie's eyes curved with a kind smile, though her heart understood everything. "You came today to ask about Vincent, right?" Bryden's thoughts were exposed, and he smiled awkwardly. "Yes, Grandma, I'm very curious." Meggie nodded, coughing lightly. "Bella, could you go to the kitchen and have them prepare some pears for me?" Bella understood that Meggie was sending her away, so she respectfully retreated, "Yes." Once Bella had left the main hall, Meggie slowly began, "Bryden, before you ask me questions, I have something to ask you." "Ask away, Grandma." "Who are you here for?" Bryden waved his hands, "I'm just curious myself. My mom didn't send me." Meggie smiled lightly. "I know it's not your mother; she wouldn't think of that. But... Bryden, remember my words: Emily is your sister-in-law and will always be. Do you understand what I mean?" Meggie's words were loaded with meaning, and Bryden understood them.