"Oh, Mary, calling our Vera like that, aren't you afraid you'll make her feel old?" Merlin Bradley immediately teased.
"I meant it as respect. If Vera doesn't like it, I can call her Little Vera." Mary smiled ingratiatingly.
"Ahem!" Wang Xiaoya coughed, "I remember someone was quite high and mighty at the leasing company yesterday..."
"Xiaoya!" Mary immediately hugged her arm, "Please, let's not dwell on the past. Can't we let it go? I only acted that way because I was afraid of Kylo. Everyone knows I can't stand those who look down on people!"
This one's really shameless—thicker-skinned than a fortress. Now that she knows Vera has backing, she immediately tries to cozy up.
Vera watched her antics and just chuckled to herself. After a moment of thought, she spoke with a smile.
"Mary, don't worry. There's a reason for everything, and today's matter has nothing to do with you. I understand."
