"Brother! What kind of absurd talk is that!" Maria Carter stomped her foot in anger.
"If it wasn't for you back then..." The words reached the tip of her tongue but were swallowed back down; however, the rage in her eyes couldn't be hidden. It was hard enough to see her sister-in-law come back, and if Carlos's heartless words drove her away again, she would never forgive him!
Emily Parker felt as if a small thorn pricked her heart, stirring a subtle sadness.
She had thought that after all these years, time would have smoothed over those old wounds. Yet Carlos's statement, "It has nothing to do with her," was like ice, instantly extinguishing the last warmth in her heart.
She took a deep breath, suppressing her swirling emotions, her tone so calm it was almost cold: "No need to dine together. I haven't wavered on my promise to the Carter Family."
After speaking, she discreetly signaled to Evelyn Hanson, and the two turned and walked away quickly, as if fleeing.
