Her words were well articulated. The tone was gracious. Yet something felt wrong. A distance lingered in her eyes. A chill hid beneath the smile.
This was not a mother relieved for her daughter. This was someone acting grateful because society demanded it.
Frankly, I had not wanted to invite them. They came anyway after hearing about the event. Forcing them out would have damaged my public image.
Hai-Min once told me her mother never hit her. She simply ignored her. That kind of silence left deeper scars than shouting ever could.
The neglect had been constant. Quiet. Careful. It shaped a child to believe she was invisible.
Seeing such a beautiful woman behave that way felt unsettling.
I kept my face calm. "She's one of my most valuable team members. I'm fortunate to have her."
"How wonderful," The smile stayed in place, but her eyes remained flat. Her gaze drifted around the lavish hall, measuring its worth. "This is quite the celebration you've arranged. So generous of you."
