Hai-Ren's composure was visibly crumbling. Her face flushed, and her eyes flashed with anger.
"Your own decisions? You're a child who doesn't know what's good for her. This man—" she gestured at me with barely concealed disgust, "—has clearly manipulated you. Filled your head with ideas, made you think you're special when you're just—"
"That's enough." My voice cut through her tirade like a knife. "You're making a scene, Mrs. Hai-Ren. At your daughter's birthday party."
"Don't you dare tell me what to do," she snapped, her carefully maintained facade shattering completely. "This is your fault! You've turned my daughter against me! Poisoned her mind with your money and your false kindness!"
"Mother, please—" Hai-Min started, her voice trembling.
"Be quiet!" Hai-Ren's voice rose sharply, causing heads to turn throughout the hall.
"You ungrateful girl. After everything I've done for you, this is how you repay me? Choosing strangers over your own family?"
