Mia smirked. “I just wanna have a taste of everything. I have a big appetite, so they won’t all go to


    waste.”


    Nikki threw in a sharpment, “Oh, wow, Ms. Monalize. Anyone who didn’t know better might think


    this is your first time seeing food. We eat modestly, after all.”


    “Modestly? Nikki, with all due respect, your face was practically buried in- that foie gras te! There


    was literally nothing left! If someone didn’t know you better, they might think you had a goose vendetta.


    Such impudence!” Shelly fired back.


    Lillian could no longer bear it. “Ms. Monalize, I heard you have a daughter. Why didn’t you bring her


    over today?”


    The other socialites all nced over at Mia upon Lillian’s words.


    Mia was unfazed. “My daughter’s feeling a little under the weather, so I


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    didn’t let here.


    “Ms. Monalize, having a daughter isn’t a big deal. Why are you keeping her from us? You’ll have to


    introduce her to people sooner orter. You can’t just abandon your kid because you want to be


    Mr. Barrett’s girlfriend, can you?”


    “She didn’t have to worry since she has a daughter. If she has a son, things


    would be awkward.


    ng how they gossiped freely about her child, Mia’s smile waned. She set down her utensils. This is why


    I didn’t want my daughter to be here.”


    “Why?” Lillian arched a brow.


    “Because she’s allergic to these old hags‘ gossips!” Mia drawled, her tone calm and biting.


    Lillian’s expression shifted. “Ms. Monalize, what are you implying? Are you saying that we’re a bunch of


    gossiping old hags?”


    “Whoever admits it is the gossiping old hag.”


    Afrostiness settled over Mia’s features. Their remarks regarding her were of no concern, yet the line


    was drawn when it came to her child. This boundary was unwavering, a sensitive area she fiercely


    protected.


    Lillian mmed the table in anger, “Watch your words! Do you even have a sense of courtesy?”


    “Some people don’t deserve it. They deserve to be taught a lesson instead. Otherwise, they’ll never


    know when to shut up!” Mia was unyielding. She came for the party, not to be their target. Why


    should she endure their taunts?


    Palpable tension hung in the air.


    Shelly interjected sharply, “Ms. Monalize, pay them no mind. It’s absurd for them to parade as high–


    society elites when their ownpany is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy and acquisition.”


    Amelia retorted abruptly, “We have no intention of being acquired! Our n is simply to coborate with


    Techsphere in Nord City.”


    Mia’s expression flickered. Nathan owned Techsphere. What a coincidence!


    “Everyone knows the Chapmans are running out of funds. Techsphere. would be dumb to invest in you.


    It’s definitely an acquisition. Quit the act!” Shelly just learned about the gossip from her friends.


    Amelia was seething. “Shelly, judging by how close you are with Ms.


    Monalize, you must’ve been on good terms with Mr. Barrett’s wife, right? Did you treat Ms. Monalize as


    her substitute?”


    “No way! I hate Mia Bowen. Stop spouting nonsense! That woman doesn’t deserve Timothy at all.


    Monalize is way different from that woman.”


    when you’re identical to a dead woman?”


    “Shelly, stop ttering me.” Mia smiled suggestively, yet her smile genuine.


    Flustered, Nikki blurted out, “Ms. Monalize, how can you look so de when you’re identical to a dead


    woman?”