Chapter 86

Judith served tea to Diane's family with a smile. "Felicia, please have some tea!"

Felicia attempted a smile. "Yes. I was quite surprised when Diane said she was staying here. I thought I'd misheard. It turns out I didn't! You're really staying here!"

She took a sip, then spat it out. "Blech! What kind of tea is this?"

Judith looked embarrassed. "It's Rooibos tea"

"Tsk, tsk. Is this the cheap stuff, or the expensive kind? Do you drink this all the time? This is far too inexpensive!" Felicia complained, seemingly oblivious to Judith's discomfort.

Megan also took a sip. "Yuck! It's disgusting! A completely different class from what we're used to!"

Judith said, "UmFelicia, I'm sorry. This is what we usually drink. I didn't know you were visiting. Should I ask Maurice to buy a better kind?"

"Yes! I'll go buy some now!" Maurice said, looking uneasy. He rubbed his hands, attempting a polite smile.

"No! That's unnecessary!" Diane interjected. "They don't have to drink it if they don't like it. Let it be!" (The website plug has been removed.)

"Diane, how dare you speak to us like that?" Felicia exclaimed angrily.

Diane remained unfazed. "I'm telling the truth. Mom, a guest should accommodate the host, not the other way around. You're being disrespectful. How would you feel if I said your dress was hideous?"

Felicia was speechless. She couldn't believe her daughter's audacity.

William, however, drank his tea and smiled. "Maurice, Felicia, no need to buy new tea. I think this tastes fine."

"You! Why are you siding with them?" Felicia glared at him.

"Hey, we're family now. There are no outsiders here. Have you forgotten why Mom asked us to visit?" William replied.

This reminded Felicia of Catherine's goal: to assess Severin and Henry's relationship and persuade Diane and Severin to return home so Severin could influence Henry. They hoped this would secure the project they desired.

Knowing Henry had gifted Severin the villa, persuading Diane to move back became crucial to winning Severin's favor.

Felicia's attitude shifted instantly. "Oh, right. I just wanted to point out considering where you're staying, you shouldn't be drinking cheap tea. Your lifestyle should be upgraded. At least buy better tea!"

"Felicia, you're right. I'm sorry. We'll buy better tea in the future!" Maurice said, maintaining his smile.

Maurice and Judith, intimidated by the Shanahans' wealth, had been overly accommodating. They feared offending Diane's family.

"Mom, let's cut the chase. Why are you really here? Something must be up," Diane said.

The Shanahans had been cruel to Diane for years. Only William secretly provided her with money, fearing his wife and daughter's discovery. Felicia and Megan had pressured Diane to have an abortion early on and hadn't visited her after the baby's birth. This explained Diane's lack of respect and affection.