“I will not apologize to Hannah!” Martina screamed in the living room.

“I’m serious,” Charles replied, unwilling to hear Martina’s explanation.

“Hannah beat me up, and you want me to apologize? She should apologize!”

“She didn’t, and you’re making things up,” Charles said.

“She did! Why didn’t you believe me? Susan and Hannah attacked me!” Martina panicked.

“Hannah was polite and gentle. She wouldn’t have attacked you.”

“She did! She did!” Martina’s voice rose, escalating the scene in the living room. She couldn’t believe Charles didn’t believe her.

“I’m sick of your screams. Apologize to Hannah tomorrow.”

“No!”

“Martina, do you want to bankrupt our family?”

“We probably should!” Martina retorted capriciously.

Loretta learned of the situation and threatened Martina, “Stop acting like a brat, or I’ll be angry with you too.”

“Mother, why didn’t you believe me either?”

“I don’t care if what you said is true. Apologize to Hannah tomorrow.”

“Mother!” Martina cried, upset.

“It doesn’t matter if Hannah attacked you. Our family’s priority is your brother’s marriage to Hannah. You must appease her; you offended her. Do what you want after the wedding. Until then, put on a mask around her.”

Martina felt aggrieved and continued crying.

“Martina, you’re not a child. Set your priorities straight. Don’t worry; even if you apologize to Hannah tomorrow, I’ll help you get even with her.”

Martina ignored Loretta, sobbing uncontrollably.

“It’s Michelle’s 50th birthday tomorrow. I’ll shame her,” Loretta consoled Martina. “Her daughter bullied you, and I’ll make her pay.”

Martina wiped her tears. “How?”

“Michelle’s always had dreadful taste. I’ll wear my best dress tomorrow and steal the spotlight. We’re future in-laws, constantly compared. When people talk, Michelle will be ashamed. I wonder what gives her the nerve to have a 50th birthday party.” Loretta’s disgust was palpable.

The upper-class society’s male chauvinism was evident. Loretta envied Michelle's ability to host a 50th birthday celebration. She always held a superior position among the wealthy wives, boasting a loving husband, a capable son, and an obedient daughter; all the other wives fawned over her. This inflated her sense of self-importance. Yet, she'd never thrown her own grand birthday party. Michelle, previously insignificant in their circle, had thrown a lavish party, which infuriated Loretta. Tomorrow, Loretta would show Michelle the folly of such ostentation.

The next afternoon, the Cooper manor's living room bustled with activity. Michelle was surprised; she knew nothing of the party. The event crew's preparations further confused her.

“We’re celebrating your birthday with Father, right? So I planned a surprise for both of you,” Hannah explained.

“Silly child. We have birthdays every year. No need for surprises. Don’t startle your father.”

“He won’t be,” Hannah said, unhappy. “Now, go get a facial, makeup, and change.”

“You’re so mischievous.”

“Hurry,” Hannah urged, pushing her mother toward the event crew.

“Aren’t you coming?” Michelle asked. Hannah usually accompanied Michelle during at-home beauty treatments.

“I don’t need it. I’m naturally beautiful,” Hannah joked.

Michelle laughed. “You’re shameless.”

“Go. I’ll catch up and get ready with you.”

“Alright,” Michelle conceded, unable to withstand her daughter’s persistence. She left with the crew.

Once Michelle was gone, Hannah quickly briefed the decorators on Michelle's imminent arrival and called her father to prepare. It was a busy afternoon.

After ensuring everything proceeded as planned, Hannah entered her mother’s room. Michelle had just finished her facial. Her cheeks were smooth and supple, like a young girl’s skin.

“Mother, how do you maintain your skin? It’s perfect,” Hannah praised.

“You’re right. She has the nicest skin for her age,” the beautician agreed. “I’d guess she’s in her thirties if I didn’t know better.”

“You’re just being nice,” Michelle blushed.

“It’s true. You have perfect skin and a great figure. You look like a young girl from behind.”

“Oh, stop it. I’m not that great,” Michelle’s face flushed.

Hannah found her mother adorable. Her father was lucky to have her.

“Is she changing into her gown?” Hannah asked a crew member.

“Yes, we’re doing it now.”

The crew produced a long black gown studded with diamonds, sparkling like stars. It was breathtaking.

“Isn’t it flashy?” Michelle exclaimed, surprised.

“It should be. You’ll charm Father speechless.”

“We’re an old couple. No need for this,” Michelle protested. “Something simpler. Don’t scare him.”

“I designed it,” Hannah revealed.

This touched Michelle. She knew Hannah had been a gifted designer since childhood, but the Coopers kept it private. Seeing Hannah’s disappointment, Michelle couldn’t refuse.

“Mother, will you wear it?” Hannah pleaded.

Michelle smiled, resigned. “Of course. It’s my daughter’s design.”

Michelle went into the dressing room. When she emerged, Hannah was astonished by her mother’s beauty. Michelle's mature charm, elegance, and grace were captivating.