Chapter 147

“No. Why would he be angry with you? I understand your feelings, but Zach and I are husband and wife. I don’t want to interact with them anymore, so…” Elvira’s meaning was clear: Zach mattered most to her. She wouldn’t make him unhappy because of irrelevant people.

Tracy expressed her understanding, but thinking about Zach, so different from her other grandchildren, she still felt a little guilty.

Rowena insisted that Elvira bring Zach to a meal with her. She wanted to officially get to know Zach, her son-in-law.

Elvira was extremely annoyed. At the breakfast table, she mentioned this to Zach. Biting into her bread, she looked at him and asked, “What do you think? Do you want to eat with my mother?”

“It’s up to you when it comes to your mom. I’ll cooperate with you.” Zach knew Rowena, Elvira’s biological mother, was unreliable, but he couldn’t express his opinion; he’d let Elvira decide.

“Alright, I’ll set up a meeting with her. I’ll tell you then.” Although Elvira was angry at Rowena’s lovestruck behavior, Rowena was still her biological mother. Elvira thought a meal with Zach wasn't an unreasonable request.

When it was time for the appointment, Zach personally picked Elvira up. They went to see Rowena together. Arriving at the hotel’s private room, they found three people already seated: Rowena, her first lover Liam, and her stepdaughter Sandy.

Elvira immediately frowned. She’d only brought Zach to meet her biological mother; she hadn’t anticipated introducing him to Rowena’s new family.

The moment Sandy saw Zach, her eyes lit up. She sat upright, subconsciously tucking a stray hair behind her ear, looking reserved and elegant.

Liam knew Zach’s identity and was very enthusiastic and respectful. The Miles family was in business, and Liam thought connecting with the Gilbert family through Elvira would be a good opportunity.

Zach could tell Elvira was unhappy. He squeezed her hand, gesturing for her to ignore it. They entered and took their seats.

From time to time, Sandy would look at Zach, her eyes filled with shyness. Rowena smiled and introduced Liam and Sandy to Zach. Elvira seemed to have become invisible.

Everyone had different thoughts during the meal. Elvira resisted the urge to leave and barely finished. Elvira didn’t have a bad impression of Liam. In the past, she'd occasionally visit the Miles family for Rowena, and Liam had treated her well, even giving her pocket money. Although it wasn't much, Elvira remembered his kindness. It was just Rowena that troubled her. Sandy's gaze on Zach only increased Elvira's frustration.

After the meal, Zach and Elvira bid farewell to the Miles family.

Sandy looked at Zach affectionately and asked, “Zach, I’ve just graduated and returned home. I haven’t found a job yet. Could you help get me a job?”

Elvira looked at Rowena, who was still looking at Sandy with a doting expression. She didn’t believe Rowena couldn't see Sandy’s intentions toward Zach.

“I’m sorry, that’s up to my wife. If you want to work in my company, you can talk to my wife,” Zach replied indifferently, without looking at Sandy.

“Alright. I’ll ask Elvira.” Sandy pursed her lips and smiled, but she didn’t look at Elvira. Sandy looked down on Elvira; she wouldn't ask sincerely, only letting Rowena give orders to Elvira.

“Elvira, bring Mr. Gilbert to our house when you’re available. You haven’t come home for a long time.” Liam saw Sandy's expression and frowned unhappily. He glared at her before smiling and seeing Zach and Elvira off.

“Let’s go home!” Liam said unhappily.

On the way back, Sandy still looked like a lovestruck young girl. Liam warned her, “Elvira and Mr. Gilbert are in love. Drop those ideas! If I find out you do anything inappropriate, I’ll show no mercy and punish you!”

“Mom, Dad is siding with an outsider!” Sandy immediately clung to Rowena’s arm, acting like a spoiled child.

“Why are you shouting at Sandy? I don’t think Elvira is worthy of Mr. Gilbert at all. If they were divorced, there’s nothing wrong with Mr. Gilbert being with Sandy, right?” Rowena defended Sandy.

“What are you talking about? They seem to be very close. Why would they get a divorce?” Liam looked at Rowena in confusion.

“But Elvira isn’t worthy of Mr. Gilbert! Elvira has no degree and doesn’t have a nice job. How can she be worthy of Mr. Gilbert? I think Sandy and Mr. Gilbert are more suitable. Sandy graduated from a famous foreign university.” Rowena looked at Sandy lovingly.

Liam was speechless before saying, “She got her college degree because I paid for it.”

“So what if that’s true? Elvira has no degree. Husband and wife are supposed to be of equal status. Elvira is not favored by the Willis family. Without their help, she won’t be able to stay married to Mr. Gilbert for long. Sandy will get to marry Mr. Gilbert because she has the support of our family.” Rowena patted Sandy’s head proudly.

Liam didn’t know what to say. He couldn’t blame Rowena for treating Sandy well; it would only make things difficult for himself. In the end, he still sternly warned Sandy not to do anything inappropriate.

Sandy and Rowena ignored his words.

On the way back, Elvira was furious. Zach hurriedly hugged and comforted her, “Don’t be angry. Let’s just ignore them from now on.”

“I’m even suspecting if I’m her biological daughter! How could she do this to me?” Elvira regretted seeing Rowena. She knew she’d be unhappy, but she’d still agreed to the meetings, hoping Rowena would change.

Now, Elvira supposed it was just wishful thinking.

“Don’t be angry. She won’t feel bad even if you’re angry. Only I’d feel distressed for you.” Zach kissed her lips to comfort her.

“She used to be like that. When Sandy snatched my things, she would always make me give them to Sandy. Now, does she want me to give you to Sandy too?” Elvira knew Rowena’s love for Liam was crazy, but she hadn’t expected her to be so foolish.

“Don’t be angry. I’m yours. I’ll always be yours.” Zach stroked Elvira’s hair to comfort her.

“Honey, I’m glad that I have you now.” Elvira hugged him and buried her face in his neck. She was very depressed.

“Some parents are just mean to their kids. Since that’s the case, let nature take its course.” Zach felt sorry for Elvira. He even began to hate Rowena; instead of raising Elvira, she kept hurting her emotionally. Zach thought it was despicable.