Pearl managed to maintain her composure and offered a smile. "It's alright, it doesn't bother me."
While Pearl remained calm, Esther was clearly agitated. She stood up and shouted angrily, "Hey, what's that supposed to mean? She can't speak? Just eat your dinner. Why do you care?"
It was a declaration of war.
Richard coolly responded, "People should respect the owners of the house and stay in their lane. That should be something everyone understands." His words were an obvious condemnation of Esther's actions.
In the past, when Richard and Pearl were still a couple, Esther might have accepted his reprimand, but now that they were separated, his comment came across as rude. "Sure, this is your home, and you have your rules here. I don't think someone lowly like me should stay here. Pearl, let's go."
She grabbed Pearl's wrist and prepared to leave, but Pearl didn't budge. "Why aren't you moving? He was attacking you. Are you going to keep quiet and stay here?"
Pearl forced a smile. "It's fine, let's leave after the party."
Pearl had her reasons for not wanting to leave. First, she didn't want to strain Esther and Mobius's relationship further. Second, it was Susan's birthday, and she didn't want to spoil the celebration.
Esther's anger flared as she said, "They're bullying you, and you're still trying to be nice. I know what you're worried about. You're worried about Mobius and me."
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