Chapter 82 Laying the Cards on the Table
Mia retorted without a hint of remorse, "Had it not been for your interference, Alex and Ava would have already been married long ago. You wouldn't even have been a factor. How many years has Ava been acquainted with Alex in comparison to you? Who's to say who Alex liked first?"
Ava, alarmed, seized her mother-in-law's arm. "Mom, let's not escalate this. Her health is fragile, and if she collapses from rage, Alex will be far from pleased."
Ava's words were genuine, stemming from her concern for Mia. She knew the consequences would be dire if this altercation caused a schism between her and Alex, all because of Isabella.
It was an open secret that Alexander was irrevocably smitten with Isabella. The chronology of his affections was irrelevant. What mattered was who held his heart now and for whom he was willing to sever his marital ties.
Isabella was seething, clutching her chest as she struggled for breath. "If Alex truly cherished her, why would he choose to be with me? Aunt Mia, he's your own kin! The entire Mitchell clan has disregarded his best interests, pressuring him into a loveless marriage. He's the sole heir to the Mitchell legacy—how can you be so heartless? Are you aware of the torment Alex endures each day we are apart?"
"I may be ignorant of his suffering, but I am certain of one thing—Alex was content before your arrival. Why did things become so convoluted once you entered the picture?"
"Why am I the one being singled out?" Isabella was overwhelmed with sorrow and fury. "What have I done to deserve this? How am I inferior to Ava?"
Emboldened, Isabella pressed on, "Is it because Ava's parents are revered as heroes? What does that have to do with Ava herself? Isn't marriage about aligning social statuses? Even if the Harringtons can't match the Mitchells, we certainly surpass the Andersons. Why this prejudice?"
Just as Ava was about to respond, Mia gently touched her hand, signaling her to remain silent.
"Ms. Harrington raises a valid point. Why does the entire Mitchell family harbor such disdain for you? When one person dislikes you, it could be chalked up to a simple personality clash. But when everyone shares that sentiment, perhaps it's time for some self-reflection. Alex is young, and everyone is prone to errors, but his grandparents, his father, and I—we've lived long enough to discern all sorts of characters. Welcoming you into the Mitchell family would spell disaster. Don't delude yourself into thinking I don't see through your intentions with Alex. I'll tell you this—if Alexander marries you, I'd disown him without a second thought. He'd be penniless, and you'd be left to fend for him!"
Mia's countenance hardened, her disgust palpable as she concluded her diatribe.
Ava was taken aback by her mother-in-law's sudden display of hostility, a stark contrast to her previous demeanor. It was as though Mia now harbored a profound loathing for Isabella.
"You... you..." Isabella, still clutching her chest, gasped, "You're both ganging up on me. Why are you doing this?"
"There's no 'why'. Consider it bullying if you must."
Mia neatly arranged the divorce papers, turned to Ava, and said, "Let's go. Miss Harrington clearly wishes to be alone."
Mia rose, clutching her purse, and Ava followed her lead.
Casting a glance at Isabella, who was glaring at them with venomous eyes, she appeared to be gasping for breath, on the verge of losing consciousness.
"Mom, she..."
"Don't bother, let's leave." Mia briskly ushered Ava away.
