Chapter 12 Unwelcome
Brooklyn bit her lip, her authority diminished in the presence of Jennifer. With Sebastian's recent weight loss due to illness, she was the first to shoulder the blame.
"Mom, Sebastian has been overworking himself lately," Brooklyn began, her voice laced with concern. "He's been burning the midnight oil at the office, returning home at ungodly hours. The reheated meals lose their flavor, depriving him of proper nutrition. From now on, I'll wait for him to return before I start cooking. That way, the food will be fresh." She offered this excuse, lauding Sebastian's dedication to his work and concealing the fact that they were living separately. Above all, she needed to score a point against Jennifer.
Jennifer, upon hearing Brooklyn's words, found no fault in them. Yet, she maintained a frosty expression, replying curtly, "Okay."
Sebastian, however, managed a small smile, thinking to himself, "Brooklyn is such a skilled liar."
Quinn couldn't resist complimenting, "Sebastian is truly fortunate to have a wife like Brooklyn!"
As the food was served, everyone took their seats. Just as they settled in, Jennifer abruptly resumed the previous conversation with a deliberate hum.
"Brooklyn, a good wife?" she questioned, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "If she were a good wife, she would have given us a grandchild by now. They've been married for three years, and she still hasn't conceived. I'd love to know what's so good about her!"
Brooklyn's grip on her cutlery tightened, but she eventually set them down, her appetite lost.
Quinn, ever the peacemaker, offered a plate of mashed potatoes to Jennifer, saying, "Mom, it's not uncommon for couples abroad to remain childless even after several years of marriage. Sebastian and Brooklyn have only been married for three years. They need more time to themselves."
Jennifer shot Quinn a disapproving glance, retorting, "Quinn, what have you gained from Sebastian, or are you simply being deceived? There's a difference between not wanting a child and not being able to have one!"
Sebastian interjected calmly, "Quinn, you're fond of salmon, aren't you? This one is more tender than the ones you get abroad. Have some more."
"Thank you. Sister-in-law, you should eat too," Quinn encouraged.
Brooklyn managed a forced smile, blinking back unshed tears, and replied, "Okay."
Jennifer sneered, "These dishes won't aid fertility. She's a doctor. If she truly wanted a child, wouldn't she know what to do? The root of the problem remains unsolved. What's the point of eating more?"
Brooklyn gritted her teeth. Jennifer's hostility towards her was always palpable, but today, in front of Quinn, it was even more pronounced.
Brian, unable to bear the tension, coldly interrupted, "Enough. Let's eat."
Jennifer, however, ignored him. A sudden thought brought a smile to her face. "Sebastian, are you still in touch with that girl from the Turner family? Megan, wasn't it?"
Brooklyn's back stiffened noticeably. She shot a wary glance at Sebastian. The name 'Megan' was a forbidden topic, yet Jennifer mentioned it so casually.
Sebastian continued eating, replying nonchalantly, "Yes. She's endorsing a product for my company."
Jennifer leaned in closer, a sly smile on her face. "Is Megan still single? She's such a kind and considerate girl. I've always liked her. If things had been different back then, you..." She glanced at Brooklyn, letting her words hang in the air, "things wouldn't be like they are now!"
Brooklyn clenched her teeth, the urge to storm out growing stronger.
Quinn, observing Brooklyn's every move, quickly understood her position in the Kingsley family. He smirked inwardly, thinking, 'The Kingsley family is truly overbearing!'
"Mom, people often desire and yearn for things or people that are difficult to obtain, without cherishing what they already have. Sebastian married Brooklyn because she is the best. If Megan were here, things might have been worse," Quinn reasoned.
Jennifer glared at Quinn, her voice laced with malice. "Did you learn all this nonsense abroad? I don't understand what you're talking about. All I know is that some people should have never appeared!" Her words were pointed, her pretense of politeness gone, revealing her disdain for Brooklyn.
The dining table fell silent. Brooklyn stole a glance at Sebastian, hoping he would say something. But he remained silent, his lack of response feeling like a shove into an abyss, leaving her disappointed.
Jennifer continued her tirade, "Furthermore, isn't the Mitchell family facing some difficulties with their business recently? Are they planning to ask us for money again?"
Brooklyn clenched her fist under the table, a sharp pain piercing her heart.
Quinn didn't dare to speak anymore.
Sebastian, setting down his utensils, stated, "I do not appreciate discussing business matters during meals. Moreover, the Mitchell family's business has nothing to do with the Kingsley family, or with you."
Brian raised his gaze, his eyes boring into Sebastian. "So, if the Mitchell family encounters trouble, you don't plan on providing assistance?"
Sebastian wiped the corner of his mouth, preparing to leave. "Correct."
Brooklyn's hope was completely extinguished.
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