Chapter 180

Chloe Valentine's nails dug deep into her palms.

She glared at Sophia Laurent with burning hatred. If looks could kill, Sophia would have been shredded to pieces.

"Miss Laurent..." Chloe's voice trembled, her eyes reddening. "There must be some misunderstanding."

Sophia scoffed. "Misunderstanding? You're not worth my time to misunderstand."

Margaret Evans slammed the table. "Sophia Laurent! Mind your manners!"

"Manners?" Sophia arched an eyebrow. "Mrs. Evans, you can't even control your own son, yet you lecture me?"

Evelyn Langley gently touched her friend's wrist.

"Enough," she said coolly. "This is a waste of time."

The words ignited Margaret's fury.

"Who do you think you are?" she shrieked. "A barren woman has no right to act superior!"

Other diners turned to stare.

Evelyn's lips curved slightly. "Mrs. Evans, your son means as much to me as this cold coffee." She lifted the cup. "Stale and flavorless."

Chloe suddenly grabbed Evelyn's wrist.

"Evelyn," she whimpered, tears welling. "Thank you for stepping aside. Nathan and I—"

"Let go," Evelyn commanded icily.

Sophia yanked Chloe away. "Cut the act. Should we build you a stage?"

She pulled Evelyn toward the exit, deliberately raising her voice:

"Did someone binge too many period dramas? All this fake sisterly affection makes me sick!"

"Is Nathan Evans blind? Trading a pearl for a worthless pebble!"

Margaret trembled with rage. "You vile creature!"

Chloe turned deathly pale.

Whispers spread through the restaurant:

"That Karen's overdramatic..."

"Who still acts like a toxic mother-in-law in 2023?"

The glass door slammed shut, sealing the chaos inside.