Ch. 1011..1020

Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1011-It seemed that Raymond's family had been going through a lot lately.

Jasmine said, "I planned to follow your advice and have my family accept Asher as my brother. But I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

"I can't believe how much my dad has changed because of him. When I finally talked to my dad, I realized I never really understood him."

Her voice choked with emotion as she spoke, and Mia handed her a tissue. Jasmine's vibrant confidence had waned since she had first returned to the country.

Mia empathized with Jasmine. How could Jasmine accept her respected father to bring Luna's son into the family just to have a male heir because he favored sons over daughters? Jasmine wiped away her tears and asked, "Mia, are you disappointed in me? I thought I could do it, but in the end, I just couldn't."

Mia responded, "No. You've done well considering the circumstances. Many would have crumbled by now.

"It's just a matter of time before you come to terms with everything. And there's still hope. Your father's preoccupied with the Yellow Island incident and seems lost on how to address it." "He brought it upon himself," Jasmine said with a wry smile.

She added, "He's been dealing with Yellow Island and trying to make deals with the Barrett family. He clearly wanted to distance himself from your family. I've tried to talk him out of it, but he is stubborn and won't listen to me.

"When we collaborated with Mr.

Shelbert in the past, it was out of respect for your mother, not him. You can trust that we won't turn against your family over this Dominic isn't the type to do that."

Mia aimed to establish trust with Jasmine by clarifying her stance while making it clear that her primary concern was with Luna.

"That's why I find my father's actions impulsive and illogical. The people from Yellow Island are ambitious and unreliable.

"What does he hope to achieve by collaborating with them? Does he really think he can become king or something?"

Mia paused. "Your father probably has his reasons. Perhaps he feels that the Lane family has overshadowed him for years. So, he wants the Shelberts to become the top elite family in Nord City"

Jasmine remarked sarcastically, "He wants us to become the top elitez family in Nord City. If it hadn't been for my mother, he wouldn't have even made it this far. Plus, his family would have gone bankrupt long ago.

"All the money he's spent over the years was managed by my mother. Does he really think being the top elite family is that easy?"

Considering all the support her mother had given her father and seeing her health decline while his career took off, Jasmine assumed her father would treat her mother better.

However, she was shocked when her father went to such extremes for what he considered essential-a male heir. Didn't he understand how devastating her mother would be if he brought Asher home?

Mia had already investigated Raymond's rise to success and discovered that he owed much of it to his wife. For a moment, Mia was speechless.

Half an hour later, Jasmine finally calmed down. She looked at Mia earnestly and said, "I need your help with something."

Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1012-"What is it?" Mia asked.

"Well, I've always liked Nathan. When I returned to the country, my dad tried to set us up, but Nathan didn't seem keen on the idea. So, I was wondering if you could help me out." Jasmine's request caught Mia off guard.

After a pause, Mia responded, "I'm sorry. I can assist with other matters, but not this one."

Jasmine smiled bitterly. "I understand if it's too much to ask. Given my family's circumstances, I realize I might not meet Nathan's standards."

"It's not about your family background. My brothers have never judged anyone based on that. They just have different standards when it comes to relationships.

"They might not be as easygoing as you assume. Despite being good brothers, they might not necessarily make good partners."

Jasmine shook her head. "You're underestimating your brothers. With the exception of a few, they're all virtuous. The majority of them are truly remarkable."

Mia knew she was referring to Liam and Jason. She added, "Plus, I'd rather not involve Dominic in Nathan's major life decisions. I can help you with anything else, but not this."

"Okay, I get it. But could you do me a favor and set up a meeting with Nathan? I'd like to talk to him in person. If he's willing to help…"

Mia hesitated. She knew Nathan well and understood he wouldn't agree to meet just anyone.

Jasmine added, "I promise to deal with Luna for you and fully support you. If the Shelberts back out of this mess in the future, I'll stand with you."

Upon hearing that, Mia promptly agreed, "Okay, I'll help you set up a meeting with Nathan, but I can't promise anything."

When Jasmine first asked for Mia's help, she hesitated. She didn't want to put Nathan in an uncomfortable position by agreeing to an engagement with Jasmine. Mia wouldn't risk his happiness like that.

However, arranging a simple dinner where Jasmine could talk to Nathan directly seemed feasible to Mia. After all, getting the Shelbert family's unconditional support for the Lane family in exchange for a casual dinner date was a good deal.

Since Raymond wanted Luna on his side, Mia knew she had to win over Jasmine.

Jasmine breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you. I'll remember your help today, no matter what happens."

Throughout this period, she reached out to her friends and relatives. She discovered that they were all loyal to her father and unwilling to listen to her.

It dawned on her that since her mother's retirement, her social circle had shifted to align with her father's interests. This realization left her with a profound sense of isolation and helplessness.

After chatting for a while, Mia checked the time. "It's getting late. How about we grab dinner?"

They went to the nearest restaurant, but as Mia reached the door, she bumped into Sharon.

The next moment, Sharon stormed up to her. "Mia, we need to talk."

Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1013-Mia was surprised to see Sharon. After all, the last time they had met was at Jasmine's charity dinner, and they hadn't kept in touch since.

Mia hadn't paid any attention to what had happened with Ralph and that family since it didn't concern her. But she didn't expect Sharon to storm toward her.

Jasmine felt awkward when she saw Sharon. She knew Sharon was Mia's former mother-in-law and that she had invited Sharon to the charity dinner in Nord City, as her father had suggested. Raymond wanted to build rapport with the Barrett family. However, Jasmine didn't know about her father's connection with Luna or his plan to use Asher to win over the Barretts at that time.

If she had known, she wouldn't have gone along with it so easily and wouldn't have let the Barretts come near Mia to cause trouble.

Mia looked at Sharon and said, "I don't think there's anything left to discuss. We settled everything a long time ago, right?" Seeing that Sharon hadn't left Nord City and appeared poised for confrontation, Mia had already surmised the topic of conversation. Sharon took a deep breath and glanced at Jasmine. She said softly, "Ms. Shelbert, could you give us a moment alone?" Jasmine nodded and looked at Mia. "I'll go in and order first."

Mia turned to Sharon and asked, "What do you want to talk about? I don't have much time." She wasn't interested in talking to Sharon.

Sharon's expression flickered with a mix of emotions. Then, she pleaded, "Could you help me, Mia? Ralph had been detained and couldn't be bailed out. As one of the top elite families in Nord City, could you use your influence to get him out?"

Mia wasn't surprised by her request. She had guessed Sharon wanted to talk about Ralph, but she couldn't tell if Sharon was feigning ignorance or genuinely clueless. How could she have the audacity to ask for such a favor?

n So, Mia responded indifferently, "I won't help you with this. Your brother conspired with the Bowl net famity to spread lies about us Why would I help an enemy?" S "Mia, my brother was misled, too. He didn't know about their bad reputation in Nord City."

"Do you know what you're talking about? Or do you think I'm gullible enough to be swayed by a few words?"

Mia took a few steps forward, then glanced back at Sharon.

"Remember, I've given you a week. If you're stin Nord City by then, the police will escort you back. Think about whether you'll have the courage to face everyone in Bern City after that."

"Mia, how can you be so cruel? Do you really want to see me dead?"

"Yes, if that's what it takes for you to face reality. I'm not a saint or a good person. I gave you a chance, and if you don't take it, that's on you."

Mia was ready to leave. She didn't want to talk to Sharon anymore.

"Mia, are you trying to push me over the edge? If you're upset, take it out on me, not my family."

"Hey, what's all the commotion about? I didn't expect to walk in on a spectacle while grabbing a bite."

Luna, dressed in designer clothes and carrying a branded bag, sauntered over. She looked at Sharon and Mia smugly.

Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1014-At that moment, Mia and Sharon finally saw that Luna was no longer the broke girl they once knew.

Mia turned and spotted Luna. She couldn't believe how small the world was. After all, she had just randomly picked a restaurant for dinner and ran into her here. Suddenly, she lost her appetite.

When Sharon saw Luna, her expression changed drastically. She snarled, "How dare you show your face here! Shouldn't you be rotting in jail?"

Luna shot back with a hint of contempt, "Why are you even allowed out of Bern City? If you can be here, why can't I?"

She scoffed at the thought that anyone still saw her as the same old, helpless Luna.

Sharon sneered. "Luna, I'm not blind to how you've risen through the ranks by attaching yourself to an older man. Your shady past isn't something you can sweep under the rug, no matter how hard you try.

"And let's not pretend I've forgotten your attempt to marry my son by claiming that child was his. The only reason you were ever accepted into our family was because I believed Asher was my grandson. Now that it's clear he is not related to my son, how can you still be so shameless?"

Sharon had been trying to find out who was behind Luna's move to Nord City. It gnawed at her that Luna was living freely and extravagantly while she had to keep a low profile and could only stay for a week. Sharon still harbored resentment over Luna's cunning schemes in deceiving her with Asher, which nearly caused Ginger's death.

Luna casually touched her limited-edition designer bag and said, "Who said Asher isn't related to your family?"

Sharon retorted, "Keep making up stories if you want, but Tim has already admitted that Asher isn't his child. So, what connection could he possibly have with us?"

Seeing Luna's haughty attitude, she off jeered, "First, you tried to pass your son as a Barrett, but when that plan flopped, you dug up his real father to assist in your relocation to Nord City. Am I right?" Luna laughed and said, "It looks like Timothy hasn't told you the truth yet. It's pathetic how you're still being kept in the dark.

"Mia, I'm sure you're aware of the relationship between Asher and the Barrett family, right?" Luna asked.

Mia hesitated and stayed silent.

Sharon turned to her and asked, "What is Asher's relationship to the Barrett family?"

Mia responded, "That's a question for Timothy, not me."

Sharon looked at Luna again and demanded, "What is your son's relationship with us?"

Luna smoothed out her clothes. "I meant to tell you sooner. But honestly, seeing how completely clueless and helpless you are right now, I think I'll hold off on sharing for a little while longer." Sharon was furious and lunged at Luna, who swiftly pushed her to the ground.

Luna shot Sharon a smug glance. "You think you can still boss me around? I'm not the same person you used to pick on. You old hag, this is Nord City, not Bern City. Things work differently here."

Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1015-When Mia saw Sharon being pushed to the ground, she was stunned. She never expected Luna and Sharon to get physical.

Sharon, accustomed to a life of privilege and entitlement, had never been treated like this before, especially by Luna, whom she had always looked down on.

Sharon fumed as she spat, "How dare you hit me! Do you know who my son is?"

"I know who your son is. But even if he were here, I'd still defend myself. You started it, so this is just self-defense. What, should I just stand here and let you hit me? Dream on, you old hag."

Sharon countered, "How dare you call me an old hag? When you were trying to worm your way into the Barrett family, you groveled for years.

"Now, you've shown your true colors. I knew you were just after our money. I'll expose your true colors to Tim."

"Go ahead. I don't have to rely on your family anymore. Report me to whoever you want. Honestly, an old hag like you is lucky to have a son like Timothy. Otherwise, someone would've knocked you off ages ago."

Luna's biting remark left Sharon gasping for air. Sharon covered her chest as she struggled to find a retort.

Mia, caught up in the drama unfolding before her, briefly entertained the idea of recording the confrontation. She hadn't anticipated such a public clash between the two, and Luna's cutting words nearly knocked Sharon off her feet.

It was like watching a scene from a soap opera, except she was missing the popcorn.

Sharon was furious and pointed at Luna. In a shaky tone, she said, "K tell my son, and he won't let you off. Just you wait." With that said, she immediately called Timothve Luna's expression changed slightly, but she remained defiant. "Call anyone you want. I'm not afraid of your family anymore."

Raymond planned to adopt Asher into the Shelbert family. Since Asher had familial ties to the Barretts, Timothy couldn't sever this relationship since Asher was his half-brother's son.

Suddenly, a familiar ringtone filled the hallway.

Mia turned and saw Timothy and Raymond entering. Her previously amused expression grew serious. She was surprised to see them together.

She had heard rumors of a collaboration between them, but recent events on Yellow Island had overshadowed the news. Now, seeing them together confirmed it.

As soon as Sharon saw Timothy, she cried out, "Tim, you're finally here! You have to stand up for me was attacked in Nord City. If word gets out, it'll tarnish our family's reputation. How are we supposed to face anyone?"

Timothy stepped forward, helping Sharon up as he whispered, "I'll have someone take you to the hospital."

"I'm not going to the hospital now. You have to stand up for me. Luna pushed me to the ground. I've never been humiliated like this.

"She should be in jail in Bern City. She's a fugitive-call the police and have her arrested," Sharon demanded, clutching Timothy's arm. Today, she was determined to deal with Luna once and for all.

Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1016-Mia smiled slyly and said, "Mrs. Barrett, I'm afraid Timothy doesn't have the final say in this matter." Sharon turned to glare at her. "What nonsense are you spouting? Tim doesn't have the final say?

"Dealing with Luna is as easy as squashing a bug. A woman with a criminal record like hers has no place in Nord City. She belongs behind bars in Bern City."

Luna smirked. "If you didn't stay in Bern City, why should I?"

"Do you think a woman of your lowly status can compete with me? Just because you snagged some rich old man and had a kid, you think you can do whatever you want?"

After hearing Sharon's rant, Mia realized she was clueless. After all, Asher was Sharon's husband's illegitimate child's son. If Sharon found out about this, it would be a devastating blow to her.

Luna laughed upon hearing that. "Timothy, do you see how arrogant the Barrett family is?"

Timothy frowned and instructed his secretary, "Take my mom to the hospital."

Sharon was furious. "I'm not going to the hospital. Why should I? It feels like everyone is treating me like a fool and hiding secrets from me. Tim, tell me, what is Luna doing here? And who's backing her up?" Sharon was determined to get to the bottom of it. She was upset whenever she saw Luna.

Raymond intervened, "Mrs. Barrett, if we need to discuss this, let's go to a private room. There are too many eyes and cameras around, and we wouldn't want any undue attention."

He naturally wanted to avoid any public scrutiny.

Sharon's demeanor softened upon noticing him.

Seeing this, Mia turned to leave, but Raymond called after her, "Ms. Lane, since we've run into each other, why not join us for a meal? After all, we're acquainted."

She replied coldly, "Even if we are, I don't see the need to dine together."

Since she didn't want to eat with them, she headed to the elevator.

Timothy quickly approached her and asked in a hushed tone, "Did you come here alone?"

Mia responded coldly, "That's none of your business. I'll have dinner with whoever I want."

Luna strutted over in her high heels. "Timothy did you know that Ms. Lane is quite the socialite in Nord City? Rumors about her affairs are endless. Plus, she's not the orphan from Bern City anymore."

n Mia glanced at Luna. "Remember when someone used to act all holier-than-thou, saying they weren't into luxury brands? Now look at them all decked out in brands from head to toe. Guess you can't keep those true desires hidden forever."

Luna gritted her teeth and said, "I never really cared about all this before. But isn't it because I was broke and powerless that you all looked down on me?" "You think we respect you now with your current status?"

Luna shot back angrily, "Mia, say that again! I'm not the same person you all used to bully."

"I said, an illegitimate daughter like you will never be respected."

Just then, Jasmine stepped out of the elevator.

Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1017-Mia sighed when she saw Jasmine. She knew things were about to get heated.

She had intended to head straight for the private room, but Jasmine's unexpected appearance threw her off guard.

Luna greeted Jasmine with a sneer as she emerged. "If we're talking about who came first, you'd win the illegitimate daughter title."

Jasmine immediately raised her hand and slapped Luna. Then, she grabbed Luna's hair and hissed, "Don't you dare get all high and mighty with me. If I decided to get physical, you wouldn't make it to tomorrow."

Luna yelped in pain and retaliated by pulling Jasmine's hair. "Who do you think you are to hit me? I could make sure you don't see daylight either. Let go of me!"

"Why should I? A woman like you who can't even show your face in public has no right to act so arrogantly."

Their altercation escalated quickly inside the elevator.

Raymond's expression darkened as he noticed the situation unfolding. He glanced around to see if anyone else had noticed, and he realized he needed to intervene.

So, he dashed into the elevator and shouted, "What's going on here? Both of you, stop it! This behavior is unacceptable."

Luna was agitated and shot back, "She started it, and you saw it too."

Jasmine smoothed her outfit with her hands and seethed in silence. She knew her father would always side with Luna regardless of what she said.

Upon witnessing the scene, Sharon quickly said, "Mr. Shelbert, don't let Luna deceive you. She's manipulative and always puts on an act of innocence. You can't trust a word she says.

"She played the role of a devoted wife for five years just to remainin the Barrett family. But now that she's got some old guy to bankroll her, she's showing her true colors. Don't allow her to manipulate you."

Raymond's expression turned awkward.

Luna sneered. "Do you even know who that man is?"

Sharon glanced at Raymond, and her expression also turned awkward. She asked tentatively, "Is Asher your son?"

Jasmine smiled and said, "Dad, do you think people won't gossip about you behind your back if they find out?

"They'll brand you an ungrateful opportunist who, once in power, brings the mistress' child back into the family."

Luna was furious at being called a "mistress' child." She retorted, "Who are you calling a mistress' child?

"Dad, see how she refuses to bond with me? Even though her mother was the reason you and my mom split up, I never held it against her.

"But she keeps slinging 'mistress' child' at me, which could smear Asher's reputation if word gets out."

Sharon was stunned to hear Luna el addressing Raymond as her father. She looked at Luna, then at Raymond, and finally at Timothy. "Luna is your daughter?" S She couldn't believe that Luna, whom she had always looked down on, was actually Raymond's illegitimate daughter. Suddenly, it uta made sense how Luna ended up in Nord City.

Luna smirked arrogantly and said, "Shocking, huh? You always looked down on me because you thought I was from a lower social standing.

"The truth is, I've just been keeping a low profile. I'm not like you, I don't always look down on others."

Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1018-Sharon's expression flickered with a multitude of emotions.

Seeing her expression, Mia remembered how Sharon wore the same expression she wore when she found out about Mia's identity as the Lane family's heiress years ago. Clearly, Sharon's condescending nature hadn't changed one bit over the years.

Jasmine sneered. "We've never acknowledged Luna's status. She's just an illegitimate daughter who couldn't show her face in public."

Sharon's expression softened upon hearing this. She nodded and said, "It's true that such scandals aren't uncommon in families like ours, but some things are better kept in the dark. That's just the way it is." The mere thought of Luna usurping her position was unbearable to Sharon. Fortunately, Luna was just an illegitimate daughter.

She quickly turned to Timothy, "Don't be fooled by her. She's just an illegitimate child. She's unfit for our social standing."

Luna was unwilling to back down and retorted, "I'm sorry. Even if I'm not on the high society's guest list, Timothy will still cooperate with my dad because of me."

Sharon's expression darkened. "Tim, are you seriously considering cooperating with Mr. Shelbert because of her? There are countless opportunities for collaboration that won't involve her."

Timothy remained silent and glanced at Mia, who looked back with a hint of sarcasm but remained silent. She already knew about his plan to cooperate with Raymond but wasn't concerned about it. She would deal with it when the time came.

Raymond stepped in to diffuse the tension. "Mrs. Barrett, it's not what you think."

"Mr. Shelbert, I'm here in Nord City at Ms. Shelbert's invitation. I wouldn't have come if some illegitimate daughter had invited me. Our families have reputations to uphold."

His expression turned sour. "Actually, Luna isn't my illegitimate daughter. Her mother and I were truly in love, but circumstances led to our separation. I didn't know she was pregnant. If I had, Luna wouldn't have been left to fend for herself for so many years."

Luna put on a show of being deeply touched. She approached Raymond and took his hand. "Dad, I understand what you went through. I've never blamed you. Just being here with you now is all I could ask for."

The other three women felt disgusted by Luna's act.

Sharon was livid that Luna, someone she once looked down upon and had been deceived by, was now being acknowledged as Raymond's illegitimate daughter.

Jasmine was furious at Luna's skillful acting. She found it utterly repulsive.

However, Mia found it somewhat ironic. She took Jasmine's hand and said, "Let's go eat."

Raymond looked at them and suggested, "Since we're all familiar with each other, why don't we have a meal together?"

Mia frowned and was about to decline on Jasmine's behalf, but she promptly agreed. "Sure, let's go."

Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1019-Mia was taken aback to see Jasmine accept Raymond's dinner invitation. After everything that had just happened, she thought Jasmine wouldn't be in the mood to have a meal with him. But to her surprise, Jasmine quickly pulled herself together and agreed.

After all, the dinner was clearly a setup and a trap that Mia thought Jasmine would avoid. It was surprising that Jasmine agreed so readily.

In contrast, Mia wasn't keen on attending the dinner, especially with Luna and Sharon. Their presence had a way of spoiling her appetite.

However, since Jasmine agreed to go, Mia reluctantly decided to accompany her. She needed Jasmine on her side and couldn't let Luna get to her first.

Mia had dealt with Luna before and knew her manipulative tactics well. By keeping an eye on things, she could prevent Jasmine from falling into Luna's trap. After all, Mia had a lot riding on Jasmine. When Jasmine agreed, Raymond smiled and patted her shoulder. "That's more like it. We're family, and we don't need to be so distant with each other."

She lowered her head and said nothing, but she wasn't as agitated as before. She seemed to have calmed down.

Luna noticed Jasmine's reaction and immediately felt a sense of caution. She had already investigated Jasmine and knew she was just an inexperienced heiress who was easy to manipulate. Luna had always wanted to drive a wedge between Raymond and Jasmine. Only then could she officially take Jasmine's place as Raymond's only daughter and become the family's heiress.

After all, someone like Jasmine would never tolerate Raymond bringing an outsider like Asher into the family to be the heir. Luna's plan depended on turning Jasmine against her father, which would create an opportunity for her.

However, seeing Jasmine submit to Raymond earlier could throw a wrench in Luna's plans.

Mia remained silent as they all took the elevator upstairs.

Timothy approached her and whispered, "You came to dinner with Jasmine. What do you plan to discuss?"

"Mr. Barrett, this is my personal affair. I don't think I need to report to you."

He reached out to grab her hand, but she deftly avoided his touch. She quickened her pace and left Timothy trailing behind her. She felt there was nothing left to discuss with him.

Whether Timothy wanted to collaborate with Raymond or not, she didn't care anymore. She had no interest in hearing Timothy's explanations.

Timothy's attempt to grab Mia's hand failed as she distanced herself from him. He sighed and watched her retreating figure with a mixture of resignation and frustration.

He knew Mia was upset about his awwas collaboration with Raymond, even though the rumors were far from the truth. He would never work with Raymond against the Lane family, but she wouldn't even listen to his side of the story.

As he watched her walk away, he felt a mix of emotions. His heart raced for a moment, but then he remembered he had added Ginger on WhatsApp, which eased his anxiety.

After all, he had plenty of time ahead. He believed that he would be able to repair their relationship.

Luna picked up on a subtle change in Timothy's expression. The typically reserved and aloof man revealed a gentler side while interacting with Mia.

Her expression darkened subtly. Once overshadowed by Mia's status, now as Raymond's daughter, she finally felt deserving of Timothy's attention.

Meanwhile, Sharon approached Timothy and asked, "Why were you so submissive in front of Mia just now?

"You're the wealthiest man in Bern City, you know. Even though she is now the heiress of the Lane family, she can't inherit all of their fortune.

"Why should she act superior to you? It's enough that you're willing to cater to her. She's just a divorced mom with a kid. How great can she really be?"

Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1020-Timothy's expression changed instantly. "Mom, if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."

"Tim, everything I'm doing is for your own good. There are so many great girls out there. Why can't you just pick one? Why do you have to be with Mia?"

"Because, Mom, she's the only one I'll ever marry," Timothy said firmly.

"But she has six brothers who are like guard dogs. Aren't you afraid they'll come after you? They'll never let you remarry her. Are you planning to stay single forever?"

Timothy asserted, "Yes. If I can't marry her, then I'd rather be single for the rest of my life."

"How can you do this to the Barrett family? You won't have any children to carry on the family name."

He remained calm. "But I already have a child."

"That sickly Ginger? She's not a boy, and she can't inherit the family business. You need a son. If our family doesn't have a boy to carry on the legacy, won't it just benefit those distant relatives of the Barretts?" "When I die, I'll donate all of it."

Sharon was livid. "What do you mean, donate it? That's a lot of money, and you can't just give it all away."

"By that time, you won't be around, and this won't affect you," Timothy retorted.

Sharon was so angry she could hardly speak. Although she was proud of Timothy, he never listened to her.

She had little influence in the Barrett el.ne family and desperately wanted to assert herself with her future daughter-in-law. Having been overlooked in the family for so long, she wanted to have some authority.

But if Tim married Mia, Sharon would be even more powerless, especially with Mia's six brothers backing her up. Sharon couldn't bear the thought of being sidelined.

As they entered the grandest private room, each person carried their own thoughts with them. After they sat down, nobody said anything.

Raymond sat at the head of the table, with Jasmine on his left and Luna on his right, as neither was willing to give up their spot.

When the waiter arrived to take their order, Luna quickly grabbed the menu. "Dad, let me order for everyone. What does everyone like?" Jasmine directly addressed the waiter, "Bring us your signature dishes and all the ones we usually order, along with some red wine and drinks." The waiter promptly nodded. "Okay."

Luna's expression darkened when she realized Jasmine's intention.

Jasmine looked at Luna and said, "I'm sorry. You're probably not familiar with this place, so I thought I'd save us some time by ordering since I know the menu well."

Raymond nodded and glanced at Luna. "You have much to learn. Given your background, if you wish to thrive in this circle, you need to expand your knowledge and network."

After all, they couldn't afford any embarrassing slip-ups.

Luna seethed inwardly but held her tongue as she simply nodded in response.

Nevertheless, Luna wasn't willing to concede defeat just yet and swiftly brought up her son. "Dad, Asher loved the gift you gave him. He would love to play chess with you next time."