Bai Ruirui's heart raced as she felt a surge of guilt wash over her. "Eldest Aunt, why do you always have to criticize me for my choice of attire? Can't I wear something delicate and elegant like this dress?"
First Madam Fan scoffed. "I never said that!"
With those words, she rose from her seat and departed, leaving Bai Ruirui muttering to herself. When she glanced up, she was startled to find her mother's unwavering gaze fixed upon her. She attempted a forced smile. "Mother…"
Fan Ruyin furrowed her brows, scrutinizing her daughter. "Be honest with me, what's troubling you today?"
"I didn't—"
"Ruirui, I am your mother!" Fan Ruyin's tone carried a hint of displeasure. "You can't deceive me! I know you harbor disdain for Ms. Qiao, so why pretend?"
The sight of her own daughter fawning over Qiao Xuan right in front of her left her deeply unsettled.
If only she could turn back time and intervene before things escalated.
