Avery can't believe her ears: there's no way they expect her to get down on the floor and bow to everyone. It has to be a joke. She laughs, but Bella Clifford shoots her a strange look. Are they serious?
"Mrs. Clifford, this is the first time I've ever heard of such a thing," she says. "Is this a universal rule? Or is it only for the people dating your children?"
Bella Clifford purses her thick lips. She has a mole in the corner of her eye just like Andrew, but it looks menacing instead of flirtatious. She sits down and glares at Avery.
"Who do you think you are?" Bella asks. "It's not easy to become a Clifford. You have to earn my son."
"You have no idea just how difficult it is," Avery mutters under her breath.
Only Andrew hears her, and his fingers dig into her ribs. She winces and tries to pull away, but he keeps her close to his side. Bella's sharp eyes flash, and she smirks at Avery.
