Upon seeing Matilda Ferguson, the old Mrs. Hawkins was already displeased because of Carolline Ruiz's departure. Now that she saw Matilda, her mood worsened. In a raised voice, she asked Sophia Lawson, "Why did you let this woman in? What did I say before?"
"Grandmother, it was me who let her in," Bryan Hawkins said as he pushed his wheelchair forward, confessing without waiting for Sophia Lawson to explain.
"You--" Everybody had been indulging Bryan Hawkins ever since his accident, even William Hawkins and Camelia Hawkins.
Mrs. Hawkins glared at her good-for-nothing oldest grandson, and without saying another word, turned and went inside to watch TV.
"Xiaolian, please take whatever Miss Ferguson is holding," Sophia Lawson arranged, glancing at Bryan Hawkins, then followed Mrs. Hawkins inside.
Bryan Hawkins didn't invite Matilda Ferguson inside and instead turned and headed for the lawn outside, where a stone table in the middle provided seating.
