Miley wasn't willing to back down. "I know I can't fight against the chefs with my cooking skills, but I want Grandma to try my food because I like her."
Olivia sat down and remained silent.
Miley personally placed two plates of dishes on the dining table. "Grandma, my stir-fried beef might not be as good as the chef's. I hope you won't mind it."
"You're very thoughtful." Nellie smiled and added, "I don't expect you to remember my favourite dish."
"Thank you." Miley had already pulled a chair and was ready to sit next to Dexter.
"Olivia, I heard from Tristan that you went to Pillere for a trip. When did you come back?"
As Nellie was there, Olivia had no choice but to reply reluctantly, "The day before yesterday." After a short pause, she asked, "Have you met my friend?"
"Your friend?" Miley asked tentatively.
"Helena, You know her, right?" asked Olivia excitedly. "She's Dexter's ex-girl....."
"Olivia, what nonsense are you talking about?" Miley interrupted, glaring at her.
Pouting, Olivia whined, "Grandma, I wonder what sort of spell she has you under. Dexter and I aren't particularly fond of her, yet you're always defending her."
"Olivia, how can you be so rude towards your sister-in-law? Such improper and disrespectful behaviour for a young lady of your age! All the etiquette I've drilled into you must have gone down the drain. I want you to write an apology letter after dinner."
Olivia set down her silverware in a fit of injustice. "Grandma, why are you defending her over your granddaughter? Who do you think of as your real daughter anyway? You're always taking her side!"
Dexter placed his silverware down and stared at Olivia intently. "Oli, apologize to Grandma."
Oli was scared of her brother and immediately deflated at his words. "Grandma, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to argue with you."
Miley placed some roasted potatoes on Dexter's plate and said while wearing a gentle smile, "Here, Dexter, Try this potato."
"Gina! Bring me the soup," Olivia called at one of the chefs in annoyance.
"Olivia, just let me take it," Miley immediately stood up. She came from the kitchen carrying a bowl of soup which was still hot and walked towards the dining table. Until Helena purposely stretched her left leg and spilt the soup on her thigh. The bowl slipped at Helena's feet until it finally fell on the floor.
"Awww!" Helena who felt like her thighs were burning shouted. She immediately stood up so that the soup water dripped onto the floor.
"Sorry, I didn't mean it," Miley who immediately took the tissue said.
"Miley, why aren't you be careful?" Olivia said while glaring at Miley.
Miley shuddered in fear as she stuttered, "I didn't mean it. I am sorry..."
"Let's go to hospital." Dexter shoved her aside and bent down to carefully lift Helena.
Helena rested her arm over his neck naturally as she said in a trembling voice, "It hurts Dexter"
"Don't panic. Let's go to hospital." Dexter consoled Helena as he carried her away from the dining table. Olivia followed behind him without delay.
------
Miley paced up and down in her room, She felt restless after what happened in Lombard's residence. But by the time she received the phone call from Kelvin, she tried as much as possible to relax and calm her nerves.
She went downstairs and was about to drink some ice water to calm herself down. Then she saw Dexter, marched up to her before pinching her chin firmly between two fingers.
Under his iron grip, she felt as if her bones would be crushed by him.
"Miley, What do you want?" Dexter's voice was bone-chilling.
Miley's chin hurt from his grip. She opened her mouth in an attempt to explain herself, but she almost suffocated when she raised her head and saw the rolling menace in his gaze.
"I am sorry. I didn't mean it," said Miley in a soft voice. It wasn't until then that he noticed that her face was extremely pale. There was also a hint of agony in her expression because of the pain.
Frowning, he released her immediately.
"She suddenly stretched her leg and I stumbled on it. Believe me." Miley explained.
"Believe you?" He uttered, smirking a little. For some reason Dexter's fist clenched. Miley saw it. She looked at his eyes staring back at her deeply where she could see a lot of anger and darkness within.
"Believe me, Dexter. After all, I am your wife." Miley said softly.
"Don't get me wrong. Miley. I am just keeping my promise to Grandma to take care of you. I have been left with no choice." Dexter felt so provoked that he just uttered whatever words came into his mind.
Hearing his regard, Miley felt the same anger he felt. The pleading girl a while ago was now staring back at him with the same intensity his eyes gave off. She squeezed her eyes shut and took a deep breath for control. "I see," she said. "I guess if you don't see me. you'll be in a great mood, Dexter."
He let out a sigh. "What do you mean, Miley?" With eyebrows crossed, Dexter raised his voice.