Madison spoke with malicious intention, "Oh, Auntie, why did you choose to adopt strays? If you were looking for a goddaughter, why didn't you ever consider me?"
Sofia's face hardened, her jaw clenching in response to Madison's words. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Madison, what on earth are you saying? Have you lost your mind?" Her voice laced with a mix of disgust and anger.
Madison continued, her words dripping with insinuation, "I mean, who knows what her intentions are... maybe she wants to seduce—" Before she could finish her sentence, Sofia's hand connected with her cheek in a resounding slap, leaving a stinging sensation behind.
Sofia stood there, her dark aura swirling around her as she composed herself. She grabbed a nearby tissue paper and wiped her hand, the tension in the room palpable. "Think carefully before any more words spill out of your mouth, Madison. I assure you, you will deeply regret it," Sofia warned, her voice laced with icy coldness.
Madison's eyes flashed with anger, but Sofia quickly shut her down with a piercing look. "Don't you dare, Madison. I am tolerating you because of your mother. But remember, there are limits that you should never cross," Sofia spoke firmly, her expression dark and firm. Madison reluctantly closed her mouth, unwilling to provoke her aunt any further.
Alexander, who had been observing the exchange in silence, finally spoke up, his voice dripping with coldness and indifference. "Mom, she may be staying with you, but don't expect me to accept her as my little sister," he stated coldly, his words cutting through the tension in the room.
Sofia glanced at Alexander, a smile playing on her lips. "Well, I don't care about your opinion, right James?" she said, turning to her husband and giving him a subtle wink.
She knows her son best; does he think she didn't notice his first thought when he saw Coral?
James nodded his head in agreement. "Wife is always right," he spoke, his voice carrying a hint of doting. Alexander clenched his jaw, his gaze shifting to Coral, who had been observing the scene with curiosity. Surprisingly, she didn't appear disappointed upon hearing his words.
Their eyes met, Alexander's dark and intense crashing with Coral's blue and bright eyes.
Ignoring the tension between them, Sofia interjected, "Her name was Coral."
Super Bee, who was invincible to everyone, whispered into Coral's ear, "Well, it seems like he dislikes you."
Coral lowered her gaze and bit her lip, her voice barely above a murmur. "Perhaps he thinks I'm trying to steal his parents' love," she mumbled softly, a hint of sadness in her tone.
Coral had always been carefree, but the dark energy emanating from Alexander had left her feeling a twinge of hurt.
"Don't worry, Sofia, James, and the others genuinely like you," Super Bee reassured her, understanding her sensitivity as a mermaid who could sense energy.
"Coral," Sofia said, reaching out to hold her hand and whispering, "My son has always been grumpy with everyone." Coral's smile returned upon hearing her words.
With that, the waiter served food and drinks to everyone, diverting their attention.
Aria and Jennie had wanted to ask Coral for her contact information, but before they could approach her, they noticed that she had already left with Aunt Sofia, heading upstairs.
Nevertheless, they knew they could get her number anytime.
And so, Alexander's birthday celebration came to an end.