Mrs. Wright's eyes went wide with shock, her face pale as she realized too late that Valerie had skillfully backed her into a corner. The mention of late Mrs. Valentina was a deliberate provocation, and Mrs. Wright knew that her husband's devotion to his first wife's memory was unwavering.
She had unwittingly stepped into a minefield, and Valerie's subtle smile told her she was ready to ignite the fuse.
Just as Mr. Wright's face darkened with a fierce scowl, Mr. Smith burst into a hearty laughter, his booming voice shattering the tension that was slowly starting to build up.
"Children these days are so smart! Little one, you're wise beyond your years, and we have your mother to thank for that." His praise sounded insincere, but it managed to kill the tension. He didn't want any family drama until what brought him there was settled.
