Old Master Ashford suddenly stood up and threw the cane he had just replaced onto the ground. He said in a dignified manner, "Shut up, Rhea Vale. Apologize to your sister-in-law!"
"I didn't do anything wrong. She was the one who insulted me first. Why should I apologize?" Rhea immediately responded. She had deliberately avoided conflict, staying inside all day and seeing no one, yet Bella had to bring up her parents. She had no intention of stirring up trouble, but Bella just couldn't leave her alone.
Rhea considered everyone in the Ashford family. As her husband, Riven Ashford was completely indifferent to the matter, acting like a spectator. Travis Ashford and Bella Evans had been married for years—of course, he would protect his wife. Old Master Ashford and Bella had been in-laws for years. As an outsider who had just married into the Ashford family, how could she expect justice?
Even now, Rhea still couldn't understand why Bella hated her so much. It was as if they were sworn enemies.
Old Master Ashford couldn't bear to see Rhea argue with him. "Rhea Vale, look at how restless this house has been since you moved in. You better reign in your personality. I've indulged you long enough."
Rhea responded, "Indulged? If this is what you call indulging me, then I don't care for it."
Old Master Ashford said, "Rhea Vale, do you even understand what respect is?"
Rhea said, "Respect has to be mutual. I want to ask—do you all respect me?"
Old Master Ashford immediately asked, "You think we don't respect you?"
"How do you respect me?" Rhea's question left the Ashford family members silent. For a moment, no one answered.
After a while, Old Master Ashford slowly said, "The rules of the Ashford family are reasonable. Now that you are a member of this family, you must obey our rules and apologize to your sister-in-law."
Hearing that Old Master Ashford was still on her side, Bella's face filled with pride as she looked at Rhea provocatively.
Rhea looked straight at Bella and said patiently, "I'm sorry."
Then she added, "Since the Ashford family's rules are based on appearances, then I'd like to ask—when will Sister-in-law apologize to my parents? After all, this is what the eldest in the Ashford family said." Rhea tried her best to suppress her anger and spoke calmly.
Bella scoffed, "You're delusional. Your mother is younger than me. It's impossible for me to apologize to her."
Rhea replied, "The Ashford family's rules are based on appearances, aren't they? Isn't that a matter of appearances too? Age? Then, let's put aside Old Master Ashford's previous instructions. Based solely on the fact that I am married to Riven Ashford, my parents are of the same seniority as Old Master Ashford. The last time my parents came to visit, Sister-in-law did not treat them well. If that's the case, didn't Sister-in-law violate the Ashford family's rules? This family is strict—Sister-in-law must abide by its rules! Father, do you think I'm wrong?"
Everyone knew that they wanted to brush the previous incident under the rug, but Rhea was the only one unwilling to do so. She had deliberately said this in front of Old Master Ashford to embarrass him. Since they had already shed all pretense of civility, Rhea no longer cared.
Seeing that Old Master Ashford remained silent, Rhea asked again, "Dad, did I say something wrong?"
"Get out! All of you, get out!" Old Master Ashford roared angrily.
Just as Rhea was about to speak again, the butler exchanged a look with a few servants. Someone immediately grabbed Rhea and led her out of the dining area. The atmosphere had turned ice cold.
Bella didn't dare to breathe, while Riven Ashford remained motionless, his fingers tapping the table rhythmically. Travis Ashford knew his younger brother's temperament well and was afraid he might escalate things, so he said, "Riven, go check on Rhea."
Riven's gaze flicked toward the entrance of the dining room before he quickly retracted it. Then, he looked around the table and sneered. "Don't you have to look at the owner before hitting a dog? Bullying my wife—isn't that the same as slapping me in the face? Sister-in-law, am I wrong?"
Bella didn't say a word. Riven's gaze was too sharp, and she didn't dare meet his eyes.
Riven spoke again. "Sister-in-law, I just saw you humiliate my wife and say plenty. Now, why have you suddenly gone mute in front of me?"
Bella said, "Riven, she deserved it. Just listen to her. She really can't compare to Kristy."
Riven turned to Old Master Ashford and said, "I wonder if my in-laws—the in-laws of Riven Ashford, CEO of Ashford Corporation—are worthy of an apology from the mayor's wife."