Charlotte was dressed in an elegant ivory Chanel set that day. Her long hair was swept up into a neat bun at the back of her head, accented with a pair of pearl studs. She looked polished and graceful–every bit the refined daughter of a well–off family.
But Mrs. Jasper Sr. wasn’t impressed.
She gave Charlotte a slow once–over, then wrinkled her brow slightly.
“All that high fashion is nice, but it doesn’t compare to the grace of a classic dress. Just look at Vivian–she looks so refined.”
Charlotte lowered her eyes and replied softly, “You’re right, Grandma.”
Mrs. Jasper Sr. raised an eyebrow.
“You haven’t married into the family yet. No need to change how you address me. Just call me Mrs. Jasper Sr. like everyone else.”
Lilian, seated beside them, looked momentarily stunned. What was that supposed to mean? Something was definitely off about Mrs. Jasper Sr.’s attitude toward
Charlotte.
Wasn’t the engagement between Charlotte and Sean already set in stone? Calling her “Grandma” didn’t seem inappropriate at all. Why was she now insisting Charlotte address her like an outsider?
A
flicker of displeasure crossed Lilian’s face. Charlotte was her soon–to–be daughter–in–law, after all. She wasn’t “just anyone.”
Charlotte, too, was momentarily caught off guard.
So… Mrs. Jasper Sr. had a problem with her.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Vivian sitting smugly beside Mrs. Jasper, practically glowing with satisfaction.
Charlotte instantly understood.
Vivian must have said something nasty behind her back.
Stili, Charlotte kept her expression calm and composed. She lowered her eyes politely and replied, “Of course, Mrs. Jasper Sr.”
Lilian couldn’t stand it any longer. She smiled and gently spoke up, “Mom, Charlotte is Sean’s fiancée–your future granddaughter–in–law. Calling you ‘Grandma‘ is perfectly normal. Having her address you as Mrs. Jasper Sr. feels far too distant.”
Mrs. Jasper Sr. took a slow sip of tea from her blue–and–white porcelain cup, then shot Lilian a chilly look. Her tone was firm and deliberate.
“The engagement ceremony was canceled, remember? They’re just dating now. It’s too early for her to be calling me Grandma.”
Lilian’s brows furrowed. What on earth was her mother–in–law trying to pull?
Mis. Jasper Sr. said her piece and immediately turned back to Vivian, chatting away while completely ignoring Charlotte as if she weren’t even there.
Charlotte could feel the deliberate cold shoulder, but she didn’t let it bother her.
It was obvious Mrs. Jasper Sr/favored Vivian. And since Vivian clearly didn’t like her, of course Mrs Jasper Sr. wouldn’t either.
But Charlotte wasn’t bothered. She was marrying Sean, not his grandmother. Whether Mrs. Jasper Sr. liked her or not didn’t really matter.
Besides, her future mother–in–law, Lilian, adored her. While Mrs. Jasper Sr, pretended Charlotte didn’t exist, Lilian siniled warmly and chatted with her as if nothing were wrong
That only made Mrs. Jasper Sr.’s expression grow darker.
She glanced at the clock on the wall, then said coolly, “It’s almost dinner time. Charlotte, why don’t you go set the table for us?”
Charlotte frowned slightly, about to respond, but Lilian spoke up first.
“Mom, that’s the house staff’s job. Charlotte’s a guest. You can’t expect her to be setting the table. It’s not appropriate.”
Mrs. Jasper Sr.’s gaze turned sharp in an instant, her tone laced with irritation.
“You just said she’s my granddaughter–in–law, didn’t you? It 1, as her elder, ask her to set the table, what’s so inappropriate about that?”
Charlotte was rendered speechless.
This was almost laughable.
Just a minute ago, she had been told. was “too soon” to call her Grandina that she should address her like an outsider.
But now that chores were involved? Suddenly, she was the granddaughter–in–law?
And of course, Mrs. Jasper Sr. had no problem playing the elder card now.
What a power play.
Chapter 133
Last time they met, Mrs. Jasper Sr. hadn’t exactly been warm, but at least she had been polite. When had things turned so hostile?
Whatever Vivian had been whispering in her ear, it clearly worked.
Charlotte had just opened her mouth to speak when a cold, commanding voice rang out from the direction of the elevator.
“Grandma, my Lottie is far too precious to be treated like the help.”
