Chapter 123 Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law Relationship
Harriet was shocked and almost thought she was hearing things. "Mom, do you even know what you're saying?"
"Of course I know. With the Borgia family's support, Tristan can make a comeback and compete with the Lancaster Group. The Borgia family approves of this marriage too, and they don't mind that Tristan was married before. This is a good thing."
Seeing that Gemma wasn't joking, Harriet's heart sank. "So you called me here today to ask me to divorce Tristan?"
"The divorce is just on the surface. " Gemma said. "I know Tristan likes you a lot. After he marries Ms. Borgia, you two can still see each other secretly. Just don't be too obvious about it, and don't embarrass the Borgia family or Ms. Borgia."
Harriet smiled bitterly. "Mom, don't you realize you've become exactly what you hate most?"
Gemma froze. "What did you say?"
"If we really did this, how would Ms. Borgia be any different from you? You've been the victim all these years, yet now you're actively arranging this twisted relationship. Mom, I thought you hated mistresses more than anything, but now you're actually pushing me to become one."
Gemma's face darkened. "Is this how you talk to me?"
Harriet closed her eyes. "I don't understand why everyone keeps trying to force me to divorce. Tristan and I are just living our lives quietly. Who have we offended? Why is everyone trying so hard to break us up?"
Gemma's expression grew even worse.
Harriet stood up. "Mom, I won't divorce, and Tristan won't agree either, let alone marry a stranger. If he were that easy to manipulate, we wouldn't be in this situation, would we?"
Gemma knew this all too well, but she still wanted to try.
Otherwise, her twenty years of suffering would have been for nothing.
"Mom, actually, if you could just let go and forgive yourself, things could get better. Even without a husband, you still have your son."
"What do you know!" Gemma was furious. "When did it become your place to tell me how to live?"
Harriet nodded. "Fine, forget I said anything. If you insist we divorce so Tristan can remarry, I suggest you talk to Tristan yourself. But to avoid damaging your relationship, I advise you to think carefully."
Gemma sneered. "If you weren't so ordinary, with no family background or connections, would I need to go through all this trouble? Harriet, having a daughter-in-law like you is my bad luck!"
"Instead of reflecting on yourself, you dare talk back to me? A country girl with no parents and no manners! Who knows what your grandparents taught you!"
Harriet felt a sharp pain in her heart.
Gemma had severe depression, and the Lancaster family usually went along with everything she said, especially Harriet.
But today, for the first time, she responded coldly. "My family background is clean. My grandparents were good people who practiced medicine and helped others. I don't think my background is shameful. You can insult me, but don't drag my relatives into this. My grandparents never even met you, let alone offended you."
Gemma stared at her. "Are you giving me attitude?"
"Just stating facts. As your daughter-in-law, should I just take whatever you dish out? Why should I be the outlet for the grievances you suffered from your husband?"
Gemma's face went pale with rage. "Uma, slap her!"
Uma immediately stepped forward, raising her hand to strike.
Harriet intercepted the hand mid-air and pushed her away forcefully.
Uma stumbled back, hitting the nightstand hard. The vase on top fell and shattered on the floor.
"This is too much! How dare you fight back!" Gemma was enraged.
"Right now I'm just defending myself, but if you keep humiliating and forcing me, I will fight back. " Harriet said calmly. "Last time at the hotel, I took that slap because I had wronged Tristan, and as his mother, you had the right to stand up for him. But today I've done nothing wrong, and I won't let anyone hit or insult me."
"Rest well. If you need anything, call Tristan. As for divorce, you won't get anywhere with me."
After saying this, Harriet ignored her cursing and left.
She had to admit, fighting back felt really good.
But it also meant her already fragile relationship with Gemma was completely broken.
Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships have always been difficult, and hers was no exception.
Harriet didn't plan to tell Tristan about this, but that evening, Xavier rushed to Lakeside Gardens and demanded, "Harriet, you're really something! My mom rarely needs sedatives, but you managed to upset her so much she needed one! If anything happens to my mom, I'm not done with you!"
Harriet didn't let him in, just leaned against the doorframe and looked at him coldly. "Did your mom tell you what she wanted me to do? Did she tell you how she insulted me?"
"I don't know, but she has severe depression and is already pitiful enough. What's wrong with her saying a few things to you? You're the younger generation—can't you be more understanding?"
Harriet laughed. "Mr. Lancaster, you shouldn't just grow taller without growing a brain. Did I cause her illness? Why should I take her insults?"
"Just because she's an elder means she can hit and insult me however she wants? If that's how the Lancaster family works, then I'm your elder too. Does that mean I can beat you up right now?"
Xavier, who was used to being pampered, had never been scolded like this. Furious, he looked past her. "Tristan, control her!"
Harriet turned to see Tristan standing in the living room with an amused expression.
"Tristan, did you hear me!" Xavier urged. "Mom was so upset she needed a sedative, and she still doesn't think she's wrong. It's outrageous!"
"Harriet's right. " Tristan said, looking at Xavier. "Mom's illness doesn't give her the right to bully Harriet. My wife—only I can bully her."
Xavier fell silent. Had he come here to be insulted? Tristan actually said that.
Had the world gone crazy?
"Are you done?" Harriet grabbed the door handle. "If so, you can leave. We're about to eat."
Xavier's stomach growled inappropriately.
Actually, he'd smelled the food when Harriet opened the door and was dying to eat.
Xavier's expression softened. "Since Tristan said that, I won't argue with you. I'm hungry. I want to eat."
Harriet looked confused. "Then go eat."
She pointed. "The elevator's over there."
"You cooked, didn't you? I'll just eat here."
Harriet was stunned.
Why would Xavier think he could stay for dinner right after arguing with her?
Was he missing a brain?
"Sorry, I didn't cook for you."Harriet shut the door.
Behind her, she heard Tristan laughing.
Harriet turned to see Tristan laughing more brightly than she'd ever seen.
She had to admit, he looked really good when he smiled—more dazzling than the sunset outside.
She walked over. "You think Xavier's ridiculous too, right?"
Tristan reached out and pinched her cheek. "Mrs. Lancaster, you're adorable."
Harriet said, "Let's eat."
"Okay."
They sat down in the dining room, and Tristan finally asked, "Why does my mom want us to divorce?"
Harriet didn't hide anything. "She needs a weapon to use against Owen and his mistresses. You gave up the Lancaster family, so you don't have the resources to help her get revenge anymore. She wants to build you up, so she wants us to divorce and have you marry the Borgia family's daughter."
"Ms. Borgia?" Tristan frowned. "The one with the congenital condition?"
"You know about that?"
"The Borgia family and the Lancaster family have always been rivals. Know your enemy and all that—of course I know. But the Borgia family has kept it very quiet. Not many people know."
"I see."
Tristan served Harriet some food. "My mom thinks my current physical condition makes me perfect for marrying Ms. Borgia, and wants me to become the Borgia family's son-in-law to go after the Lancaster Group?"
"Yes."
"What did you say?"
"I refused, of course."
Tristan looked somewhat relieved. "Good.So she insulted you and had Uma hit you?"
"Of course I wasn't stupid enough to just take a beating. I fought back on the spot."
Only then did Tristan relax. "Well done."
Harriet looked at him. "I upset your mom so much she needed a sedative. You're not angry?"
"If I'd been there, she would've needed more than just a sedative." Tristan's expression turned cold. "I hate being manipulated and used more than anything."
Harriet felt an unexpected pang of sympathy for him.
Gemma's decision completely ignored Tristan's feelings, treating him as nothing more than a tool for revenge against Owen.
Who would want to be used by their own mother?