Chapter 30 Ava Faces Criticism but Doesn't Retreat
I have to say, the moment Cleo opened her mouth, she was clearly going for the attack. Ava's face instantly turned sour, while Isla barely managed to maintain a smile.
Ava forced herself to answer through the embarrassment, "I hit it off with Mrs. Isla Thompson and Mr. Gray Thompson, so I recognized them as my parents when I was abroad."
"Really? Since you already recognized them as your parents abroad, wouldn't those rumors out there be almost like incest? That's not good for Ms. Davis's reputation, don't you think? And since you showed up uninvited today, if word gets out, people might think the Thompson family has no class. So please leave, and take your gift with you. I don't need it."
Ava looked completely mortified. She bit her lip hard, trying to pin her hopes on Tyler.
Tyler didn't look too pleased either. He said, "Ava, you should go. Today isn't the right place for you. I'll arrange for Mom and Dad to have dinner with you separately another time."
Hearing this, I laughed. Tyler really had no shame, making plans for next time right in front of me.
Seeming to sense my mood, Cleo didn't hesitate to stand up for me. "Arrange? Arrange what? Why should Ava be having dinner with Tyler? Gray? Did you agree to recognize her as your daughter? Did I agree to this?"
The topic shifted to Gray, who tried hard to stay out of it but found it impossible.
He pressed his lips together and answered reluctantly, "It's all up to Isla. I don't really care about this. Ava visits us abroad sometimes, and we just have meals together."
In an instant, Gray shifted the blame to Isla.
Of course it's a second marriage, of course she got her position through shady means - when push comes to shove, she's the one thrown under the bus.
Isla was embarrassed and angry, her face showing displeasure, but she had no power to fight back.
Same with Ava. She felt a wave of humiliation wash over her, stuck between a rock and a hard place, frozen and not knowing what to do.
"Ms. Davis, Tyler has a wife and won't be looking for another one. When Jasper grows up, he'll need a wife though. Why do you keep focusing on the Thompson family? You're a public figure after all - wouldn't it be bad if someone caught this on camera?"
Then Cleo continued, "I remember the internet wrote plenty about you and Tyler before. It's normal for a public figure like you to have scandals, but don't drag Tyler down with you. The Thompson family's values aren't like yours, and Tyler is a married man. Ms. Davis, are you really okay with the world calling you a homewrecker?"
Ava bit her lower lip with her upper teeth, fists clenched tight, unable to say a word.
Isla wanted to help, but Gray stopped her with just a look.
She had no choice but to keep quiet.
Tyler glanced at me, then looked away and said, "Grandma, since she's already here, let's just have her sit down for dinner. It's just one more seat."
Suddenly, Ava's eyes lit up, and she unconsciously moved closer to Tyler. She was about to reach out and take his arm, but Tyler smoothly pulled his hand back.
My eyes darkened.
Cleo firmly refused, "If Ava stays here, then I won't eat."
"Grandma, what are you doing? I'll have Ava leave right after dinner." Tyler frowned.
Cleo gave a contemptuous laugh, "Tyler, your wife is still here. The Thompson family didn't raise you to be like this, did they?"
At these words, Tyler instinctively looked at me and finally fell silent.
Ava rolled her eyes and said pitifully, "Since Sophia doesn't want me here, I'll leave. I'm so sorry, Sophia."
I was completely confused - I hadn't said a word, so how did this become about me?
I shot back, "Ms. Davis, I haven't said anything. Don't make me the bad guy. You're the one who showed up uninvited, so you should leave."
Just then, Jasper, who had been quiet this whole time, suddenly spoke up, "Daddy, Mommy, Grandma, Jasper wants Ava to stay for dinner."
At this, the whole room fell silent. Ava's eyes lit up. She rolled her eyes, walked over to me, crouched down in front of Jasper, and said softly, "Jasper wants me to stay and eat with you, right? But your mommy doesn't want me to, and Grandma doesn't want me to either, so I have to go."
This made Jasper start to cry. She pulled on Cleo's hand, sobbing, "Grandma, I like Ava. Can Ava stay for dinner?"
Cleo loved Jasper, so hearing her say this, she could only swallow her disgust for Ava.
She glanced at me. I was helpless too, so Cleo had to agree.
"Fine, stay for dinner. But leave right after."
Instantly, Ava was thrilled. She quickly tried to pick up Jasper to sit next to me, but I said, "There's an empty seat over there. The servants just added a chair. You sit over there. I'll help Jasper eat."
Ava looked embarrassed. She put Jasper down, shot me a resentful look, then walked over to Isla.
Isla grabbed Ava's hand and kept serving her food. "Come on, you must be hungry. Eat up."
This immediately drew disapproving looks from several elders present. The food had been served but no one had started eating yet - not even Cleo - yet Isla was already serving food to Ava, an outsider and a junior.
The atmosphere grew tense. When Isla noticed everyone looking at her, she realized she'd messed up.
But Ava looked quite pleased with herself. Even though Isla had made a mistake, it showed that she was valued.
So she started apologizing, "I'm so sorry. Mom cares about me too much and served me food before everyone else started eating. I'm sorry, really sorry. Please don't blame Mom, it's all my fault."
A barely noticeable cold smile appeared at the corner of my mouth, as if showing contempt for everything in the world.
Cleo remained expressionless. "No need to apologize. Some people just have no manners in their bones. It just so happens two of them found each other. You all eat. I'm not eating anymore. The servants can bring some food up to my room later."
With that, Cleo got up to leave.
Gray quickly stood up and walked over to his mother, saying quietly, "Mom, what are you doing? I just got back today. Give me some face. I'll have Tyler get rid of Ava later. Isla just forgot her manners for a moment. After this meal, I'll find a chance to teach her a good lesson."