Chapter 104 Insult
Quinn's POV
I took a deep breath before entering Mrs. Talon's office. This meeting might be the last one for who knows how long. Because I had no intention of meeting her again anytime soon.
I still hadn't forgiven her for what she had done to me. But I also didn't want to appear rude because I'm not like her. So, for that reason, I agreed to meet her again before leaving with Grayson.
At this meeting, I also wanted to give her the gift I had bought for her. Because I didn't want to take it back with me. It would only remind me of the fact that I had given a gift to someone who paid scumbags to abuse me.
No, I'm not stupid. I also know when to forgive someone and when not to. I also know whether someone deserves a second chance or not.
And this is my decision and my way of parting with her.
"Miss, you can go in now," said the maid beside me.
I grabbed the door handle in front of me and pushed it open. When the door opened, the first thing I saw was Mrs. Talon standing with her back to me, facing a large window with a glass of wine in her hand.
She didn't even bother to turn around when she heard the door open and my footsteps. I don't think it's possible that she didn't hear it because her hearing is definitely sharper than mine. She just didn't want to see me, that's the truth.
I will never understand why she hates me so much, as if I had disrupted her family or her marriage. I have only met her twice and only spoken to her yesterday and today, but she acts as if I am her mortal enemy.
Honestly, this treatment is unfair to me. After all, I deserve to be treated normally, without discrimination.
And well, now I'm working on it. I may not be as gentle as I was before Grayson told me the truth. I will be more assertive so she can't look down on me anymore.
"Mrs. Talon, Ms. Roux is here," the maid announced.
The only response was a slight nod of the head and a gesture of the hand to send the maid away.
Oh, what she did reminded me of Grayson when we first met. Before Grayson became what he is now, he was just like his mother. And that proves that blood is thicker than water.
But the difference is, Grayson isn't despicable as to destroy me through another man. At least what he did to me was his own doing, not on someone else's orders. And he also apologised immediately after realising his mistake.
So I guess Grayson didn't completely inherit his mother's traits. He took some of the good and left the bad. At least... he could appreciate someone he loved even if he had to go through a storm first.
And after waiting for a while with no sign that she wanted to start the conversation, I finally put my ego aside and started it.
"Mrs. Talon," I called out. I placed the paper bag I was carrying on the table. "What do you want to talk to me about?"
Only then did she turn her head, even though her hands were still busy with the glass and her eyes were busy looking at the paper bag.
"It's a gift from me. As Grayson said, you are a chef. So maybe you would like a beautiful, authentic handmade plate."
I could see a dismissive smile on her face. But I strengthened myself and continued to hold myself back to remain calm.
"A gift?" she asked reluctantly.
"Yes, a gift. My mother taught me to bring something when visiting someone's house. So I brought that for you."
"Where did you buy it? Ah, it's definitely not from my regular shop." She started walking towards me, her condescending gaze unchanged. "I'm not sure you know the shop I'm talking about."
Keeping my cool, I replied with a smile. "You're right. I just bought it at a regular shop on the side of the road. And as for the shop you're talking about, maybe you could tell me so I'll know."
She tightened her grip on the glass handle. With her other hand stretched out in front of her.
I thought she was going to open my gift, but she didn't even touch it because she pulled her hand back and rubbed her fingers as if she was disgusted by something.
"Then what do you mean by authentic if the item is cheap?"
"Something authentic is not always expensive, Mrs. Talon. As long as it is real and not a fake, it can be considered authentic. I think you know the definition too."
Mrs. Talon suddenly put her glass down on the table rather hard. "Are you lecturing me?"
I shook my head slowly and smiled. "No, Mrs. Talon. It's impossible for me to lecture someone as great as you. I just wanted to clarify what you said."
"I can even buy it myself at a higher price and in greater quantities than this," she said. Her eyes looked me up and down. "No need to bother bringing me anything when you visit here. Because I can assure you this will be your last visit, Ms. Roux."
I clenched my fingers tightly. "I don't doubt your abilities or your money, Mrs. Talon. What I gave you was a form of respect for my boyfriend's parents. And as for another visit, I'm not sure there will be one."
Unexpectedly, she suddenly grabbed the paper bag and threw it on the floor, shattering it. Some of the ceramic pieces even came out and scattered on the floor.
Oh, that was rude. Really rude.
"I will not accept gifts from someone who is trying to take my son away from me." She walked towards me again until our feet touched. "I don't need gifts from you either, Ms. Roux. Why? You must have used my son's money to buy them."
"I used my own money," I replied firmly.
Mrs. Talon laughed mockingly. "You'd better save your money to treat your brother."
I clenched my fists at my sides. I thought I had to leave now before I exploded. Because I couldn't tolerate Dylan being dragged into a problem.
So instead of fighting her, I backed away, preparing to deliver my final words.
I tried to keep my smile in place. "I never took Grayson away from you. But if Grayson prefers me, that means... well, you can probably guess."
"You!"
I closed my eyes as her hand flew through the air.
Whatever happened and whatever she did to me, it wouldn't change my mind about loving Grayson.