Chapter 24

Edith entered the dining hall, her cane tapping the floor, her expression as frigid as ice. "You seem to have a problem with the granddaughter-in-law I've chosen," she observed.

Riley squirmed with a twinge of guilt. "Mom, it's not like that. I was just trying to teach her how to be a proper daughter-in-law."

"Is that some outdated idea of yours? Maybe I should school you on daughter-in-law duties too."

Edith had never mistreated Riley, even when she was not fond of her as a daughter-in-law. She wondered where Riley had picked up such behavior.

Riley rushed to explain. "Mom... Don't make the kids mock me."

Riley cleared her throat and turned to Madeline. "Okay, okay. I was just giving you a little fright. You got all worked up for nothing."

Madeline's eyes were glued to her phone. Riley muttered a curse under her breath and dialed another number.

Finally, Madeline breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Grandma."

Edith's gaze fell on the red mark staining Madeline's cheek, her hear