CHAPTER 27

    It was the level of trust and respect that had unfolded between me and my family that I didn't react rudely to Patricia's nauseous statement.

      Nanny Mai walked into the kitchen quietly. What right did she have to get involved in family matters? Max and I sat beside Mrs. Smith as she tried to dissuade Patricia from carrying out her initial plan.

       This is just alarming. I sighed.

       Patricia's bored look indicated she wasn't paying much attention to Mrs. Smith's plea. She tossed the last cookies into her mouth and then turned to reply to whatever Mr. Smith's younger sister whispered into her ear. Their annoying laughter filled the room as Mr. Smith joined in the conversation.

       "Aunt, mum's speaking to you." Max's expression hardened. I could say with confidence, that was the first time I saw such seriousness on his face. "Mum's speaking."