HOW COULD THERE BE AN OUTSIDER

Kendrick vehemently countered, "If it weren't for me, would you still be able to enjoy the lavish lifestyle you have now?" Kendrick then reassuringly wrapped his arm around Amelia, conveying his commitment to protect her.

This small but meaningful gesture warmed Amelia's heart. Although she didn't seek to incite conflicts, she refused to be intimidated. She was resolute in not allowing anyone to criticize her, especially her parents.

"You could have married Lin's daughter and taken your business to the next level! Your mother promised them that you would marry their daughter," Frank Yang announced.

"Ha ha ha ha ha," Kendrick laughed out loud.

"You promised on my behalf? Hahaha! Who are you to make such promises for me?" Kendrick burst into laughter once again.

"You bastard! We are still your parents!" Frank Yang burst into anger.

"When I think about the role of parents in my life, I find myself wondering when you were there for me. I can't help but recall that you left me in Grandmother's care when I was just a month old. And regarding expanding my business, let me ask you, why I should and when did I ever need to depend on anyone else?" Kendrick expressed with contempt.

The Old Master's voice thundered through the room as he exclaimed, "That's enough!"

Amelia seated beside Old Madam Yang, who spoke with unwavering authority, "Don't let any conflict affect your relationship with Xiao Ken. You must know how to trust each other," the matriarch advised.

Captivated by Old Madam Yang's wisdom, Amelia nodded in agreement and promised, "Yes, Grandma, I will listen to you."

A warm smile crossed Old Madam Yang's face as she affectionately said, "Good girl."

The Butler suddenly emerged before them and announced, "Old Madam, Mr. Lin's daughter is here at the door."

"Invite her in," came the authoritative voice of Frank Yang in response to the Butler.

At the same time, a servant entered, carefully carrying a tea set, which was promptly placed on the table.

Clara, dressed in a beautiful pink qipao, elegantly entered the living room.

Amelia's eyes fell upon Clara, and a flash of recognition crossed her face. She remembered seeing her at the auction the night before. 'So she is the Lin's daughter,' Amelia mused, recalling Kendrick's father's mention of her earlier.

"Clara, please come over and take a seat beside me," Matilde Yang warmly invited her as if Clara were her daughter-in-law.

With a timid smile, Clara greeted and bowed, "Grandmother, Grandfather, Brother Kendrick," as she walked into the room.

The Old Madam's voice reverberated through the room, her sharp eyes narrowing as she directed her attention to Clara. "Who dares to claim the title of granddaughter in my presence? I have only one granddaughter, and that is Amelia. Do not presume to address me as Grandmother. You acknowledge my grandson, yet you show a blatant disregard for his wife. Where are your manners? What impertinence are you insinuating?"

Clara's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she murmured, "I apologize for my ignorance." Clara then settled into a chair next to Matilde Yang, wrestling with a potent blend of shame and frustration. Observing Kendrick's complete disregard for her presence since she arrived, Clara felt a surge of anger welling up inside, directed at Old Madam Yang and Amelia.

"I made it a point to invite only our family members to come. How could there possibly be an outsider here?" the Old Madam exclaimed in frustration.

The comment sent Clara a wave of heightened embarrassment and anger. Even though she felt humiliated, she was resolute in her decision to stay, holding onto the hope of becoming Kendrick's wife. She was willing to endure the discomfort for the time being and remain calm. When Matilde Yang informed her of their planned visit to the main house, Clara didn't hesitate to join them. She didn't want to miss the chance to see Kendrick and seize any opportunity to be noticed by him.

"Mother, I would like to introduce Mr. Lin's daughter, Clara," Frank Yang exclaimed with a sparkle in his eyes. "I believe Clara would be a great fit for Kendrick and could provide valuable assistance in his business endeavors."

"Kendrick is already married to Amelia. And since when does our family have to rely on a woman?!" The Old Master scolded his son, his voice trembling with disapproval and frustration.

Old Madam Yang cast a disapproving glance at her son, Frank Yang, and then Clara before emitting a disdainful snort. "Amelia, would you mind preparing the tea and serving it to Grandma and Grandpa?"

"Sure, Grandma, I would love to." Amelia politely rose from her seat and gracefully made her way to the tea table, eager to prepare a soothing and aromatic blend of tea she was familiar with.

The passage above recalls the intricate and elegant art of Chinese tea ceremonies, highlighting their importance for women in Chinese culture. It stresses the significance of learning and mastering this art form from a young age, portraying it as a cherished tradition passed down through generations.

Matilde Yang's voice dripped with sarcasm as she remarked, "If you don't know how to do it, just give up and let Clara do it!"

However, Amelia paid no attention to Matilde Yang and proceeded to elegantly prepare the tea right in front of the older couple. Much to their surprise, even Kendrick couldn't help but be impressed by Amelia's skill and grace in handling the tea ceremony.

Amelia gracefully picked up a delicate porcelain cup filled with steaming, fragrant tea and extended it towards the Old Master. "Grandfather, please allow me to serve you some tea," she said with a warm smile.

The Old Master, his eyes twinkling with delight, graciously accepted the cup. "What a thoughtful and obedient girl you are. This tea smells absolutely delightful," he said, taking in the aroma before taking a sip.

"Amelia extended another delicate china cup towards the Old Madam, the fragrant steam swirling upwards in the air. "Grandmother, please have some tea," she said softly, her eyes full of warmth and kindness.

The Old Madam's eyes twinkled with gratitude as she reached out to take the tea, the wrinkles on her face smoothing into a gentle smile. "Good girl," she said, her voice filled with affection and approval as she cradled the warm cup in her hands.