Matthew and Grace wanted to reprimand Melanie, but Henry impatiently said, “All right, let’s eat!”

His attitude didn’t surprise me. After all, he had excessively indulged his daughter and never denied her anything. I knew he was aiming his impatience at me.

Ava shivered from Henry’s shout and dropped her spoon with a clang. The sound snapped me out of my thoughts, and I repressed my anger before picking up the spoon and giving her a new one.

Afterward, I looked at Melanie and asked, “Are you saying I’m an incompatible factor in this family? Otherwise, you wouldn't have said that. Let's see what the rest of us think."

Matthew's expression grew grave, and he patted my shoulder. "Don't listen to her nonsense. Let's eat."

Grace also hurried to mediate. "We're family, so don't nitpick at words. That’s what Mel is like. She's just one to hold onto old grudges."

“I’ve never taken Melanie’s words to heart. Still, that doesn’t mean she does either, right? I’ve never considered whether or