?Chapter 1003:

    Unbothered, Brenna looked up just long enough to offer a faint smile. “Yes, quite the coincidence. Tell me, Mrs. Mitchell, are you looking for another match for your son?”

    Ellie kept a cold expression, uninterested in conversing with Elsa. She kept her focus fixed on the crab in front of her, peeling each piece for her son with practiced care.

    Elsa didn’t admit to anything. She wasn’t foolish enough to give her son any ammunition against her, unsure if Brenna might tell him everything.

    A sigh, heavy with feigned regret, escaped Elsa. “It’s such a pity you and my son didn’t work out. Honestly, finding a man of his caliber was not easy for you. You might never find someone as exceptional again. You’re probably going to end up with someone far less remarkable. I know quite a few officers in the military; would you like me to introduce you to some? I’d be happy to make an introduction; just say the word.”

    In her mind, she thought of those middle-aged bachelors, unmarried or long widowed, with ugly features that women wouldn’t even want to nce at. She truly believed Brenna was suited for them.

    “So? Want me to set you up?” Elsa asked, feigning concern.

    A wave of irritation washed over Brenna. She met Elsa’s gaze with an icy stare and answered, “No thanks. I’m already in a rtionship.”

    A dismissiveugh bubbled out of Elsa. “Come on now, who do you think you’re fooling? Someone like you, raised by the Barrett family and never given a proper education… Who would even look at you twice? Are you lying just to make yourself feel better, or is this some story you cooked up to save face after getting dumped by my son? I know plenty of unmarried older men. Let me introduce you to a few.”

    Brenna’s patience snapped. She seized her c and flung it straight at Elsa’s face. “Enough! Leave me alone!”

    “How dare you do this to me?” asked Elsa, wide-eyed and stunned, struggling to grasp what had just happened.

    Regret didn’t cross Brenna’s face for a second. “Back when I dated your son, I tolerated you for his sake. But that is over. I am no longer in a rtionship with your son, so why would I endure your insults?”

    She pointed at Gracie. “You want her to be your future daughter-inw, right? Too bad. She’s already married.”

    Elsa froze, forgetting all about revenge as she turned to Gracie in disbelief. “You’re married?”

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    A handful of napkins were already clutched in Gracie’s hand, her first instinct to dab at the stain on Elsa’s dress. As soon as Elsa turned her questioning gaze on her, though, Gracie hesitated and withdrew her hand, awkwardness flooding her face. Inwardly, she med Brenna for telling Elsa that she was married.

    In a low voice, she said, “I’m nning to divorce my husband…” Some part of her had guessed the real reason behind Elsa’s meal invitation. But every effort to win Elsa’s approval seemed in vain now, especially when Elsa’s look made it clear she didn’t like her anymore. Gracie was afraid Elsa would give up on the idea of making her Ethan’s future wife.

    Determination quickly reced her panic. “I will be filing for divorce very soon,” she added.

    She tried again to help, dabbing Elsa’s sleeve and cheek with the napkin.

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