Jolie's husband, Leon, chimed in from the back, “Exactly.”
Henrietta surveyed the family before her. “That’s not what you were all saying in the lobby just now.”
Her single sentence made Pamela and Jolie flush with embarrassment.
“I was just worried about Matteo since he wasn’t here…” Pamela stammered, quickly shifting the blame. “It’s all Jolie’s fault! We’ve spoiled her, and she just spouts nonsense! I’ll make her apologize.”
With that, Pamela pinched Jolie’s arm hard. “You stupid girl, apologize to your sister-in-law properly!”
Jolie’s eyes filled with tears. “Henrietta, I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”
Pamela wasn’t satisfied and pinched her even harder. “That’s not sincere at all! Get on your knees and apologize to your sister-in-law!”
Jolie's face turned a deeper shade of red, but the thought of Henrietta's family wealth made her comply. She knelt down briskly. “I was really wrong! I'll treat you well from now on, I promise.”
Henrietta watched with indifference. Money certainly was a powerful thing.
Just as Pamela was about to speak, Jolie's five-year-old son pointed at Henrietta and yelled, “Bad woman! Ugly monster! You’re bullying Mommy again!”
This terrified the Colemans. Pamela slapped the bratty kid across the face. “What nonsense are you talking, you little monster! How dare you speak to your aunt like that! I’ll skin you alive!” Then she turned to Leon. “Get him out of here, now!”
Leon quickly scooped up the child and hurried out.
Jolie, still on her knees, was crying. “My dear sister-in-law, please, please forgive me. I was worried about my brother and wasn't thinking straight. I'm such an idiot!”


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