Autumn Stetford’s question was interrupted by Aiden Sheldon, and she was instantly a bit annoyed.
In all these years, the graceful Aiden Sheldon had never disrespected her in front of others.
But since Aiden had spoken, she had to respect him, and couldn’t go against his wishes.
However, inside she was still uncomfortable, though it didn’t show on the outside.
She smiled faintly and said gracefully, "Since Mr. Sheldon has spoken, let’s eat first and talk afterwards."
With that, she waved to the waiter, "A martini for me, please."
Ruby Sheldon then looked up, sweetly saying to Betty, "Sister Betty, do you want a martini too? A martini is a kind of cocktail, and its taste highly depends on the bartender’s skills. The bartender at this restaurant is the best in the country, and his martini has won international awards."
After saying this, she covered her mouth, her lively black eyes darting left and right, tilting her head, "Dad, I spoke accidentally... I didn’t mean to, you won’t punish me, will you? I was just explaining to Sister Betty..."
Aiden Sheldon had just said, "Don’t talk while eating or sleeping," and Ruby spoke up.
If this isn’t "spoiled pride," what is?
But Aiden didn’t seem to reprimand her, only helplessly brushing her nose, "Naughty. Alright, eat well. Do you want anything else?"
"No, this is delicious enough," Ruby smiled, glancing at Betty.
Betty didn’t look up at her at all, even though she watched everyone’s actions at the table out of the corner of her eye.
Noticing Ruby looking at her, but not returning her gaze, Betty raised her glass and said to Autumn Stetford and Aiden Sheldon, "Mrs. Sheldon, Mr. Sheldon, it’s my pleasure to meet you both today. Cheers."
After saying this, she drank in one go, quite unlike the usual toasting culture at local dinner tables, but purely following foreign etiquette.
Not talking at the dinner table is actually old-fashioned etiquette back home.
Dining with people abroad is a significant social occasion, with continuous small talk, including this kind of toasting, Cheers.
Autumn Stetford and Aiden Sheldon both raised their glasses according to etiquette, taking a sip, and nodded towards Betty.
Ruby smiled and winked at Betty, "Sister Betty spoke too! But my dad is a generous person, he definitely won’t blame you."
Betty ignored her, just gracefully picked up her napkin, dabbed it at her mouth, then laid it on her lap.
Her series of actions were as smooth as flowing water, displaying her familiarity and confidence with etiquette.
Ruby waited for a while, yet Betty still didn’t respond to her, instead leaning in towards Ryan Sheldon, whispering something that made Ryan couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
Ruby’s expression immediately darkened, and she said tearfully, "Sister Betty, if I said something wrong, you can tell me directly, and I’ll change. But you secretly tell my second brother and laugh at me, I feel really bad... I sincerely want to be good friends with you."
Betty finally looked up, slightly surprised, glancing at Ruby, then at Ryan Sheldon, with a hesitant expression.
Ryan was even more surprised, and quickly said, "Betty, you’ve misunderstood, Betty wasn’t talking about you, she just told me a joke, it had nothing to do with you, and I couldn’t help but laugh."
Ruby looked at him with tearful eyes, pouting, not believing him, "....Second brother, of course, you would defend Sister Betty."
Betty then innocently widened her eyes, looking hurt, "Betty, how can you not believe your second brother? He is your own brother, you know what kind of person he is? He always speaks his mind, never beating around the bush. How could he cover for me? — He’s just speaking the truth."
Ruby frowned, just about to speak, when Betty casually patted the back of Ryan’s hand, saying earnestly, "Ryan, just apologize to your sister. Letting her misunderstand you and affecting your sibling relationship is my fault. Being siblings is for a lifetime, and it’s not worth offending your sister for an outsider like me."
Then she smiled and winked at Ruby, "Don’t worry, little sister Betty, in your second brother’s heart, you are always the best, and your second brother will always care for you the most. Your dad and mom will always care for you the most too."
A tone of coaxing a child.
"That’s not what I meant..." Ruby became a little anxious, "Sister Betty, you misunderstood."