Mabel Quinn washed her hands and sat down in her seat. Her mother took the initiative to pick some food into her bowl, which made Mabel feel a little flattered and somewhat surreal.
From childhood to adulthood, in her memory, her mother had hardly ever picked food for her, even during family meals, which were always indifferent and cold.
"A few days ago, because of your brother’s situation, I blamed you. Don’t take it to heart, dear. I was just worried for him and spoke out of urgency," Evelina said.
Mabel shook her head and replied, "Mom, I understand."
"As long as you understand. At the end of the day, a family still relies on the man to support it and carry on the family line. I pay more attention to your brother because I hope he can hold up this family. That way, you and I won’t be looked down upon in the future."
Although Mabel didn’t really agree with her mother’s perspective, the atmosphere at the moment was so pleasant that she didn’t want to ruin it, so she quietly responded twice.
Just as they were almost done eating, Evelina casually mentioned, "Mabel, your brother is of an age where he should be finding a girlfriend. But although we’re also called the Quinn Family, we’re worlds apart from the main Quinn Family. Nowadays, girls expect their partners to have their own house. Our current three-bedroom apartment and our savings in the bank can’t even cover the down payment for a small home, so how can we find a match for your brother?"
Mabel replied, "Mom, not all girls demand that their partner own a house. Besides, now that he’s working at a large corporation, his future prospects will only get better."
"I know you’re trying to comfort me, but there is actually an opportunity for us to gain an additional apartment if you would help with something," Evelina said.
At this moment, Cecil Quinn was also staring intently at his sister, as if eagerly anticipating something.
Mabel asked in confusion, "An apartment? Mom, I’m just a student who hasn’t even graduated from college. What kind of help could get us an apartment?"
"You’re currently working at the same corporation as Miss Grant. The Grant Family said if you admit to stealing Miss Grant’s script and withdraw from the competition, they will transfer an 80-square meter apartment in the city to our family."
Mabel’s expression changed. She hadn’t expected that her mother had specially asked her to come home for dinner to discuss this.
But Evelina continued, "Today, people from the Grant Family even took your brother and me to see that apartment. It’s two-bedroom, one-living room, in a prime location, and it was newly renovated just a year ago, never lived in. It would be perfect as a bridal apartment for your brother."
Evelina kept talking about how great the apartment was, but Mabel felt her heart gradually sinking.
"Mom, have you thought about what will become of my future if I admit to stealing Lyra Grant’s manuscript and withdraw from this competition?" Mabel looked at her mother, who was enthusiastically describing the bright future ahead.
Evelina paused for a moment, then continued, "If you’re afraid of embarrassment, you could simply stop interning at Morningstar. Unpaid internships are easy to find. I could help you find another one."
Evelina was utterly immersed in the joy of soon obtaining an apartment, speaking with exhilaration.