Seeing ine’s amusement only deepened her embarrassment.


    “ine, please discipline your daughter.


    ”


    “Well, do try not to embarrass Carly further, Madisyn,” ine suggested lightly.


    However, she wasn’t really scolding Madisyn.


    Instead, she said to Carly with a stern voice, “Carly, Madisyn is an honest girl.


    She’s not inclined to sugarcoat the truth for you.


    It’s for your own good.


    Don’t put too much trust in online gossip; a lot of it isn’t true.


    ”


    Faced with ine’s obvious support for Madisyn, Carly was left speechless.


    She remained quiet and just waited for the meal to be served.


    During dinner, Carly and Kristine murmured to each other.


    “Kristine, it’s really tough for you, having such adoptive parents.


    You’re outstanding, yet they don’t appreciate you.


    Instead, they favor someone who doesn’t deserve it.


    ” Carly expressed her disdain for Madisyn.


    Hearing this, Kristine was on the verge of tears.


    She hadn’t expected that an outsider would show her genuine concern.


    Others seemed to understand the dynamics within the Johns family better than the family members themselves.


    Kristine said softly, “Mrs.


    Reed, it’s okay.


    After all, I’m not their biological daughter.


    It’s only natural they favor Madisyn over me.novelbin


    ”


    ‘s BunnyBookery


    “Humph, in my opinion, they’ll eventually rely on you.


    ”


    Kristine sighed.


    “I suppose that’s my role.


    ”


    Seeing this, Carly genuinely felt sorry for Kristine.


    To Carly, it appeared that ine and the rest of the Johns family werepletely blind!


    Suddenly remembering something, Carly pulled out her phone and sent a message.


    Meanwhile, ine was engaged in conversation with Madisyn, offering herfort, oblivious to the exchange between Carly and Kristine.


    Madisyn gave ine a warm smile.


    Although Carly’s words hadn’t hurt her, she felt moved by her mother’s affection.


    The mood was quite heartfelt.


    As dinner was winding down, Carly unexpectedly ordered more food.


    “Why are you ordering more when we’re almost finished?” ine asked in confusion.


    Carly said with a smile, “Josie will be joining us shortly.


    ”


    ine immediately understood her intentions.


    She felt slightly uneasy, hoping Josie wouldn’t bring up business matters like Carly often did.


    Soon after, Josie arrived in a rush.