“Ms. Winters, you should really watch what you say,” Amara snapped, unwilling to let herself be bullied.

Edith let out a cold laugh, clearly unimpressed by Amara’s words.

Without hesitation, Keith stepped in front of Amara, shielding her. “Mom, what is wrong with you? Why are you so hostile toward Amara? What has she ever done to you? If you’re upset, just go home and rest. Don’t come here and make a scene.”

Honestly, these were not words that should be said in public.

Family disputes are best kept behind closed doors; if he had an issue with Edith, it should have been discussed at home, not out here for everyone to witness.

But with Edith openly attacking Amara in front of everyone, Keith felt he had no choice but to push back.

Their exchange immediately drew attention from the guests nearby, who began whispering among themselves: “Ms. Winters really has it out for Amara. She’s usually so composed in public-how much must she resent Amara to cause a scene like this?”

“Well, it’s not totally surprising, I guess. Keith’s never been married, has no kids, but Amara already has a child, and no one even knows who the father of her unborn baby is. Of course Edith has issues with her.”

“Oh please! Why does Edith even get a say? Keith is the one marrying Amara, not her. That mother-in-law is really overstepping. I bet anyone supporting Edith is just as awful as she is!”

The comments flew back and forth. As the guests discussed it, it became clear just how deep Edith’s resentment of Amara ran.

But in truth, most people at the party sided against Amara. In their eyes, Amara— pregnant by an unknown father and already raising one child—was hardly a suitable match for a single man like Keith.

And for many, the drama was just entertainment. Seeing Amara being put on the spot was simply another spectacle to enjoy.

Edith glared at Keith. “What’s that supposed to mean? Siding with an outsider over your own mother again? You keep disappointing me.”

As the tense exchange continued, all the socialites nearby were listening closely, eager to witness the family drama unfold.

Edith was fully aware of their attention. Keith’s public defense of Amara only deepened her disappointment in him.

Keith clenched his jaw. “Mom, I’ve always stood for what’s right, not just for family There is absolutely no reason for you to accuse Amara like this. Or am I not allowed to speak the truth?”

Standing for what’s right, not just for family—was Keith calling her unreasonable?

Fury surged through Edith. She shot Keith a withering glare, then glared at Amara as well, wishing she could throw them both out.

Emma and Andrew had just finished their dance and returned in time to catch Edith’s last few words. Emma was so furious she nearly lost her composure.

What was Edith thinking? Did she not realize this was her son’s rehearsal dinner, one of the most important occasions?

She and Edith had already agreed: after tonight’s events, they would take action.

Once the dinner was over, any fallout wouldn’t disrupt Finnian and Liliana’s celebration. They could deal with Amara then. But causing a scene during the dinner itself was absolutely out of the question.

Why was Edith in such a rush to confront Amara now? Did she want to ruin her own son’s special night?

If Emma had known Edith would disregard her wishes like this, she never would have let her come.