Noemi's expression hardened.

"Brian, just admit it. You're still holding a grudge because I divorced your father, aren't you?"

“I didn't say that, Mom," Brian replied, visibly bothered.

“But that's what you meant! Or else why would you keep calling me impetuous? You're implying that I shouldn't have left you alone after your father cheated on me."

Tears welled up in Noemi's eyes, her chest heaving with emotion.

Brian sighed, feeling a headache coming on.

"Mom, I didn't mean it that way. You can't twist my words just because you're unwell.”

“And what is that supposed to mean? Am I making a fuss over nothing?

Are you here to check on me or just to upset me?"

“I came to see you, obviously. You're the one being unreasonable here."

As the tension escalated, Selina swiftly intervened, tugging at Brian's hand.

“Brian, Auntie is unwell. She didn't get seriously hurt. Can we drop ite"

Brian looked at Noemi, now seething with anger, and softened his tone.

“Mom, I apologize. I'm just worried about you."

Noemi glared at him but turned to Selina with a softer expression.

“It's always better to have a daughter. If only Selina were my daughter. Then I'd have two daughters, which would make me twice as happy."

Selina smiled, “Auntie, I thought you always considered me as your own daughter."

Deanna, following the exchange, chimed in with a smile, "Yes, Mom. If you let my brother marry Selina, you'll have another daughter."

Upon hearing Deanna's words, Brian frowned and responded, “Deanna, that's not appropriate. I'm still married.”

Deanna appeared genuinely surprised, "Didn't you mention that you had divorced?"

"I haven't."

"You haven't? Why not?" Noemi asked, her expression mirroring Deanna's surprise.