Bill shot one question after another, as if Maria was still a young child under his control.

Maria lapsed into silence, as if she didn't know how to reply.

Bill and Vivian sneered, taking Maria's silence to be an indication of guilt.

After thinking for a while, it seemed that Maria had finally found the most appropriate response.

She said slowly, “It's none of your business."

"It's none of your business."

These simple words, indifferent and arrogant, landed in Bill's ears like a stinging slap.

Julie was also stunned. She hadn't expected Maria to be so rude and straightforward.

But on second thought, she realized that as bold as Maria was, she hadn't said anything wrong.

As an adult, Maria didn't need to ask permission from anyone to do anything, let alone Listen to them scold her for it.

Besides, although Bill was her adoptive father, he had never done anything a father should do for her

“You... How can you say that? I'm your father!" Bill snarled.

On the other end of the line, a snicker seemed to escape Maria's Lips. Then she answered in the same Languid tone, “Is that so? Thank you for reminding me. I almost forgot.”

Bill had been so absent in Maria's life that he might as well not exist.

The truth was, her words made perfect sense.

With a frown, Patricia interrupted, “Maria, what are you doing in Broome? Why didn't you tell us that you were meeting Mathias?"

“And who are you?" Maria asked coolly.

Letting out an incredulous laugh, Patricia said, "You can't even recognize my voice? I'm your Aunt Patricia

For some reason, seeing Patricia pretend to be friendly with Maria got on Julie's nerves.

“Aunt Patricia?" Maria echoed sarcastically.