She was still wearing the plain dress, and there was a small canvas bag on her shoulder. In it were a few of her belongings such as her mobile phone and facial tissue. Anthony said that he would be here at six o'clock to pick her up, so she was about to go out.

“Maria, you're not going anywhere tonight." Julie's face was solemn and her tone was serious. She thought that this was such a serious matter, and she couldn't let it happen under her watch.

Maria's brows slightly furrowed, thinking what Julie was talking about.

However, when her gaze went beyond Julie, she saw Lily snickering not too far from them. Therefore, she instantly understood what was happening.

"You don't know what you're talking about. Now, get out of my way.”

Maria's voice sounded indifferent as usual, but the Look in her eyes was rather fierce.

Julie was taken aback. Not only did she find Maria's response to be unexpected, but she also didn't think that a beautiful girl like her was capable of giving such a fierce look.

She couldn't help but subconsciously take a step back. But after a moment, Julie regained her composure and quickly re-established her authority as Maria‘s adoptive mother.

“Maria! Even though you are just adopted, your status is now very different from before. You should learn to pay attention to your words and deeds. Have you forgotten that you are engaged to Anthony? If you are only going to some meaningless social activities, then I forbid you to-"

Before Julie could finish her words, Maria got impatient and interrupted her.

“Enough. Will you shut up? You're making a fool of yourself."

As if the temperature suddenly dropped by a few degrees, the expression on Maria's face became more domineering. There was no sign of timidity or backing down.

Her Last sentence was uttered in a low voice, but it was clear enough for Julie to hear it.

"You... Did you just tell me to shut up? How dare you?"

Julie was dumfounded that she thought she only misheard it.

But no. She couldn't be mistaken. It turned out that her adopted daughter was rude enough to answer back at her in a disrespectful way.

Maria didn't argue with Julie further. However, she cast a piercing cold glance at Lily.

At the same time, Lily clearly felt the glare that was directed at her.

It was as if even the deepest corner of her soul was completely exposed in front of Maria.

Maria's eyes were like empty black holes that would suck anyone who pissed her off. They were that frightening. Lily's face froze, flabbergasted that she could experience this amount of fear from a mere country girl. When she had the chance, she quickly averted her gaze, not daring to look at Maria's eyes again.

Lily was so scared that she even regretted provoking Maria again and again.

Maria fixed her eyes at the troublesome maid for a few more seconds before Looking away.

Feeling that she was finally free from Maria's stare, Lily was about to breathe a sigh of relief. But before she could do so, she heard Maria spoke.

“You can't blame me for saying that. You are being stupid, believing every word you're told without even having a definitive proof.”

Hearing this, Julie blushed hard.