Because of this, Lara felt a little guilty. Nonetheless, she didn't dare call Maria out for glaring at her.

After all, even if Maria was indeed a servant of the Wilson family, she had no right to badmouth her in front of Michael.

"Alas!"

Michael sighed helplessly and shook his head.

“No wonder Bowles Group could not expand their business in the country. If the woman who is in charge of the company doesn't have good eyes to judge others, how will she able to handle their business well?"

Hearing this, Lara was stunned. The smile on her face was instantly wiped off. She could only pretend not to understand what Michael meant.

“Mr. Wilson... Wh-what are you... What do you mean?"

"Just take it Literally, then.” Michael glared at Lara, his displeasure obvious, even though he didn't speak of it.

He was an elder and the patriarch of the family, while Lara was a guest -a younger, female guest.

He might detest the woman, but he still needed to act with courtesy. Michael took care not to let Maria assist him anymore, in case someone would misunderstand and treat her like a servant again.

He strode to the sofa and plopped right in the middle.

Lara and Jaqueline quickly seated themselves in the chairs meant for guests, with Raymond sitting close by.

At this point, Maria was still standing at the side.

To begin with, she didn't know exactly where she should sit. Besides, Anthony remained standing beside her, anyway.

Jacqueline shot her an arrogant look, as if she was saying triumphantly, “Would you look at that? I actually get to sit down with the Wilsons, while you can only stand to the side and attend to us." To her annoyance, however, Maria didn't pay her any attention at all.

“Why don't you take a seat?" Anthony asked softly.

His tone was more gentle than usual, and it made Maria blush.

She wondered if Anthony was the kind of man who liked to display his affections in public.

But she soon understood what he was doing. His voice was low and intimate, but he made it so that it carried well throughout the room. "This is your home as well. Feel free to sit wherever you Like." Jacqueline was mortified when she heard this.

After all, she and her mother had come here today in hopes to reestablish a marriage tie between the two families.

But as things stood...

Jacqueline was visibly flustered, but Lara was thick-skinned.

She ignored what Anthony had said and turned to Michael with a bright smile.

“We haven't seen each other in the last few years. Please forgive us for intruding on you today. I've brought a gift that I chose especially for you. I hope you Like it.”