Seeing that Corless' cup was empty, Lance didn't hesitate to grab the teapot from the table and fill his cup.

Corless was satisfied with Lance, asking, “Bettie mentioned your mother passed away, is that right?"

“Yes, and my mother struggled with uremia since my high school days and passed away three years ago."

"I'm sorry to hear that." Corless found himself even more pleased with Lance for a reason. He thought about Bettie's future, relieved she wouldn't have to navigate the tricky dynamics with a mother-in-law or care for an elderly parent.

Despite favoring his son, Corless held a deep affection for Bettie and was delighted she had found such a remarkable partner.