At Kaden’s reprimand, Lana Xavier’s eyes instantly reddened.

She had been spoiled rotten since childhood. When had she ever been subjected to such treatment? Especially not in front of Wren.

"Brother! How could you yell at me for *her*!" Lana Xavier stomped her foot, her voice thick with tears. "I’m your sister! She’s just an outsider!"

"Lana Xavier!" Kaden Xavier’s voice grew even colder. "I’ll say it again. Wren is your sister-in-law, not an outsider."

Lana Xavier bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes.

She looked to Helen Sawyer, hoping her aunt would speak up for her.

Although Helen Sawyer didn’t like Wren either, she saw that Kaden was truly angry and didn’t dare say anything more. She just gave Lana Xavier’s sleeve a gentle tug, signaling her to stop causing a scene.

Wren stood to the side, watching the scene unfold with a calm expression.

She was long accustomed to Lana Xavier’s bullying and the contempt from the rest of the Xavier family.

In the past, she would have felt sad and wronged. But now, she just found it laughable.

"Wren, don’t pay her any mind." Kaden walked over to Wren, his tone softening. "I’ve spoiled Lana. She doesn’t know when to hold her tongue."

Wren subtly took a step back, putting some distance between them. "It’s fine. If there’s nothing else, I’m going to see Grandma."

"Alright, I’ll go with you." Kaden took her hand.

Wren pulled her hand away. "There’s no need. I can go by myself."

Kaden watched her walk up the stairs, his eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions.

The atmosphere at dinner was a little awkward.

Old Madam Xavier sat at the head of the table, with Kaden and Wren on one side, and Helen Sawyer and Lana Xavier on the other.

Old Madam Xavier enthusiastically placed some food on Wren’s plate. "Wren, eat more. You look like you’ve lost weight recently."

"Thank you, Grandma," Wren said softly.

Lana grew even more annoyed at the sight.

She set down her chopsticks and said snidely, "Wren, I’m not trying to pick on you, but since you married into the Xavier family, you should at least look the part of a wealthy wife. You’re out in public all day long. Anyone who didn’t know better would think the Xaviers can’t afford to support you."

Helen Sawyer chimed in, "Exactly. It’s bad enough you’re barren, but you also go around shaming the Xavier family. Marrying you must have been the result of eight lifetimes of bad luck."

Wren’s grip on her chopsticks tightened, and she scoffed.

"I have a job and support myself. How is that shameful? You two, on the other hand, eat the Xaviers’ food, drink their wine, and use their things. If anyone is bringing shame to this family, it certainly isn’t me."

"You! Wren, is that how you speak to an elder?! I’m your mother-in-law!"

Helen Sawyer hated nothing more than being told she was a disgrace to the Xavier family. It reminded her of the period when Mr. Xavier had his affair.

Kaden’s face darkened. "That’s enough! Mom, Lana, just eat your dinner. Stop talking like this."

"Was I wrong?" Lana retorted. "Brother, look at all the other society wives. They all spend their days shopping and at the spa. Who else is like her, dressing so shabbily and working for a measly paycheck? She’s completely disgraced our family!"

"Lana Xavier!" Kaden slammed his chopsticks down. "If you spout any more of this nonsense, get out!"

Lana flinched, not expecting Kaden to get so furious.

She looked pleadingly at Helen Sawyer. "Auntie, look at him..."

Just then, Old Madam Xavier spoke up. "That’s enough. Everyone, quiet down. It’s a good thing that Wren has her own career. A woman doesn’t have to be a stay-at-home wife. If you two have a problem with it, you should take a look at yourselves first."

With the old madam having spoken, Helen Sawyer and Lana Xavier didn’t dare say another word, though their expressions were ugly.

’It was clear that a peaceful meal was no longer possible.’

So, Wren put down her chopsticks.

Seeing this, Kaden didn’t finish his meal either and led Wren from the table.

The two of them were silent the entire way back.

As they were nearing View Gardens, Kaden suddenly spoke. "I’m sorry about today."

Wren stared out the window. "There’s nothing to apologize for. What they said was the truth."

Kaden didn’t argue.

Wren understood. ’He thinks so, too. He thinks my having a job is an embarrassment to him, the great Kaden Xavier.’

They didn’t speak again for the rest of the way home until they were nearly at View Gardens.

Kaden took a card from his pocket and handed it to Wren. "This is a supplementary card. It has no credit limit. Take it. Buy whatever you want, don’t feel you have to be frugal."

Wren glanced down at the card in her hand and accepted it without hesitation.

"Alright." Wren put the card in her purse.

’Might as well. It’s free.’

She opened the car door, got out, and walked into View Gardens without a backward glance.

Kaden sat in the car, watching her back disappear behind the door as a complex mix of emotions welled up inside him.

The next day was the weekend, so Wren didn’t have to work.

She slept in and called Crystal Nash after getting out of bed.

"Crystal, are you free today? Come shopping with me."

"Shopping?" Crystal said in surprise from the other end of the line. "Did the sun rise in the west? You’re actually asking to go shopping?"

Wren laughed. "Kaden gave me a supplementary card and told me to spend whatever I want. I figured I might as well, so I thought I’d buy a few things."

"You go, girl!" Crystal was intrigued. "I’ll call Joy, and the three of us will go together. What are you looking to buy today? Clothes? Handbags? Jewelry?"

"All of the above," Wren said. "Since someone else is footing the bill, I might as well buy the good stuff."

Crystal’s laugh was even more delighted. "Great! I’ll call Joy right now. I’ll come pick you up in a little while."

An hour later, Crystal arrived in her car to pick up Wren.

Joy Lynch was in the passenger seat. When she saw Wren, she greeted her with a smile. "Wren, I hear you’re going on a spree with Kaden’s money today. Make sure you buy a lot. Don’t go easy on his wallet."

Wren laughed too. "Don’t worry, I have no intention of going easy." 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

The three of them headed first to the most exclusive shopping mall in the city.

"The clothes in this boutique would be perfect for you," Crystal said, pointing to a storefront. "Simple and elegant. It matches your style."

Wren walked in, and a sales associate immediately rushed over to greet her warmly.

Wren tried on a few outfits, all of which fit her perfectly.

She looked at her reflection in the mirror. Lana’s words about her dressing shabbily came to mind, and a sudden impulse washed over her.

"I’ll take all of these," Wren told the sales associate.

The associate’s eyes lit up. "Of course, ma’am. I’ll have them wrapped for you right away."

After that, they visited several more stores. Wren bought a slew of clothes, shoes, handbags, and a few pieces of jewelry.

Crystal and Joy bought a few things as well, and soon all three of them were laden with shopping bags.

"I’m exhausted," Joy said, rubbing her shoulder. "Let’s find a place to sit down and get something to drink."

The trio went up to the café on the top floor of the mall and found a table by the window.

Just as they finished ordering, a familiar voice drifted over from nearby.

"That dress is gorgeous, Seraphina. It would look perfect on you."