Chapter 8 Richard Miller, Are You Even Capable?

• A sharp, familiar voice sliced through the air.
• Diana turned around just as Richard’s face stiffened.
• “Mom, why are you here?” he asked hesitantly.
• Helena Miller crossed her arms and sneered. “Why? Am I not allowed to visit my own shopping mall? I was just walking around, minding my own business, and what do I see? A spectacle so disgraceful that I almost thought I’d wandered into some third-rate drama! And when I take a closer look—ah, isn’t this my beloved son, caught in such an indecent scene? How shameful! Do you still have any sense of self-respect?”
• Her words were laced with sarcasm, each one a sharp blade aimed straight at Freya.
• Richard immediately stepped forward to shield Freya. “Mom, don’t blame Freya. She’s weak, and I—”
• “Weak? And you let yourself be treated like a crutch?” Helena cut him off, her sharp eyes narrowing. “You’re a married man, yet here you are, parading around with another woman in public! From now on, don’t you dare mention the Miller family name outside—you’re an embarrassment!”
• Richard’s face darkened. “Mom, it’s not what it looks like—”
• Helena waved her hand, dismissing his excuse. “Spare me the nonsense. I’ve treated you as my own son, raised you with my own hands, and this is how you repay me? If you keep this up, don’t call me ‘Mom’ anymore. I don’t need a disgrace like you.”
• The entire mall had gone silent.
• Diana stood frozen. Her mother-in-law, who had always kept her distance, was actually standing up for her?
• This was the same Helena Miller who rarely smiled, who never openly displayed affection for anyone. And yet, right now, she was defending Diana so fiercely that it was almost surreal.
• Her heart swelled with gratitude.
• “What are you standing there for?” Helena turned to Diana, her expression strict but her words carrying a hint of indulgence. “Take your husband home and teach him a lesson. Let him kneel on a laundry board, a keyboard, or a durian—whatever gets the point across.”
• Diana nearly burst out laughing.
• Who would have thought that her usually cold and distant mother-in-law had such a sharp tongue?
• “Aunt Helena…” Freya interrupted softly, trying to regain control of the situation. “You’re right. I was too impulsive.”
• “It’s good that you realize it. Don’t let it happen again,” Helena shot back, her expression unyielding.
• “I only came back because I heard Grandpa’s birthday was approaching,” Freya continued pitifully. “I wanted to prepare a gift for him, but I wasn’t sure what he’d like, so I asked Richard for advice.”
• “Oh?” Helena raised an eyebrow, a cold smile forming on her lips. “And did Grandpa invite you back? Or are you just assuming your presence would be welcomed? Let me make it clear—seeing you might just ruin his birthday mood. You think he wants your gift? Keep dreaming.”
• Freya’s face turned deathly pale.
• “Mom, I was the one who asked Freya to come back,” Richard interjected. “Her eyes need treatment. Grandpa used to dote on her. Maybe if he sees her—”
• “Shut up!” Helena snapped, cutting him off for the third time. “Since when do you get to decide who comes and goes? Are you the head of the Miller family now? Should we all start reporting to you?”
• Richard clenched his jaw but remained silent.
• Freya swayed slightly, struggling to maintain her composure.
• Helena’s eyes flashed. “Let me tell you something—the things my father-in-law likes? They’re priceless, collection-worthy treasures. Do you really think your family’s little scraps of money are enough to impress him?” She smirked. “Your Desmond family’s financial situation isn’t exactly a secret. Your sister, Naomi Desmond, has much more influence than you. Oh, and if I recall correctly, she’s on Grandpa’s official guest list.”
• The color drained from Freya’s face.
• “Maybe try not to embarrass yourself too much standing next to her,” Helena added with a mocking smile.
• Diana almost wanted to clap.
• This was how a true noblewoman put someone in their place—without a single curse word, but each line cutting straight to the bone.
• Freya gritted her teeth, forcing herself to remain composed. “Aunt Helena, Richard has always respected you, and I’ve always respected you as well. I’ve never done anything to offend you. So why do you keep targeting me?”
• Helena snorted. “Targeting you? What a joke. Did you cheat on me? Did you betray me? Did you steal my husband? No? Then why would I waste my time targeting you? Stop acting so self-important.”
• She turned to Richard. “What do you think?”
• Richard hesitated.
• Freya bit her lip before suddenly shifting tactics. “No matter how bad my family’s situation is, it’s still better than Diana’s! Her parents don’t have a penny! She’s been living off the Miller family’s money all these years, and she even takes Miller family money to support her father! What right does she have to buy Grandpa a gift?”
• Helena’s gaze turned ice-cold.
• Diana tightened her fists.
• Freya wasn’t just attacking her—she was trying to sow discord within the Miller family.
• “Diana is my daughter-in-law,” Helena said sharply. “That makes her part of the Miller family. What she spends is Miller family money—so what? Since when did you get a say in how our money is used?”
• Freya stiffened.
• “The Miller family doors are wide open for Diana, and she has every right to walk through them. You, on the other hand?” Helena’s lips curled. “You’re just an outsider, trying to force your way in.”
• The words were ruthless.
• Freya’s lips trembled, but before she could speak, Richard quickly stepped in and signaled Diana with his eyes.
• Diana sighed inwardly.
• Even after everything, he was still protecting Freya.
• “Mom, don’t be angry,” Diana said gently, her voice soft and sweet. “Why don’t we go pick out a gift for Grandpa together? I’d love to hear your opinion.”
• Helena’s expression immediately softened. “Good girl.”
• Then, her tone abruptly turned sharp again. “You know what Grandpa really wants, don’t you?”
• Diana’s heart skipped a beat.
• “What does Grandpa want most?” Helena’s voice rang out clearly. “A great-grandchild.”
• Silence.
• Helena turned to glare at Richard. “You two have been married for years, and there’s still no movement. What exactly are you waiting for? Do you need me to book a doctor’s appointment for you?”
• All eyes turned to Richard.
• Diana: “…”
• Was Helena seriously questioning his ability to perform—in public?
• Richard’s face turned red and white. He looked like he wanted to dig a hole and crawl into it.
• And just like that, the noble, untouchable Richard Miller was thoroughly humiliated.