Chapter 30

• Gage, however, spoke up, his voice firm and defensive. "Mrs. Brooks, that's not fair," he said. "Ashley's mom works hard to provide for her family, and her bakery shop is a success in its own right."
• But Mrs. Brooks just laughed again, her eyes glinting with malice. "Oh, I'm sure it's a... charming little shop," she said. "But let's be realistic, dear. We're talking about a small bakery shop in a modest neighborhood. It's not exactly a lucrative business, is it?"
• The atmosphere at the table had grown tense and uncomfortable, with Nicole and Ashley looking like they'd been slapped. Lucas's face was dark with anger, and Gage's eyes were flashing with indignation. It was clear that Mrs. Brooks had crossed a line and that her taunts had struck a painful chord.