[Meredith].
My mother was the only one I acknowledged because she was simply just my mother.
But as for Mabel, I didn't even bother sparing her a glance. The reminder of her existence wasn't worth acknowledging.
Then, I felt Dennis shift beside me, his posture straightening. He gave my mother a respectful nod, acknowledging her status as the Beta's wife without excess courtesy.
My mother returned the nod calmly before turning her full attention to me.
"I'm glad to see that you are well," she said, her tone even, measured, but observant.
Next, her gaze lingered not on my face alone, but on my stance and my presence. As if she were assessing something she couldn't quite name.
Before I could respond, a scoff cut through the air.
"So you are really pretending I don't exist now?" Mabel's voice was loud enough to intentionally draw attention.
I kept my expression neutral, my gaze steady on my mother. I did not rise to it.
