Elaine stepped back into the luxurious presidential suite at the Hilton Hotel and immediately inquired of Claire and Charlie, “Claire, good son-in-law, do you two have plans for tomorrow night?”

Claire, intrigued, responded, “What’s up, Mom?”

Elaine elaborated, “Your mother has a very dear sister in the Rampage team who has invited our family of three over for dinner. It’s been many years since she moved to the United States from China, and she hasn’t made many close friends. Recently, she finally connected with someone she can relate to, but now she has to leave soon. She wants us to join her for a meal before she departs, and it would be nice to catch up.”

Claire was taken aback and asked, “Mom… you actually found a friend you can talk to well?”

Elaine rolled her eyes playfully, “Oh, come on! What kind of question is that? Don’t you have any friends? Didn’t you all get along well with me before?”

Claire replied awkwardly, “Are they really your friends? I remember you all playing mahjong and going to the beauty salon together, only to suddenly stop hanging out for no reason.”

Elaine felt a bit embarrassed and quickly waved her hand, “Let’s not dwell on the past!”

The truth was, Elaine’s friendships had soured after she misappropriated Charlie’s bank card and transferred money, which made her feel suddenly affluent and look down on her former friends. Although she had harshly criticized them over the phone at that time, she soon found herself experiencing life behind bars for a few days.

For quite some time, Elaine had earned a reputation as a quintessential Chinese snob.

Her attitude was one of extreme elitism, where wealth defined worth; if someone had money, they were revered, irrespective of their character. She had spent years ingratiating herself with Mrs. Willson and Souna, and during the first three years of Charlie and Claire’s marriage, she persistently urged Claire to leave Charlie for a wealthier partner—this epitomized her character.

Moreover, Elaine’s worldview was very narrow, encapsulated perfectly in her six-word philosophy: “Love someone, hate someone, don’t laugh at anyone.”

As a result, Elaine had never really cultivated any true friendships.

Even though Claire wasn’t particularly astute, she understood her mother quite well and felt that someone with Elaine’s disposition would struggle to maintain close friendships.

Realizing why her daughter was skeptical, Elaine said, somewhat defensively, “Claire, you need to view me in a new light. Look at my personal growth. It’s not always easy getting along, whether it’s with friends or Charlie, but don’t you see how I’m improving?”

Elaine grew a bit animated, continuing, “Think about my attitude towards Charlie now! I’m practically ready to give him my heart!”

Seeing her mother’s enthusiasm, Claire quickly agreed, “You’re right, Mom. It’s all about personal growth…”

She then deftly changed the subject, asking, “By the way, what does this sister of yours do?”

Elaine responded promptly, “She immigrated with her children and is now here helping to take care of the grandkids.”

Elaine added, “Oh, and this sister is from the same hometown as your grandmother, not far at all!”

Claire nodded, saying, “Mom, I don’t know Charlie and this aunt well enough to just drop by their house. You know how Charlie is; he’s not very social. Maybe it’s best if you go alone.”