Chapter 533

"May, what the heck? Why'd you say that?" Susan frowned.

May's words were sharp, like daggers. If they weren't sisters, Susan would've thought someone was out to get her, stirring up drama.

"What? Can't I be real? Just giving you a heads-up. Haven't you seen enough bratty kids? They're all spoiled by their moms," May shot back.

"I'm not a brat," Oliver shook his head. "I'm super well-behaved."

The grandparents adored him, but for some reason, May just couldn't stand him.

He felt it from the first time they met.

Susan's heart ached. Kids were fragile and sensitive; you gotta be careful with your words around them.

But May didn't care and said, "Bad kids don't know they're bad kids. Oh, maybe that's a lie too."

"May!" Susan warned.

"And now you're mad at me? It's tough being the honest one. I'm just speaking the truth, but it makes things awkward at home. Fine, I'll move out since I'm not even a real sister."

"That's not what I meant." Susan put Oliver down. "You go back to your room, sweetie. Mommy will be there soon."

"Okay." Oliver nodded obediently.

"May, what's up with you today?"

"I'm not in a bad mood. I'm thrilled you're back," May said, but her face said otherwise.

Susan sighed, "May, if Oliver or I did something wrong, just tell me."

"No, you guys are perfect. The whole family loves you. Mom and Dad are over the moon you're back." So happy that May felt like an outsider.

May kept telling herself to suck it up, but the longer Susan stayed, the more her jealousy grew, making it hard to keep her cool.

"I hope you're happy too."

"Of course, I'm happy," May said, but it was clear she didn't mean it.

Her expression made Susan uneasy. But she tried to be understanding; everyone has bad days. Family should be more forgiving.

"May, did you answer my video call?" Susan suddenly asked.

"What video?"

"The one Caleb sent," Susan replied.

"Oh, I heard it when I passed by your room that day, so I answered it."

"And then you showed him Michael?" Susan pressed.

"Yeah, so what? He was looking for you, and you were with Michael. I didn't expect you two to be having so much fun."

Susan felt something was off, but there was no point in pushing it.

"Then why didn't you tell me?" she asked.

"I forgot."

"But you deleted the video record," Susan added.

"I didn't delete it."

"I didn't see the video record," Susan said.

"Then there must be something wrong with your phone. Why would I delete your video record?" May lied smoothly. "What are you implying? Are you accusing me? What would be my motive? Susan, I can't believe you'd think I'm that sneaky!" May was furious, her face twisted in anger. "I'm right, my place in this family is awkward, and I'm just an extra. I'll move out, will that make you happy?"

"May, you know that's not what I meant. I was just asking," Susan explained.

"Asking? That was an interrogation. You were accusing me."

"I wasn't," Susan denied. "I just found it strange that I didn't see the video record."

"Fine, I deleted the record. Happy now?" May snapped.

Susan opened her mouth, but words failed her. She sighed. "Maybe my phone's just acting up. I'm sorry, May."

"Save it. You still think I'm shady," May shot back, fuming.

"I'm not accusing you. I just don't want you messing with my relationship. Did you tell Caleb I was getting close to Michael?" Susan asked.

"So what if I did? Just keeping it real."

"I only see Michael as a friend," Susan retorted.

"Yeah, well, Mom and Dad don't see it that way. And honestly, I don't know if you're playing dumb or if you're really that 'innocent.'"

Susan explained, "I thought Michael was married with kids. Who knew he got divorced two years ago?"

"You thought he was married and still got close to him? Susan, ever heard of boundaries?" May teased.

"I only see him as a friend," Susan repeated. "May, I get what you're thinking. You think Michael and I are a better match, right? You even told him that."

May thought bitterly, 'I hope you end up alone. You don't deserve Michael!'

Susan continued, "I know you're looking out for me, wanting me to have a stable marriage and choose an ordinary guy. But feelings can't be controlled. I love Caleb."

"Do you love him or his power and money?"

Susan felt a sting. "How could you think that of me?"

"Caleb hurt you and made you suffer for four years. But you don't hate him and still love him. I can't think of any other reason besides money that would make you so forgiving."

"My relationship with him can't be summed up in a few words. I love him for who he is, even if he had nothing," Susan said firmly.

May retorted, "I think you're dreaming of marrying into a wealthy family. Susan, it's normal to be a bit vain, but you're twenty-seven, a mom. How can you still chase after such superficial things? Is it that easy to marry into a rich family? How many rich wives are truly happy? Which rich guy doesn't have a bunch of side chicks? Do you really think Caleb is so faithful to you? It's just temporary. You should settle for Michael. He's a solid choice. People need to be content, not greedy."

Susan didn't want to argue anymore. She was already feeling lousy, and continuing would just lead to a blowout.

"Let's drop it. I'll handle my own relationship, so you don't need to worry." Susan softened her tone and switched gears. "May, didn't we say we'd set you up with someone? How about dinner tomorrow night?"

May thought, 'Let's see what kind of loser you've found for me.'

"Sure," May agreed.

"Want him to pick you up?" Susan asked.

"Okay."

Susan added, "May, we're sisters. It's normal to clash, but I hope we can talk things out, okay? I really value our family."

'Yeah, right. With Mom, Dad, and Caleb not around, what's the point of pretending to be sisterly?' May thought, rolling her eyes internally but smiling. "Of course."

The smile didn't feel genuine to Susan, but she brushed it off, thinking maybe she was overthinking.

"Alright, it's settled then. Tomorrow at six, he'll pick you up after work."

"Okay," May agreed.