Chapter 740

Hence, she felt awkward now that she faced Anneliese.

This time, Martha acted as a mediator to coax Anneliese out, which was Elizabeth's way of conceding. She knew Anneliese would never come if she called Anneliese herself. By appearing together today, Elizabeth felt that she was already taking a step back.

Used to privilege and pride, Elizabeth felt upset now that she was a head lower than the daughter-in-law she despised-one who had bested her repeatedly. She believed that if Anneliese had any sense, she would take the hint and step down gracefully instead of acting as if she were blind to her presence.

Sensing the tension, Ellie burrowed deeper into Anneliese's arms.

Anneliese patted her back and said calmly to Elizabeth, "Mrs. Fullbuster."

Elizabeth's expression stiffened. At the same time, Martha hurriedly poured Anneliese a cup of coffee and said, "Anneliese, why are you still addressing her in this title? Didn't you already agree to change your address to hers the last time?"

Anneliese knew Elizabeth didn't acknowledge or accept her, so she had no intention of calling her "Mom." However, with Martha mediating and Elizabeth silently waiting, Anneliese felt it was inappropriate to ignore them, especially remembering how Elizabeth had slapped Jonathan at the Banyans.

Their mother-son relationship had already been distant, and she didn't want to worsen it further because of her presence.

Then, she recalled how Melanie had treated her for the past few years when she called Melanie her mother. Compared to Melanie's actions, Elizabeth barely counted for anything.

It was just a form of address, so Anneliese decided to spare Martha's dignity.

"Mom."

Elizabeth's expression finally eased. She nodded and said, "Try the coffee."

Anneliese didn't trust them, especially Elizabeth, who had always harbored hostility toward her. Hence, she kept her guard up and didn't drink the coffee. "I already had breakfast before coming out, so I can't really drink right now."

When Elizabeth realized that Anneliese was clearly putting on airs, her expression darkened.

Under the table, Martha gave Elizabeth a light kick as a reminder. In the meantime, a trace of disdain flashed in her eyes since she knew that Elizabeth was simply lucky.

Back when the Hoff family was wealthy, Jared, their patriarch, had once saved Derek's life. Thus, even though Elizabeth's relationship with her husband was strained after she married into the Fullbuster family, no one treated her poorly.

On the contrary, because of Kenneth's outrageous behavior, they had been even more lenient and tolerant toward her. Later when the Hoff family fell into decline,

Elizabeth happened to give birth to a promising son and ended up relying on him.

Thus, wherever she went, she was still held in high regard. Now that the situation was no longer in her favor, she still hadn't learned to lower her head.

Being reminded by Martha, Elizabeth recalled the mockery and cold treatment she had endured while attending events these past few days, as well as the repeated crying and pleas from her family members.

Thus, Elizabeth suppressed her emotions as she softened her expression and said, "It's fine if you don't want to drink it." Then, her gaze fell on Ellie. "Isn't this the Malone family's child? Why is she with you?"

Anneliese continued stroking Ellie's back and had no interest in small talk with Elizabeth.

She didn't think their relationship could be repaired since Elizabeth wouldn't like her

no matter what. She nodded and said flatly, "Yes."

Elizabeth was at a loss for words,

but she knew the key lay with Anneliese Jonathan had acted against the Hoff family because her. She couldn't reach hing anymore, and there was no way she could change his decision herself when she had slapped him the last time they met.

Only Anneliese—the cause of everything could resolve it.

As long as Anneliese forgave her and asked Jonathan to let the Hoff family off the hook, Elizabeth was certain that everything would return to how it was.

Thinking about it, she took a deep breath and said, "It seems like she really likes you, which reminds me that Jonathan isn't young anymore. You two should hurry and have a child. As long as you get pregnant, I won't treat you poorly..."

This was an unmistakable gesture of reconciliation. After all, Elizabeth didn't even acknowledge Anneliese's status before. Yet, she was now permitting Anneliese to get pregnant and even offering rewards to the latter.