The reason I wanted Ruth to come out with me was to see a cardiac surgeon.

Her high blood pressure had already led to complications—a heart attack. Only a complex bypass surgery could effectively relieve her symptoms.

It had taken me a lot of effort to secure an appointment with this doctor, who had a flawless surgical record. I had even told Esmerelda about it, telling her not to let Ruth get into any nonsense these few days.

Yet, Esmerelda urged Ruth, "Mrs. Prichett asked me yesterday if Clara was mistreating you. No matter how I explained, she wouldn't believe me. She even said if this goes on, you'll be driven to your death!

"With how nosy she is, she might even call the police on Clara. Why not just go this time and clear things up for Clara?"

I heard Ruth say inwardly, 'Clara's such a good daughter-in-law. How can the police take her away? I'll just go this time, then. When I come back, I'll apologize to Clara.'

A moment later, Ruth looked regretful. "Maybe I should tell Clara. She'll be worried…"

"No need!" Esmerelda quickly stopped her. "Clara has been busy apologizing to relatives all day for leaving them hanging. She's been on the phone for hours, lost her voice, took medicine, and fell asleep.

"She probably can't take you out anyway. Let her rest. When she wakes up, I'll explain everything."

Esmerelda wouldn't give up, and Ruth finally gave in.

When I came back out, the living room was empty except for Esmerelda lying on the couch with a face mask on. She said, "Mom told Mrs. Prichett that she's seen enough of you lately. She hardly gets to see Mrs. Prichett, so she went out with her."

She frowned and continued, "I told her to let you know, but she snapped at me, saying that she's not a child who needs permission to see her own friends. She even scolded me for siding with you instead of her."

Upon hearing this, my expression darkened instantly.

At this, Esmerelda's lips curled in satisfaction. "She said you preach communication, but you're still too controlling, and that talking to you is like talking to a wall. She said she'd rather enjoy her life and die than be starved and worked to death by you!"

Her voice dropped lower, but her words grew sharper. "She even said your strong-willed character is what killed your own mother. And it's probably what drove Ethan to death too…"

In my past life, it was these words that pushed me to pack up my things and return to my mother's house. When Ruth fell ill and ended up in the hospital, I let my temper slip and said things I didn't mean.

Each time Ruth softened up and tried to explain, she was cut off. In the end, we were only harsh with each other, and our relationship grew strained…

After hearing what Esmerelda said, I still stormed out. However, this time, I followed Ruth instead.

I watched as she defended me to Mary, and how she kept my warnings in mind, refusing every temptation of unhealthy food, no matter how much Mary urged her. I even watched how she learned from me, advising Mary to take care of her health and stop being reckless.

By evening, Ruth came home. I followed behind, carrying some of her favorite fruit.

She was just about to unlock the door when Esmerelda dragged her inside first. I didn't rush in. I wanted to hear the act Esmerelda would put on.

"Mom, Clara is furious…"

Ruth sounded anxious. "Didn't you explain on my behalf?"

"I did, but she wouldn't listen. She said you've lost your mind, and she won't bother with you anymore…"

Ruth instantly grew mad. "Don't worry. Go to your room. I'll talk to her again."

"Forget it!" she snapped, plopping onto the couch. "If she doesn't care about me, then fine. She's being completely unreasonable. I was doing it for her own good!"

I hurriedly stepped in, held up the bag of fruit, and said, "I just went out to buy these. Who said I didn't care about you?"

Then, I shot Esmerelda a cold glare. "And tell me, why did Mom leave without me? You didn't explain a thing to her, did you?"

Ruth spun around abruptly, staring at Esmerelda in disbelief. "You told me it wasn't anything important!"