Chapter 2

Chloe glared at me, her expression turning sour.

"Sure, today’s deposit is refunded, but what about the past? What about my brother’s wedding last year?"

"Are you going to refund that money too? Because if you want to settle accounts, let's settle them all!"

"Though let's be clear—if you honestly thought the price wasn't fair back then, why didn't you say anything? You all know damn well the quality of food you ate!"

Hearing my sharp reply, Tom cleared his throat awkwardly. "Alright, that’s enough. Chloe’s wedding has nothing to do with her brother’s. What’s done is done. It’s always better to keep the money in the family."

I scoffed. "You all know exactly what I made on that deal. If you want a refund, I can give it back right now. But let me make one thing crystal clear: from this moment on, don't ever come running to me for help again."

Tom glared at me. "Watch your tone! We’re family. What’s in the past is in the past. Lynne didn't have it easy either!"

Brenda sneered, "And we did?"

Tom went silent.

Seeing their shameless attitudes, my mom finally snapped. She slammed her hands on the table and stood up.

"Don't push your luck! You know full well what kind of quality Lynne gave you. If you think we ripped you off, go buy from someone else!"

"We aren't refunding a dime from past deals—those sales are finalized! And let me tell you, I don't give a damn about being relatives anymore. Lynne, we're leaving!"

Mom grabbed my arm. Brenda tried to shout another petty remark, but Tom held her back.

"Mary, come on, why are you blowing up over a joke?"

"A joke? You weren't joking when you took advantage of us! Let me tell you, even if we did make a profit, go ask around town—who on earth gives you a live seafood banquet for under four grand?"

"If you want three-hundred-dollar garbage, go eat garbage! When your son got married, the guests couldn't stop praising the food, and now you have the nerve to complain?"

With that, Mom dragged me out the door.

Brenda’s face twisted in rage behind us. "Look at her! What an attitude!"

I looked back and locked eyes with her. Brenda shut her mouth instantly.

I walked out without looking back. Even if they paid me, I wouldn't step foot in their house again.

Mom was trembling with anger, so I squeezed her hand. "Don't let them get to you, Mom. We don't need them. Our business is thriving."

Still fuming, Mom pulled out her phone to leave the family WhatsApp group, but I gently stopped her.

"Wait. Aren't you still going to the wedding? Stay in the group. You won't want to miss the show."

Mom poked my forehead, half-laughing. "You little devil."

I didn't say another word and focused on preparing the thirty tables of live seafood for Mr. Hayes.

On the day of the wedding, I led our refrigerated transport fleet straight to the private estate.

Since it clashed with Chloe’s wedding, I didn't attend hers. But my mom went.

When Mr. Hayes saw my trucks arrive, he rushed over with open arms. "Lynne! You’re a lifesaver! These thirty tables of luxury seafood are making me look incredible in front of my high-profile client!"

"Just look at these king crabs! Good lord, they’re still kicking!"

"Fresh and alive, prepared right in front of your guests—that's our standard," I smiled. "I don't cut corners. I hope we can do more business in the future, Mr. Hayes."

"Count on it! From now on, whenever I need catering or wholesale seafood, you’re my only call!"

I smiled and signaled my team of private chefs to set up their mobile cooking stations. Fresh, premium, and made to order.