63. Mother's Approval

Tatiana

As we followed Evelyn to the dining room, I couldn't help but feel the weight of her disapproval lingering in the air.

We took our seats, and Evelyn turned her attention to me once again, her gaze filled with scrutiny.

"So, Tatiana," she began, her voice dripping with condescension. "Hunter's father will join us briefly, but tell me more about yourself."

"Um...I am an only child. My parents are from here in New York," I said.

Evelyn raised an eyebrow, as if expecting more.

"That's...interesting," she responded, her tone not quite matching the word. "What do your parents do?"

"Both of my parents are teachers," I answered, hoping to add a bit more substance to my background.

Evelyn's lips formed a tight line, and she leaned back in her chair. "Teachers, huh? They are quite underpaid, aren't they?" Evelyn said.

"Yes, but they love what they do," I said defensively.

Hunter shot me a supportive look, but Evelyn continued, undeterred. "And what about your own ambitions, Tatiana? Wha