Charlotte's fingers curled into fists at her sides as she locked eyes with Lena. The smug smile on Lena's face made her blood boil, but she forced herself to keep her composure.
"Let's take this outside," Charlotte said, her voice clipped but controlled.
"Why?" Lena's smile didn't falter. If anything, she seemed amused. "Are you afraid of causing a scene in front of your dear grandmother?"
Before Charlotte could respond, Mrs. Williams shifted in her seat, worry etched across her face.
"Charlotte, dear, maybe we should all just sit down and—"
"Grandma, please," Charlotte held up a hand, cutting her off. "Stay out of this."
Mrs. Williams hesitated, glancing between the two women, but the firm look in Charlotte's eyes made her sigh in resignation.
Without another word, Charlotte turned and walked toward the door, her movements sharp with irritation.
She didn't look back to see if Lena would follow, she already knew she would.
