Because Sophia loved spicy food, every meal had to be packed with spicy dishes, with no regard for Jessica's inability to eat spicy food.

Jessica, being sensible, chose to endure it each time.

With the SAT just around the corner, I didn't want any household disputes to affect her mood, so I kept swallowing my anger.

But today, Sophia's words struck a blow to Jessica's self-esteem. After getting scolded at school, she was now sitting at the table, clutching her fork, her head hanging low.

I could see big tears splashing onto the table, and I could clearly hear Jessica's quiet sobs.

I slammed my fork down and glared coldly at Sophia.

"Just keep your mouth shut if you have nothing nice to say."

"How dare you talk to me like that?"

Mia stormed out of the kitchen, holding a bowl of rice, and yelled right in my face.

"How can you say that way? You won't even let Sophia say a word?"

"Why isn't she sleeping at home and instead goes to school to sleep? Who knows what she's secretly doing at night while staying awake?"

Sophia set down her utensils, crossed her arms, and said in a sarcastic tone.

"I wasn't wrong. Jessica falls asleep at school every day. It's become famous! Not only does she refuse to study, but she also disrupts others. Sleepyhead! Sleepyhead! Sleepyhead!"

"Shut your mouth!"

I shot to my feet, shouting in anger.

But Sophia's words were like the final straw that broke the camel's back. Jessica flung her fork onto the table, covered her face, and ran to her room.

Mia let out a cold laugh, the disdain on her face mirroring Sophia's.

"Laura, you shouldn't spoil Jessica so much. What good is it if she used to be a top student but crumbles when it matters most? Unlike Jessica, Sophia is diligent with her studies every day. She even mentioned wanting to enroll in a prep course today."

As she spoke, Mia extended her hand toward me as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"Give me twenty thousand dollars. I need it to enroll Sophia in the prep course."

I thought to myself, "Twenty thousand dollars? Why doesn't she just go rob a bank?"

Worried about Jessica, I couldn't be bothered to engage with Mia's outrageous demand.

"Shouldn't you be the one paying for Sophia's tutoring? Why should I cover the cost?"

"You married my son, so your money is our family's money!"

I felt she was ridiculous. I couldn't even eat dinner.