Linda’s smile wavered. “Because we enhanced your home. And because you’re joining this family.”
I blinked. “Joining? Linda… I’m not even married.”
She scoffed. “You’re practically married. Same thing.”
“No,” I said slowly, something clicking into place. “It’s not the same thing. And I’m definitely not paying for renovations I didn’t authorize.”
Her eyes narrowed before she lifted her chin like she held the final card. “You will pay,” she declared. “Because as Mason’s wife, you benefit from what we built.”
I stared at her. “As his wife?”
She paused. “Yes. As his wife.”
I whipped around to Mason so fast my neck protested. “Mason… what is she talking about?”
His expression stiffened for half a second before he forced a shrug. “It’s just how Mom talks.”
But Linda wasn’t watching me anymore—she was watching him, waiting for reinforcement.
