"What kind of girl runs her mouth with zero upbringing? You're exactly like that mother of yours."
She didn't spare a glance at the fury in my eyes before turning to Christine with a warm smile.
"Now, now, in-law, don't be angry! Ava's been spoiled rotten since she was little."
"She's just got a temper, that's all. She's not bad at heart."
With Sylvia vouching for them, Sebastian and Christine found their footing in an instant.
"We're not unreasonable people," Christine said.
"Ava gets on her knees and apologizes. Signs the condo over. Then she puts it in writing that she'll obey her husband from now on."
"Do all that, and we can let today go. We'll still let her marry into the family."
Sylvia nodded along, all smiles. "Exactly, exactly. We're all family here. No need to let a little misunderstanding ruin things."
"Ava! Did you hear that? Settle this right now, in front of the officers."
"You're twenty-five. I found you a good man, and you can't even appreciate it!"
"Don't think owning some lousy apartment makes you special. What the hell good is a big place? A woman still needs a man at the end of the day!"
I drew a long breath and turned to the two officers.