I booked the most expensive restaurant downtown and hired a professional party-planning team.
Other parents praised me for being such a devoted mom.
I took Daniel’s arm and smiled blissfully.
“Daniel says money isn’t the point—our child’s happiness is what matters most.”
Daniel’s smile froze.
Not far away, my in-laws’ faces were so dark they could drip ink.
Midway through the party, my mother-in-law dragged me into a corner, barely suppressing her anger.
“Emily, do you have any idea how much this afternoon cost? Over a hundred thousand! Are you trying to drain our family dry?”
I looked innocent.
“Mom, I missed Ethan’s birthday last year because of overtime. He was sad for an entire year. I’m making it up to him.”
“Besides, with so many parents here, doesn’t hosting a classy event bring honor to the Carter family?”
“See? Everyone’s praising how capable Daniel is.”
She was left speechless.
When the party ended and the guests had all gone, Daniel finally exploded.
He jabbed a finger at my nose and roared, “What exactly are you trying to do—bleed this family dry until you’re satisfied?”
I looked at his agitated face and replied calmly,