This remark completely ignited Mandy's fury.

She stood up angrily, pointing at Bryden's nose and shouting, "How dare you say that to me?"

"Mom..."

"I've raised you for over twenty years, and now you call me petty? Fine, if you think someone else is more generous, go recognize them as your mother! From now on, I'm not your mom. Don't call me 'Mom' anymore!"

Bryden hadn't anticipated his mother would get so furious. But now that she was in a rage, anything he said would only escalate her anger. ...