Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen

Upon laying eyes on Diane, Mia swiftly discerned the motive behind her visit.
Despite Patricia's clear refusal earlier that morning, why did she still decide to show up in the evening?
Diane was in the company of two others, one of whom was a man.
The way he gazed at Mia left no doubt as to his identity.
Still, Mia couldn't help but ponder Diane's apparent lack of discretion in this situation.
"Ah, Ms. Lane, welcome home. We've been anticipating your return for quite a while," Diane greeted warmly as she stood up.
"This is the friend I was telling you about, along with her son. Isn't he quite dashing? I assure you, I have nothing but good
intentions; Aunt Patricia and I are quite close, after all."
Mia remained unfazed, her eyes fixed on Sage and Ginger. "Both of you, go back to your rooms."
"Oh, that won't be necessary," Diane interjected. "They've brought gifts for the children-luxurious chocolates, the kind favored by
the affluent."
Meeting Diane's gaze, the middle-aged woman, Pamela Baker, assumed a touch of superiority. "Certainly, feel free to help
yourselves. After all, you probably haven't tasted such delicacies before. They're quite expensive."
Mia glanced disinterestedly at the candies arranged neatly on the table. Despite their fruit-flavored labels, she doubted their
exorbitant cost.
After all, Sage and Ginger were accustomed to Eva's homemade candies, crafted from only the finest ingredients.
Unperturbed, Mia calmly declined, "No, thank you. These sweets aren't exactly nutritious. I'd rather the children not indulge in
such snacks."
With a touch of innocence, Ginger gazed up at Mia and added, "Mommy, Uncle says we shouldn't eat these unhealthy candies.
They'll damage our teeth."
Meanwhile, Sage maintained a serious demeanor as he quipped, "Candies of this quality wouldn't even be considered at our
home."

With each comment from Sage and Ginger, Diane and Pamela's expressions grew increasingly uncomfortable.
Displeased, Pamela snapped, "Noah, why are you still seated there?"
It was evident that someone as temperamental as Pamela might not fit well into their family dynamic.
In the next moment, Noah Young, the man in question, approached Mia, extending his hand eagerly.. "Ms. Lane, it's a pleasure
to meet you must say, I have a very
positive first impression of you.
"I believe there's much to gain from us getting acquainted. You'll find that despite your ex-husband, there are still good men in
this world."
Noah's words sent a wave of discomfort through Mia. She had never encountered such shameless audacity in a man before.
She withheld her hand, giving Noah only a fleeting glance. "I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in pursuing a relationship or
participating in a blind date."
Unfazed, Noah continued, "Even if it's not a blind date, we can still get acquainted. It won't do any harm."
Mia decided to be direct to convey her stance. "I'm not interested in getting to know you. It's late, so I kindly ask that you leave
now."
Pamela's anger surged upon hearing Mia's response. "Ms. Lane, why the arrogance? Remember, you're divorced with two
children! How do you expect to compete with a younger woman?
"Just because your ex-husband was wealthy, do you think you can still attract another rich man? Sadly, you may have already
passed your prime."
Mia responded bluntly, her expression unyielding, "If that's the logic you're using, then by your son's age, you should be
considered worthless by now."
"What's with the attitude?" Pamela snapped.
"I've already rejected your matchmaking attempts, yet here you are shamelessly intruding without invitation. What kind of attitude
do you seriously expect from me?" Mia shot back.

Following Mia's assertive reply, Diane quickly interjected, "Ms. Lane, please don't say that. I'm just worried about you."
"And you," Mia addressed Diane.
"You're precisely what I'd anticipate from being her friend. It's evident you both follow the same script, completely unable to grasp
a straightforward refusal."