Daniel's raised voice took everyone by surprise. The person who looked startled the most was his mother.
"What did I say wrong? Do you mean to tell me that Anabella is not at fault for letting the house and dinner get to this position? If not her, whose fault is that things ended up this way? Should I blame-"
"Mother, I was the one who asked the current caretaker to leave my things as they are. If you have anyone to blame, then blame me for it."
Daniel's words felt like the nail in the coffin. His mother froze, and she turned toward her son with wide eyes.
Understanding flashed across her eyes before horror filled them.
"Daniel, you promised me you would not…I will talk to you about it later. For now, we should enjoy our dinner."
Now that her mother-in-law knew that this was not Anabella's fault, she was quick to retreat and not say much. The conversation fell flat, and her mother looked at Anabella to carry it on.