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used her up and threw her away.” After looking around at everyone’s startled faces, she took a big gulp from her wine glass.
    “Oh, Mimi, why do you always act like they’re my people?” Sophia pulled her brows down. “Your mother, what? She came into the states for temporary work?” She grabbed her wine glass and held it up to her lips. “Where did she work?”
    “She started off working in the fields. Picking green chilies. She’d harvest anything she could find just to work.” Mimi narrowed her eyes. “Then, she was pushed into more menial tasks.”
    “Such as?” Sophia took a tiny sip of wine.
    “Such as being pushed into taking care of the men who worked in the fields,” Mimi spat out. “Like you are so oblivious.”
    “Hmm, sounds reasonable, I suppose. Need to be productive as possible.” Sophia downed the rest of her wine.
    Blatant sorrow flashed across Mimi Carlyle’s face, and Ryder even felt sorry for her― until she opened her mouth; again.
    “Ah, but Sophia darling, I am surprised you know anything about these issues, after all when do you have time to read the paper or Google these issues? Let me guess, in between your Botox appointments?” Mimi laughed before adding, “Or perhaps between your manicures and hair bleaching?”
    Pouring the rest of the red liquid into her glass, Sophia’s mouth pinched together.
    “My mother died. No, your economy along with selfish, lazy indulgent attitudes killed my mother.”
    Roger Carlyle patted his wife’s hand. “We all know what a good, hard-working woman your mother was, Mimi dear.”
    “I watched her die,” Mimi said softly. “When I was ten-years-old. After an American abused her.”
    “There, there, dear.” Roger soothed her.
    “And all the while you all lived like kings. But me, I was dirt poor. You were probably shopping for new clothes and competing in toddler beauty pageants, Sophia.”
    Sophia pursed her lips. “I was never in toddler pageants, Mimi.” Pointing her index finger at Mimi, she added, “I didn’t have the most ideal upbringing either and while we’re clearing the air . . .” She tilted her head. “If you want to open up a can of worms―”
    This time Roger butted in. “Ah, Sophia, let’s move on to a more pleasant subject, shall we?”
    “You had more money and were certainly more privileged than I was!” Mimi burst out.
    “I wasn’t as wealthy as you think, Mimi,” Sophia muttered under her breath.
    Roger lowered his brow and drew out her name. “Sophiaaaaaa . . .”
    “Of course, Roger, you’re right.” Sophia sipped her wine before turning to Jeffrey. “Do you mind, getting another bottle of red, it appears we’ve finished this one.”
    “Anything for you, Sophia,” Jeffrey said and jumped out of his chair.
    Mimi narrowed her eyes at Sophia, as if she was daring her to say something.
    Tension shot up ten-fold in the elegant dining room and everyone adjusted themselves in their chairs. Ryder’s lettuce caught mid-throat until relief radiated on everyone’s face that Sophia focused on her food. Hell, it was uncomfortable enough already. He washed down his food with a gulp of beer.
    Soon the main course of grilled salmon, garlic potatoes and sugar snap peas were served and it was good. He never cooked like this at home that’s for sure. Sophia even announced the food as the servers brought out the cuisine. Was that how they did it at these cultured banquets? He wouldn’t know, since this was his first elegant soiree. The huge party he’d attended here before he started Edgington’s job had a huge buffet line and Sophia hadn’t broadcasted the food back then. Maybe it was all the people and it was such a large party.
    Christ, even then, with all the guests, he’d still felt like a loner and out of place. And he knew and talked to quite a few people that night, too. What was it with him? Didn’t he like people? Nah , I just don’t like crowds.
    Oh well, he shouldn’t have much longer