Niki pressed her face close to the glass display, eyes fixed on the pottery inside, utterly captivated.
"Mom, did Great-Grandma really make these?" she asked, her voice full of wonder.
Danielle smiled. "She did."
Patiently, Danielle explained the techniques behind each piece, recounting their origins and the history woven into their curves and colors.
Niki listened intently, hanging on every word.
Suddenly, a drawling voice came from behind them, dripping with sarcasm. "Since when does a housewife pretend to be a culture expert?"
Danielle's posture stiffened as she turned to see Alexander and Millie approaching, their son Raffy in tow. Liam lingered just behind them, arms folded, a smug smirk playing on his lips.
Alexander's expression was unreadable, as if he were simply a bystander observing a mildly amusing scene.
Raffy shot Niki a look. "Go ahead, believe whatever she says. Just don't embarrass yourself at school later."
Danielle faced Liam squarely. "Funny. This place is huge, yet you all keep finding your way over to me."
Millie stepped in, her tone sugary sweet. "It's just a coincidence, Danielle. We brought Raffy to broaden his horizons, expose him to a little art and culture."
"If you can bring Niki," she added with a pointed smile, "surely Raffy deserves to be here too."
Liam's sneer deepened. "Honestly, there's nothing special to see here. The displays are pretty basic—everyone knows this stuff. What could you possibly have to teach, Danielle? Showing off in front of a preschooler is all you're good for."
Alexander, meanwhile, stood at the edge of the group, silent, his gaze distant, as if none of this concerned him.
Danielle let out a cold laugh. "If Mr. Liam enjoys playing lapdog to your little family, that's your business. But don't bark at everyone else just because you're bored."
With that, Danielle took Niki's hand and strode away, not giving Liam a chance to retaliate. His face darkened instantly. "Did she just call me a dog?!"
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