A Ruling Passion – Chapter 1536

Before Mary could react, storm clouds poured over Aunt Shelly’s mien. “Ex-cu-se me? Who taught you to call your housekeeper ‘Granny?’ Seriously, a bystander might not have known any better and thought you really were her grandson!”

Mary shot Arianne a grimace of discomfort, who herself found Shelly’s irreverent attitude and tone rubbing her off. Still, outwardly, Arianne mustered her patience and explained, “The Tremont family hasn’t had an ‘older gen’ for so many years, and since Mary and Henry have been part of the family for so long, they’re like seniors to us. In this vein, there’s nothing wrong with having Smore call Mary granny, right? At the end of the day, it’s just a form of address. It’s far from the sort of thing up for debate. Come on, Smore. Mommy’s taking you to the shower now.”

Shelly was usually self-aware enough to stop before things escalated, but this seemed to be an exception. She simply refused to let go. “The Tremonts haven't had an actual elder until now, you mean. Now, though, Smore has one, and that’s me. Therefore, I should be his only Granny, and no domestic worker is gonna take that away!”

Mary could see Arianne’s frown deepening. Worried, she stepped forward and tried to mediate between them. “O-Okay, we got your point, and you’re absolutely right about this. B-But Smore’s gonna need some time before he could change, right? So, please give him some time for that, please? No rushing?”

Arianne took Smore into her arms before regarding Shelly. “I mean, you’re not wrong. You’re technically Smore’s Grandaunt, but that’s all, right? ‘Grandaunt’ not ‘grandma’ or something. Besides,” she added jovially, “You look honest-to-God young to the eyes, Aunt Shelly. If he calls you Granny as you insist, it will make you seem way older than you look. That can’t be right, can it? Ultimately, it’s just an address. No need to fight over it. ”