Ivy tapped her pen against the table and looked at Annie. "So, Annie, you mean even when you stole food… it was only because your brother needed it?"
Annie lowered her head. Her voice was small.
"Yes. I was ashamed. But I had no choice. He had just gone through surgery, and he needed food to recover. I didn't have anyone to turn to. So… I stole."
Ivy's eyes showed no judgment. She only nodded slowly.
She scribbled on the paper in front of her, though in truth she wasn't writing anything. Instead, she paused and asked in a calm voice,
"I also heard something else. Annie, your mother is very troublesome, isn't she? What are you planning to do about her?"
Annie lifted her head, startled. "My mother?"
"Yes." Ivy's gaze was steady. "I heard she causes problems. If she keeps following you, she may keep blackmailing you. So, what are you planning to do?"
