Chapter 37
Thomas was not concerned about Madeline’s mood.
As long as Madeline continued to obey them, she would be considered a good daughter to him.
“Listen to your mother, and in due course, you’ll possess everything Winnie does, he assured.
Internally, Madeline sneered, yet outwardly, she sustained an obedient demeanor. “Dad, I understand”
“It’s through discipline that a child evolves into a dutiful one, Lay la expressed with pride.
“Madeline’s defiance had once been pronounced, but now, her willingness to conform is all due to her good upbringing by me, Layla thought proudly.
Harley added, “Winnie, let’s go out for a drive. Have you decided where you want to go
“Absolutely. My mind is set, Winslet replied with a radiant smile. “Let’s visit my university. You haven’t had the chance to see it vet, have you?”
“My school boasts an exquisite charm. While we’re there, be sure to capture snapshots of me, perfect for my Instagram” Winslet suggested.
Harley could not help but chuckle. “Seems like you’re all about the photos, huh?”
This time. I’ve got top–notch equipment. Behold, an authentic camera. A gift from Lucas, Winslet pointed out.
Lucas responded, “Well, as long as you like it.”
Henry cast a fleeting glance at the somewhat detached Madeline
“Winnie, there are moments when it’s wiser n University today.”
not to attract excessive attention. Maybe we should reconsider visiting Acocester
her
Layla disagreed, saying, Tm intrigued to see it as well. There’s no harm in visiting the place where Winnie will pursue studies, is there? After all, she’ll be spending four years at the Accester University.”
Going for a leisurely drive as a family to any place would have been fine, yet they insisted on heading to Acocester University.
For Madeline, that surely must have been like a heart–wrenching ordeal.
Fortunately, Madeline did not care.
They drove two cars out of the house.
Winslet occupied the driver’s seat, with Madeline seated beside her in the front.
In the rear, Jacob, Joel, and Lucas formed a lineup regarding Madeline with frosty countenances.
Joel cautioned, “Madeline, today marks a rare occasion for the entire family to venture out together. Let’s not court any Annecessary disruptions.”
A self–mocking smile graced Madeline’s lips as she sighed. “Jacob, am I truly perceived as such an individual in your eyes? Things have been set, and I don’t want to get involved in anything now.”
Joel was suspicious of Madeline’s words, and he mused accusingly inside, “She had hurt Winslet time and time again. She couldn’t possibly have changed so suddenly, Who knows, maybe she’s just hiding her intentions.
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Jacob proceeded to speak, but his tone remained indifferent. “It’s good if you can understand. Repeating a year shouldnt pose an insurmountable challenge for you. Keep the broader perspective in mind.”
The vehicle gradually set into motion
Lucas commented, “Henry’s car is really impressive. He is so generous. I’m guessing this car is worth more than 100 thousand dollars, right?”
Winslet, feigning ignorance, responded, “Henry mentioned it’s a car worth 100 thousand dollars, so it’s unlikely to surpass that price range. Since I’m using it for my daily commute to school, I wouldn’t want an excessively lavish luxury car that might dissuade people from associating with me.
Joel knew the car and stated matter–of–factly. This car actually costs 240 thousand dollars.”
240 thousand dollars?” A rush of exhilaration coursed through Winslet, despite having previously confirmed the price. She playfully complained, “Why does Henry have to be like this? Wasn’t it said that the car dealership’s annual earnings are 2 million dollars at most?”
“He just gave me a car worth over 200 thousand dollars. I’ll certainly give him a piece of my mind next time!” Winslet muttered under her breath.
Artfully feigning a tone of concern, Winslet continued, “Henry is so frugal when it comes to himself, yet he consistently bestows upon me such extravagant gifts.”
Jacob eased back into his seat, his words laced with understanding. “It’s because Henry cherishes you, so just accept it. After all, he has just one sister to dote on. Who else would he spend money on?”
Madeline looked sideways and stared blankly at the landscape outside the window.
Winslet could not help but find the situation slightly amusing. Observing Madeline’s outward indifference, she discerned the facade of strengths that Madeline had chosen to portray
The turmoil lurking beneath that veneer of composure was unfathomable.
The car soon arrived at Acocester Univerity.
Although the official commencement of the Acocester University term was still days away, numerous students had already! converged on the premises.
The luxury car’s entry into the campus drew significant attention
Once the car stopped, Winslet emerged gracefully from the driver’s seat
Passersby exchanged hushed comments as she stepped out.
“This young lady possesses such remarkable beauty, and the car she arrived in appears remarkably high–end. Could she be a daughter from a wealthy family enrolled here?”
“Look at those three young men alighting from the car. They’re quite handsome, aren’t they?”
“Wow, are they all here to study?”
f doesn’t appear that way. It seems they’re here to accompany this young lady to the campus.”
Tm so envious. What kind of treatment is this?”
The envious remarks from the bystanders only served to bolster Winslet’s pride. Purposefully, she approached Jacob and looped her arm through his
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“Jacob, you’re usually swamped with work. I assume it has been while since you set foot on a school campus, Join me, and let’s wander around.”
Jacob playfully tousled Winslet’s hair and offered a warm smile. All right, I’m game.”
Jacob’s face caught the attention of a passerby.
“Isn’t that the CEO of Larson Group? Previously, he appeared at an event, and his photograph became a trending sensation, even gaining prominence on international platforms.”
“That’s certainly impressive. His appearance is as remarkable as his accomplishments,”
Several individuals emerged from the car trailing behind them.
In the face of the envious and covetous gazes that abounded, Winslet maintained a poised demeanor, standing tall with her back straight, radiating a sense of pride.
Beside her, Madeline stood with a slightly disheveled appearance as if her presence was solely to accentuate Winslet’s brilliance.
They strolled across the campus for a while.
“Maddie, I’ll study hard for sure. I won’t let your kindness go to waste. I swear that over these four years of university, Ill excel in my examinations every year and secure scholarships.”
The fervor of determination illuminated Winsler’s eyes.
Layla’s lips curved into a smile as she spoke. “Winnie’s confidence is enough. Talks of scholarships and such… Our family is only slightly lacking”
Winslet interjected, her tone measured, “That’s not entirely accurate. This opportunity was facilitated by Maddie, and I intend to cherish it.”
Madeline mustered a smile, although her eyes did not fully reflect it.
That statement struck her as deeply poignant, and a pang of heartbreak coursed through her.
After all, Acocester University was a prestigious institution and one of the most prominent schools in the provincial capital.
The campus was expansive, boasting superb facilities and an atmosphere of scholastic rigor.
As Madeline strolled through the campus, she could not help but sense the distinctive ambiance that set the university apart from the outside world.
Such a pivotal juncture could not be allowed to pass her by.
On the other hand, Winslet briskly approached, clasping two bottles of water in her grasp.
“Maddie, why don’t you have a bottle of mineral water? You must be really hot, Winslet proposed.
The two sisters led the way, forging ahead.
The family members trailing behind observed contentedly, believing the sisters shared a harmonious camaraderie. Unbeknownst to them, the nature of their discourse diverged significantly from the pleasant exterior.
“Maddie, you must be feeling rather disheartened, I imagine. This was the very institution you were poised to attend. In the future, you might not even qualify for the entrance examination Despite your prolonged resistance, the seat ultimately landed in my lap.
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Chapter 37
An oppressive sensation seuled within Madeline’s chest, and her breathing was tainted with a trace of derision.
“In that case, savor your without hesitation.
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triumph a while longer. Pray it doesn’t transpire to be a fruitless endeavor, Madeline shot back
“Am I destined for futility? I’m inclined to think otherwise,” replied Winslet, her tone laced with unwavering confidence. “Mom and Dad shower me with affection, and every one of my brothers is at my beck and call. It’s me who’s studying here and not you, Madeline. Even your fiancé is also following me like an obedient puppy. I can’t even determine who’s left with empty hands.”
Winslet’s expression brimmed with disdain and taunt. She was a clear victor in her own estimation. “If I were you, I’d obediently go back to the countryside and stop being a nuisance here, don’t you think?”
Madeline glanced at her.
Winslet had already eagerly reunited with her parents and siblings.
Conveniently, a stand of trees separated them. It was nature’s partition distinguishing their realms.
Madeline’s lips formed a delicate curve as she murmured to herself, “In due time, I won’t need to exert myself this way anymore. I won’t need to observe them in their facade of paternal and filial unity
