Chapter 158
Winslet had been extra cautious lately, keenly aware of Jasmine’s fate and determined to avoid a similar downfall. She stayed out of trouble and kept her distance from Madeline. Now, on the verge of reaching her goals and leaving Acaceste behind, she knew she couldn’t afford any mistakes.
Her face had healed well, but each morning, looking in the mirror brought a wave of discomfort. There was still some swelling, and her once charmingly rounded face had been reshaped into a more defined, oval shape.
Her nose
had been refined and her eyes reshaped, but it was her sore lips that troubled her most. Even sipping water was painful.
The nurse, Rory Ray, stood by, preparing her medication. “Ms. Larson, you’re recovering well. Don’t worry,” Rory said.
Feeling a mix of frustration and unease, Winslet asked, “Rory, do you think I looked better before or after the surgery?”
Rory hesitated before responding with a reassuring smile. “You look much better now. The surgery was worth it” Despite Rory’s reassurance, Winslet felt even more distressed. She had always been beautiful in her own right and didn’t want to feel like an imposter with a face that didn’t truly belong to her.
“Mr. Horton is coming soon. Do I look presentable?” Winslet asked.
“You’ve be
healed a lot,” ko
Kory replied with a nod. “With a bit of makeup, you’ll be just fine.”
Winslet began applying makeup to shape her features to resemble Madeline’s. She then selected a dress from Madeline’s old wardrobe and put it on. This dress is so cheap and uncomfortable,” she muttered.
Sometimes, late at night, when she caught a glimpse of her reflection, a wave of disgust would wash over her. She hated this new face–Madeline’s face–but knew it was necessary for her future. After finishing her makeup, she studied herself in the mirror.
She was about 60 percent there–close enough–but her facial muscles still didn’t move quite right due to the surgery. Winslet practiced Madeline’s expressions daily, convinced she was improving.
Downstairs, Winslet spotted Layla, Sharon, and an unfamiliar woman sitting on the couch. A wave of nervousness swept over her. “Mom, Aunt Sharon” she greeted politely
Sharon smiled and gestured for her to come closer. “Winnic, come over here.
The unfamiliar woman, Emma Horton, looked puzzled. “Winnie? I thought her name was Madeline”
“Her former name was Madeline, but she goes by Winslet now. Winnie is just a nickname.” Sharon said smoothly, her expression unwavering despite the lie. I thought the old name didn’t suit her, so I decided to change it. Winslet seemed more modern and fitting for her.”
“Okay. Emma nodded, seemingly convinced. She then pulled out a check and handed it to Winslet. “Here, a liule welcome gift. Buy yourself something nice.
Winslet’s eyes widened when she saw the amount–it was in the millions. She nearly lost her composure but managed to stay calm as she handed the check back. “Mrs. Horton, I can’t accept such a generous gift. She had to maintain the appearance of a lady of quality.
Emma insisted. “Nonsense. Take it and buy yourself a car
As they chatted, Emma glanced at Winslet and tilted her head slightly. “You looked much thinner in the photos, What happened?”
Sharon quickly interjected. “Winnie’s been so busy taking care of me lately that she’s put on a little weight. She’s such a devoted daughter. Then, she thought. I’ll make sure Winslet starts a diet tomorrow.”
Emma smiled. “Health is important, too. It’s clear that she’s a caring person, taking such good care of her family”
She turned to Windles. “Nick speaks very highly of you. He’s quite particular, you know. When you marry him, we’ve already set aside a mansion in a prime location in the capital for the two of you. Once you have time, you can meet with the designer and discuss the interior.”
Winslet blinked in stunned disbelief as Emma added, “And we’ll transfer the house to your name. Now that Nick has completed his studies and you’re both starting a family, my husband and I have decided to hand over the family business for both of you to manage.”
“Even though the company is valued at 1 billion dollars, if you manage it well, we’ll grant you shares in it.” Emma’s words hair Winslet like a bombshell. Even at the Larson residence, she had never encountered such wealth.
Her hands trembled slightly as she processed it all–a 2 million dollar gift to buy a car, a 1 billion dollar company to manage, and a mansion in the rapital with her name on the deed. Winslet felt as though she were floating on air. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined such ailluence She thought. Who cares if I didnt d
1 do well in school or have a fancy education? I’ve won, and I’ve won big Winslet stammered. “M–Mrs. Horton, İs
12:13 PM
Chapter 138
thi
These are what you deserve. We handled our other children’s marriages same way,” Emma said nonchalantly. The union between the two families would bring great benefits, and she was focused on making sure everything went smoothly.
the
She clearly adored Nick and was ensuring his marriage was flawless. While the marriages of her older sons were arranged by the family. Nick’s was different he had chosen Winslet himself.
After Emma left, Sharon looked at the excited Winslet with a knowing smile. “See! I told you the surgery was worth it.”
“You’re right, Aunt Sharon. I won’t forget your help Winslet said. Sharon snorted, knowing she had Winslet’s most vulnerable weakness in ber grasp. She wasn’t worried that Winslet would become unhelpful With a final glance, Sharon left.
Layla, unable to contain her excitement, grabbed the check. “2 million dollars! Winnic, if our company had this, we could weather any crisis.”
Winslet’s expression tightened, and she quickly took the check back. “Mom, you’re mistaken. This money is from Mrs. Horton–specifically for me If I don’t use it to properly set myself up and buy a decent car, what will Mrs. Horton think of me?”
She continued. “Don’t worry. Mrs. Horton will send a betrothal gift, and that will be for the family. Besides, once I marry into their family, the benefits will be endless. Without another word, Winslet tucked the check away and decided to head out to go shopping.
Just then. Thomas and Jacob returned, both looking exhausted and stressed. Overhearing the conversation, Thomas asked angrily, “Winnie, why don’t you give the money to Jacob! Do you realize how much he’s sacrificed for this family? He’s endured so much for your sake!”
Jacob’s expression reflected a mix of emotions. Winslet, clutching the check, protested. “But… I barely spend any family money as it is.”
She added, “If people find out that the welcome gift I received was spent by Jacob, won’t they think he’s a gold digger? Why can’t you think about me for once? The connections I’ll gain are worth far more than this 2 million dollars.”
The term “gold digger” struck a nerve, deeply upsetting Thomas and Layla, and leaving Jacob equally humiliated.
“How can you say that? Layla snapped. “When Jacob was sick, Madeline worked an entire month to earn 800 dollars and didn’t keep a cent for herself. She traveled miles to find a master for Jacob and even got him that pen he loved so much. You’re the most favored in this family, yet you act so selfishly–worse than Madeline!”
Winsler’s face went pale Jacob, visibly shaken, instinctively reached into his pocket to retrieve the pen he always kept with him. “Mom… What did you just say? Who gave me this?”
Realizing her slip, Layla’s expression turned to one of panic.
