Layla’s heart ached when she heard this. Tiana was too harsh, but her words reminded Layla of her grief. They had returned with the hope of starting a good life, but these people put on airs to intimidate them before they could even take a seat. Layla thought, When Maddie first came house, did she want the same and live peacefully with us? But…She became a bit dispirited. “Tiana, you’re right to teach me a lesson. But we’ll see each other often from now on. Let’s not say anything unpleasant that would make us feel bad.” Layla had experienced it herself from hurting Madeline’s feelings. Now she found it hard to make it up
Tuana snorted and shook her head. “I don’t feel like talking to you. Where’s Madeline? Is she still dawdling behind? She should still abide by certain rules as a younger generation, despite her background and connections.”
Layla was taken aback that she suddenly asked about Madeline. Even if the family valued their younger generation, she had brought her sons back. Layla had no clue why Tiana mentioned Madeline. Layla was well aware that big families cared about continuing the family line, so her sons being here should have been enough. Moreover, she came here to prove that they could live well without relying on Madeline. “Maddie’s in Acocester. She didn’t come with us,” Layla explained. “She didn’t want to come over.
“What?” Ruth could no longer remain seated. All she wanted was Madeline. What good were they without Madeline “Who told you all to come back
without her?”
Layla hurriedly explained, “Ruth, she didn’t want to come. We’ve invited her several times, but she is very rebellious now. It’s better she doesn’t come back so as not to offend you all.”
“Shut up Ruth snapped. Is this a place for you to speak?”
Tiana couldn’t help but gloat as she looked at Layla, thinking how utterly foolish Layla was. She talked inwardly. Does she really think we care about them? What we want is just Madeline. We only tolerate you people for Madeline’s sake.
Bella held back her urge to laugh and quickly picked up her coffee cup, pretending to take a sip. She used to be the “actress” that Ruth despised, but at least she was smart. It seemed like Thomas‘ family was in a worse situation than hers, and they weren’t as smart. It looked like she wouldn’t be the one struggling the most in the family from now on…
Conner pursed his lips: his once–enthusiastic and forgiving demeanor while speaking with T Thomas, I don’t mean to criticize, but how could you not bring Madeline!” He couldn’t directly say that they were willing to make sacrifices due to
Thomas‘ family had given way to a somber look the people behind Madeline. But he was really irritated at Thomas’s family for acting as though they didn’t know what was going on.
Layla was extremely embarrassed. Thomas had told her several times that the Larson family wanted them back because of Madeline, but she had always dismissed it, thinking it was for the sake of family harmony. Now, even if she was conceited, she knew something was off
to rest!
Ruth straightened up directly. “I’m tired. I’m going to
Layla watched as everyone dispersed noisily. She stood in place, unsure of what to do next.
Everyone had left, and Bells approached with a gentle smile. “Layla, you’ve upser Ruth. This is really bad. Why don’t you guys try to persuade Madeline to come back! After speaking, Bella left with a cheerful grin.
Layla felt a chill run through her, “Honey, what are we going to do? What about our villa! What about our share of the family dividends” Thomas sighed. “I knew this would happen.”
Layla grunted. “If you knew, why didn’t you tell me earlier?
“I’ve told you many times, but you wouldn’t listen. Who can you blame?” Thomas was extremely annoyed and was about to leave, brushing his sleeves in frustration.
Sharon swiftly said, “Thomas, Layla, I’ve already arranged a place for you to stay. Shall we go there now?
Sharon’s attitude was different from the others; she was eager and sincere. She understood clearly that even if Madeline didn’t come, these were Madeline’s parents and they couldn’t be treated coklly. If Madeline doesn’t care about her family for real, why would she scold Vanessa for Thomas the other day? Her thoughts were racing. The family has a tight budget for this. I truly wanted to set you up with something better, so please don’t hold it against me if it’s not satisfactory”
Sharon had several plans in mind. Now that Ruth was gone in anger, she couldn’t arrange a nice house for them. There happened to be a second- hand 1940–square–foot house in the suburbs, which was enough for their family to live in, but it was very old and had poor insulation
Still hoping to live in a grand villa, Layla happily followed Sharon to the accommodation. But when they arrived at the entrance of the neighborhood, Layla was immediately disappointed. This is an old house, right? It looks like it’s been here for twenty years. That’s just too old” No lush green trees or grass was in the neighborhood. The houses were cramped and dilapidated, not even comparing to the apartment complex they lived in back in Acocester
Sharon smilingly said, “Layla, you can’t say that. The land in this area is pricy. This house is worth billions of dollars. The costs here and in Acorrer cannot be complired”
1/2
Chapter 241
With a skeptical look, Layla entered a room. It was dusty and dark with no furniture at all. She couldn’t even cry because she felt so let down; if she had known, she never would have thought to come here and suffer. She had fantasized about living in that big mansion with them, or at least in a
villa
Sharon surveyed the condition of the house and muttered, “Layla, we haven’t arranged the furniture yet. Once it’s done, the surroundings will be much better. You’ll have to put up with spending a few days in a hotel because it just needs some work. By the way, we’ll have your luggage delivered over. No worries
After Sharon left, Lucas could barely step into the place. He looked at the broken and outdated tiles on the floor and the once–white ceiling now yellowed with dirty stains. “Mom, are you sure we’re here to enjoy a good life? It feels more like we’re here to suffer,” he said. “Maddie was right about it. She knew the Larson family wouldn’t treat us well. Coming here was a mistake.”
“You silly boy.” Layla forced an awkward smile. “This house is worth millions of dollars. The land in the capital is pricy. How is it not a good life! Once it’s renovated, it’ll be just fine.”
“Mom, are you sure?” Lucas looked out the window at the gnarled trees, and in the distance, he could see the conditions of other people’s homes. The lighting here is terrible. This is an old, broken house… The Larson family is so wealthy, but they let us live in such a place. Obviously, they’re trying to wear us down. He listened to the sound of toilets flushing upstairs and the sound of a television. “I’ve never lived in such a bad house before.”
Layla tried to explain. “Well, you’re just too used to being spoiled. Life will be good once we receive the family’s dividends, which will amount to hundreds of millions.”
