Chapter 4
Layla stared at Madeline in disbelief and couldn’t say anything for a while.
“Has Madeline lost her mind! How dare she talk to me like this?” Layla was a little annoyed as she grumbled inwardly. By the time she went to chase after Madeline, the latter had already taken the elevator down with her grandparents.
“Good grief! Madeline is such an eyesore. Layla angrily punched the elevator door once, then became somewhat worried.
“The main agenda is being put off again. August is already here. If we don’t resolve this soon, how is Winnie going to start her semester! Life has been smooth sailing for Winnie since she was a child. If she can’t get into a top–tier university, it will be a huge blow for her,” she thought.
Madeline had been pretty stubborn lately, especially after her injury. Therefore, Layla believed it would be wiser to wait until Madeline was out of the hospital before pressuring her once more.
Regardless, Layla doubted that a mere 18–year–old could be rebellious for long. She believed that eventually, Madeline would succumb and submit
Just give her a few days, and she will undoubtedly fall in line with my plans. She’s never defied my wishes for long. This time will be no different, Layla contemplated as she stepped into the elevator, her Chanel high heels tapping lightly on the floor.
Layla was convinced that Madeline would eventually succumb to her demands.
She pulled out her phone and initiated the process of ordering university supplies for Winslet through her assistant.
“Considering that Winnie will be attending the most prestigious university, we can’t afford to cut corners. Her wardrobe must be lavish to maintain her image. Being a top student, even her everyday items and skincare products should be of the highest quality, preferably imported. Layla pondered with great interest and went on, “On top of that, it would be ideal to provide Winnie with a car valued at around 100 thousand dollars. This would ensure her ease of transportation between home and school. Naturally, she won’t be residing in a dormitory…
Following this scheme, Layla would be expending over 120 thousand dollars before the commencement of the semester.
She let out a sigh, remarking, “It’s really costly to send a child to school, but this is the reality of raising a daughter.”
As Layla settled into her car, she reflected on Madeline’s situation. Madeline had dedicated months to her studies, relying on student grants. She even worked part–time on weekends to cover her living costs.
As for the 200 dollars of pocket money given by the Larson family each month, Madeline asked her parents to send all of it to Frank and Helena. However, Layla had no desire to maintain contact with people from a rural background
Besides, the meager amount of money sent to Madeline’s adoptive grandparents was insignificant in Layla’s eyes. It wouldn’t even cover a single piano lesson for Winslet, so she saw no issue in using it for herself.
Whether or not it was life–saving money had nothing to do with her, and she couldn’t care less.
Layla was determined to prevent the elderly couple from the countryside from becoming attached to the Larson family. She feared that once they latched on, they would prove difficult to remove.
As they left the hospital. Frank and Helena were filled with unease.
Helena said, “Maddie, perhaps we shouldn’t have come here. Don’t worry about us. You should go back and apologize to your mother
Echoing his wife’s sentiments, Frank chimed in, saying. That’s right. There’s no lingering resentment between a mother and daughter. Go back and talk things out. Your mother won’t be angry with you. As for us, we know the way. We’ll head to the bus station and catch a bus back home. We still have chickens and ducks to take care of
“Grandpa, Grandma, you are my only family. As for the Larson family, don’t mind them,” said Madeline in response.
“Maddie, you shouldn’t say that. Your mom gave birth to you after months of pregnancy, Helena advised with concern. “Even though your mom might say things in a harsh manner, there’s no mother in this world who doesn’t love her children.”
“All right, we can discuss this another time.” Madeline replied with a detached tone, finding that her detached approach was helping her navigate the situation.
As they settled into the restaurant, Madeline’s fiance, Benjamin, the one who had added insult to her injury, suddenly called her
The memories of his hurtful words, when he exposed her, came rushing back, causing her expression to turn icy
A stadder chill swept over her
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Chapter 4
Their four year relationship had turned out to be a joke.
Madeline answered the phone with a sullen face. “What’s up?”
“Maddie, when will you be discharged from the hospital? T’I go and pick you up in my car,” Benjamin said in a very gentle tone. “By the way, especially prepared a graduation gift for you. You will love it.”
Thinking of the past, Madeline recalled how she used to be genuinely touched by Benjamin’s small gestures and gifts. However, now all she could do was silently mock herself “Let’s talk about it later. I’m busy right now. Bye,” she said to him
Benjamin sounded somewhat taken aback. “Maddie, haven’t you often complained about me not being able to spend time with you? You-”
However, she had already hung up.
After the meal, Madeline was determined to leave her phone number with Frank and Helena so they could stay in touch,
She then accompanied them to the bus station to see them off
Frank and Helena were moved as they realized that Madeline was as sensible and considerate as ever.
In the following days, the Larson family
vily didn’t visit Madeline in the hospital anymore.
It was as if Madeline wasn’t a Larson.
After a few days. Madeline was discharged, and only the butler came to pick her up.
“Ms. Madeline Larson, since Ms. Winslet Larson has been in low spirits recently, the entire family, including Mr. Thomas Larson, Mrs. Larson, and the others, have gone to the nearby mountain retreat to escape the summer heat. Shall I give Mrs. Larson a call and send you over there, too?” the butler asked.
Madeline sneered, “No,”
Since she wasn’t informed, she wouldn’t be so shameless as to show up uninvited.
“They are enjoying their family time. What am I joining them for?” she thought.
Upon arriving home, Madeline gazed at the imposing mansion before her,
There were seven water glasses of the same style on the table. All of them were in pale blue, Winslet’s favorite color, but each had a different pattern.
This was the tacit understanding among their family members.
“Ms. Larson, you must be parched. Have a glass a water. It’s important to stay hydrated, especially after being discharged from the hospital.” Anne Hayes, the housekeeper, offered kindly as she handed Madeline a disposable cup filled with warm water.
Madeline looked at Anne, the only person in the family who was friendly to her. “Thank you, Anne.”
“You’re welcome. What would you like to cat tonight? I’ll make it for you. How about some mushroom soup to nourish your body? Does that sound good!” Anne asked.
Anne truly felt sorry for Madeline,
Even though Winslet was adored by the whole family, Anne was more cari
more caring to
the real daughter of the family, Madeline.
“It’s so unfair,” she thought.
“You have to take good care of your injured head and try not to get sad or upset. It’s not good for your health, Anne said.
Madeline nodded with a smile.
When Anne noticed that Madeline was not as unhappy as usual, she couldn’t help feeling a lot more relieved. “A young girl like yourself should have been more lively like this.”
After saying that, Anne turned around and went to work in the kitchen.
After a while, Bergamsin canse,
Carrying some gifts in his hand, Benjamin glanced around the house as he entered before setting his eyes on Madeline.
Chapter 4
Madeline dressed plainly, and she looked a little pale as she was just discharged from the hospital.
She appeared to be a little thinner, but her bearing was not as timid and inferior as she used to be. Instead, she was a lot calmer and colder.
Her whole being seemed to have some subtle yet special changes.
Benjamin smiled a bit more sincerely and said, “Maddie, I’m glad that you’ve been discharged.”
“I got two necklaces. The one in the plain white box is for you, and it’s a bit more expensive. The other one is in the box with the pink vicuna bow, which I got at a discounted price, Benjamin said as he deliberately put the exquisite box with a pink vicuna bow on the other side. I’m worried that your sister might think I’m showing favoritism if I give her the cheaper one. I hope you understand. I’ve known Winslet for a while, and I don’t want her to feel that I prioritize romance over friendship,” he added.
As Benjamin spoke, he handed the necklace box to Madeline. “Open it, and see if you like it.”
Madeline didn’t accept the gift right away.
At first glance, she noticed the distinction between the two gifts and couldn’t help but let out a mocking laugh,
“Does he really think of me as a fool?” she scoffed inwardly.
