When Thalia saw Tiffany descending the stairs, she quickly rushed over. “Your foot hasn’t healed yet. Why are you coming down alone?” she asked, her voice filled with a mix of concern and gentle reproach as she reached out to support Tiffany.
The Kelley family doted on their daughter immensely, so to others, Tiffany was undoubtedly the pampered young lady born with a silver spoon in her mouth.
Feeling overlooked, Sandra couldn’t help but feel a pang of dissatisfaction and even jealousy. She believed she was just as capable as Tiffany, but while Tiffany enjoyed privilege from birth, Sandra had to navigate her own lesser status and seek approval constantly.
Why should it be that way?” Sandra fumed inwardly, though her smile never faltered. She stepped closer, offering to help Tiffany to her seat, and asked with feigned concern, “How did you get hurt? Didn’t Kenneth take care of you?”
Sandra’s tone oozed with feigned warmth, and her overly familiar mention of Kenneth only underscored the simmering hostility beneath the surface. Knowing that Kenneth had rejected Tiffany’s confession earlier that day, Sandra’s casual reference to him seemed calculated, a deliberate attempt to provoke.
In the past, Tiffany had foolishly considered Sandra a sister and a confidante, sharing everything with her and even seeking her advice on how to win Kenneth’s heart. Yet, the more she tried, the more Kenneth seemed to despise her. Reflecting now, Tiffany could see that the warning signs had always been there.
Casually sidestepping Sandra’s offered help, Tiffany gracefully settled onto the sofa and replied coolly, “Oh? You like Kenneth? If that’s the case, feel free to have him.”
Tiffany’s smile remained unchanged, her expression as seemingly innocent and easy to deceive as ever. But Sandra suddenly felt a shiver run down her spine.
“Tiffany, what are you saying? I’ve never had any improper thoughts about Kenneth. I’m thrilled you’re marrying the man you love!” Sandra replied, her tone smooth and composed.
Tiffany raised an eyebrow, her voice suddenly cold. “Sandra, do you know what your family’s real talent is?
“W-what do you mean?” Sandra stammered, caught off guard.
Tiffany’s smile didn’t reach her eyes as she continued, “Your father’s shamelessness is almost admirable, your mother’s greed knows no bounds, and you… you’ve mastered the art of pretending to care so well that you’ve nearly fooled yourself.” Her words were laced with venom, leaving no room for politeness.
No one could fathom the depth of Tiffany’s loathing for the Olsons.
“If I could, I’d destroy Sandra right here and now! Compared to what they did to my family these harsh words are nothing. Tiffany thought as she watched Sandra, waiting for her reaction.
Sandra stood frozen, her face a picture of hurt. “Tiffany! How could you say such things about my family?”
But Tiffany remained unmoved. Her cold gaze swept over Sandra, taking in the expensive designer clothes she wore from head to toe.
“Enough with the pretense. Are you really that clueless? When my father brought your fami into our home, he didn’t intend to keep you here forever. Now that you’ve made yourselves comfortable in Lovell City, isn’t it time you packed up and left?” Tiffany’s voice was firm, leaving no room for misunderstanding.
Due to family ties, Tiffany’s parents had never been so direct. But today, Tiffany made her stance crystal clear, mocking the Olsons for overstaying their welcome.
Just then, Stan and Selena Olson, laden with shopping bags, entered the room, their expressions darkening as they caught Tiffany’s words.
“Tiffany, are you suggesting we’ve taken advantage of your family?” Stan retorted, stepping forward with Selena beside him, both ready for a confrontation.
Tiffany’s smile widened, though it was anything but friendly. “Isn’t that exactly what you’ve done?”
“People always say that when you accept kindness, you should feel both grateful and humbled, but this family not only lacks shame-they act like they have every right to impose! Tiffany thought, her disdain deepening
Sandra’s eyes brimmed with tears as she hurried to intercept her parents, her voice trembling with feigned distress. “Mom, Dad, don’t be upset I’m sure Tiffany didn’t mean it like that. It’s our fault. Maybe we should leave…”
Sandra looked ready to burst into tears.
Of course, Tiffany mused, her gaze icy. ‘Sandra loves playing the victim. Who wouldn’t feel sorry for her when she’s like this?”
Sensing the escalating tension, Thalia quickly intervened to ease the situation. “No, it’s not like that at all. Tiffany didn’t mean it. You’re welcome to stay-we’re family
Though they weren’t ready to let the matter go, the Olson couple’s expressions softened slightly after Thalia’s words..
“Still,” Stan remarked, his tone tinged with bitterness, “it seems Tiffany doesn’t see us as part of the family anymore. It’s disappointing. We cared for her so much when she was little, and now that she’s grown up, she’s learned to turn her back on us.”
The sarcasm in their tone grated on Thalia’s ears. “Enough of this! You must be exhausted from shopping all day. Go and rest,” Thalia snapped, her usual warmth replaced by a rare edge.
Tiffany nearly laughed out loud. Thalia had always been gentle and warm-hearted, like the warm breeze from the southern countryside. Though always kind to everyone, even the softest breeze could stir into a storm when pushed too far.
But even the kindest people have limits. Thalia’s breaking point was her children; her protective instincts were unmistakable.
Thalia’s uncharacteristically sharp retort left the Olson couple speechless. Their anger simmered beneath the surface, but they hesitated to push further.
Just then, the sound of a car pulling up outside caught everyone’s attention. One of the family’s helpers cheerfully announced, “Mr. Kelley is back.”
Charlie Kelley entered the room with his characteristic confidence.
Seizing the opportunity to gain support, Stan immediately launched into his grievance. “Charlie, look at how your daughter is behaving! She’s trying to drive us out!”
Selena quickly joined in, adding, “It’s clear we’re nothing but outsiders here. It’s a pity our parents aren’t around to see how their granddaughter treats us so ungratefully.”
With a well-practiced look of innocence, Sandra sobbed, “Uncle Charlic, I must have done something to upset Tiffany. That’s why she’s treating us this way.”
With her dramatic flair, she exaggerated the situation.
Upon hearing the commotion, Charlie frowned as he entered the room. He had always been. a man who valued family ties and believed that a few extra mouths to feed weren’t worth quarreling over, especially when it came to his own blood.
Just as he was about to scold Tiffany for her behavior, he caught sight of her tear-streaked face, and his heart sank. “Who made my daughter cry? I’ll deal with them myself!” he declared, his protective instinct kicking in.
Outside, Charlie was a prominent figure, well-respected and successful in the business world, where he thrived and made significant strides in his career.
Yet his most significant flaw, which was also his greatest strength, was his fear of his wife and his doting on his children. No matter the issue’s importance, it paled compared to a single tear from his daughter.
Stan, surprised by the sudden shift, muttered, “It’s just a few tears, Charlie. You’re overreacting.”
Charlie shot him a sharp look. Tears? My daughter’s tears aren’t just tears-they’re as precious as pearls and diamonds!”
Tiffany could no longer hold back her tears. She vividly remembered her father with prematurely gray hair, a testament to the stress and turmoil of their family’s crises. Back then, her naivety and poor decisions had only added to his burdens.
The weight of their tragedies eventually overwhelmed Charlic, leading to his collapse from stress and anger. And Sandra’s betrayal ultimately led to his death, tearing him Tiffany forever.
away from
But now, witnessing him still vibrant and full of life, Tiffany was engulfed by a profound mix of love and regret.
Without a second thought, Tiffany rushed into her father’s arms, clinging to him tightly. “Dad, I missed you so much…” she sobbed, her voice trembling with emotion.