Chapter 265

Chapter 265

"Alright, stop the act." Lucinda sighed, her tone indulgent. "I agree. I'll take over the domestic operations."

The moment she said I agree, Valencia's "dying" eyes lit up like fireworks.

"Really? Wonderful!" Valencia let out a cheer and sprang up from the bed in one swift motion.

So fast, so agile—not a trace of illness left on her face.

She grabbed Lucinda's hand, grinning from ear to ear. "Cindy, you said it yourself! No take-backs! You're going to the office tomorrow to handle the handover! I suddenly feel like my back doesn't ache, my legs don't hurt—I could run up twenty flights of stairs!"

Wesley, realizing things were going sideways, frantically tugged at Valencia's sleeve from behind, muttering desperate hints. "Valencia! You're still sick! Watch your image! Remember your condition!"

Valencia froze.

Only then did she realize she'd "recovered" way too fast.

"Oh, silly me." Valencia's expression changed in an instant.

Her previously radiant face collapsed, and she slumped limply back onto the bed.

She pressed a hand to her forehead, groaning dramatically. "No good... that was just a final burst of energy. I'm so dizzy now, everything's going dark... Wesley, hold me, I'm about to faint again..."

Wesley quickly embraced her, his face a mask of tragic sorrow. "Valencia! Hang in there!"

Lucinda watched these two ridiculous parents, a vein twitching happily at her temple.

"Well then... continue your final burst of energy. I'm going back to my room."

She rolled her eyes, turned around, walked out of the master bedroom, and thoughtfully closed the door behind them.

The next day, when Lucinda came downstairs, she froze at the landing.

In the living room, dozens of servants bustled about. In the center of the hall, twenty limited-edition suitcases were lined up in a row.

"No, no, that won't do! This custom silk quilt has to come—what if Cindy can't sleep without it?"

"And this! The latest model UV protection pod—stuff it in case number three!"

Valencia, dressed in a haute couture gown, was directing operations like a general.

Her complexion was rosy, her voice crisp. Wesley stood nearby with a tablet, reading glasses perched on his nose, tallying supplies with enough energy to take down a bull.

Sick?

On death's door?

A final burst of energy?

Lucinda rubbed her temples, her cool eyes filled with helplessness.

These two weren't even bothering to pretend anymore.

"Cindy! You're up!" Valencia turned and spotted Lucinda. Her eyes lit up instantly.

She rushed forward, gripping Lucinda's hands tightly, her voice trembling with excitement. "I got a call from the International Research Institute this morning! My God, that's the world's greatest scientific institution!"

Valencia's cheeks flushed with excitement. "Your father and I didn't waste a single second. We got up immediately to prepare everything you'll need at the institute. Cindy, you've made us so proud!"

Lucinda looked at her mother's glowing face, her red lips twitching slightly. "Mom, your terminal illness... recovered pretty fast."

Wesley's face reddened. He coughed lightly and quickly changed the subject. "That's not important! Cindy, the research institute is unfamiliar territory. I'm worried you'll suffer. I've already had my secretary contact the institute's leadership. I'm planning to donate five brand-new laboratory buildings and buy up the surrounding plots of land to build you a private rest area."

Valencia nodded vigorously in agreement, clearly thinking it wasn't enough. "Exactly! Donating buildings isn't enough. I heard the institute is backed by several major financial conglomerates. Cindy, I'll have your older brother mobilize overseas funds immediately to buy up all their stock! We'll invest directly and make you the largest shareholder! Then no one will dare give you attitude there!"

Donating buildings at the drop of a hat. Buying stocks casually.

This level of extravagance would basically turn the International Research Institute into the Douglas family's backyard.

Lucinda didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

She stepped forward, pressing her hand over the contract Wesley was about to sign, her tone helpless.

"Dad, Mom, it's really not necessary." Her voice was firm. "I'm just going to study. Going as an ordinary student will make things easier for me. This kind of spectacle is too much. No stocks. No buildings."

Seeing their daughter's resolute attitude, Wesley and Valencia exchanged glances.

Though disappointed, they could only sheepishly back down.

"Alright... we'll listen to Cindy. But you have to take all this luggage!"

"Fine." Lucinda smiled helplessly.

At the second-floor landing, Dahlia leaned against the wall, hearing everything downstairs crystal clear.

Hearing Valencia's words, Dahlia's heart filled with resentment.

Why?

The moment Lucinda came back, she stole everything that should have been hers!

A billion-dollar empire handed over without hesitation. Going to a research institute, and Mom and Dad were willing to throw down billions to pave her way.

And her?

She was also in the top ten nationally!

She'd also earned a spot at the International Research Institute!

But from yesterday until now, Mom and Dad only had eyes for Lucinda. Not a single person noticed her, much less prepared anything for her.

Her luggage—she'd packed it all by herself, alone in her room.

Dahlia bit her lower lip hard, her heart full of bitterness.

She didn't want to lose.

She was excellent too. She just wanted to prove to Mom and Dad that she wasn't any less than Lucinda. She wanted to win back their affection.

She took a deep breath, trembling as she pulled out her phone and opened a chat window. The profile picture was that familiar white cat.

[Violette, Lucinda's going to the International Research Institute too. Mom and Dad have put her on a pedestal. No one sees my efforts. I feel so hurt...] Dahlia typed quickly, tears finally falling.

The reply came almost instantly.

[Dahlia, don't cry. I know you've been wronged. But don't be sad—her going to the institute is your opportunity.]

[Opportunity? I can't compete with her at home. What can I do overseas?] Dahlia replied glumly.

[Silly girl.]

A voice message came through.

"At the Douglas family, with those protective men shielding her, of course you can't compete. But at the International Research Institute, it's all about credentials and professional expertise. I have connections there. As long as you listen to me and perform well academically, I'll help you crush her in every way at the institute. Then your parents will see who truly brings honor to the Douglas family. We'll make them regret neglecting you. We'll put her in her place at the institute and completely outshine her!"

Seeing those words on the screen, a light finally flickered in Dahlia's eyes.

Right. Just because she couldn't touch her at home didn't mean she couldn't abroad.

As long as she crushed Lucinda underfoot at the institute and proved she was better, Mom and Dad's attention would return to her!

'The International Research Institute, huh? Lucinda, just you wait.'