Chapter 2 She No Longer Cares About Anything of the Roberts Family
When Lily walked in, everyone turned to look at her.
Facing their stares, Lily remained expressionless.
She wore a simple short-sleeved shirt, but on her head was a delicate crown. Around her neck hung a jade necklace, her wrists adorned with jade and gold bracelets, and on her finger was a large pink diamond ring.
Laughter erupted around her.
"Lily looks so tacky, wearing all that jewelry like some nouveau riche," Someone scoffed.
"She's just flaunting her expensive stuff to make Sophie feel bad," Another chimed in.
Lily strutted over to Sophie, her tone calm. "Congrats on finally becoming part of the Roberts family today."
In her past life, Sophie's entry into the Roberts family marked the beginning of Lily's nightmare.
No matter how much she tried to please or obey them, her brothers always favored Sophie.
Michael even once said he wished Sophie were the Roberts' biological daughter.
This time, she wouldn't cling to this family bond anymore.
Seeing all the expensive items on Lily, Sophie felt a surge of jealousy, though she didn't show it on her face.
Sophie shrank back a little and carefully replied, "Lily, I know you're upset, but don't worry. I won't compete with you for our brothers' attention. After all, I'll always be an outsider, and you're their real sister. How could I ever compare to you?"
As Sophie spoke, her eyes welled up with tears.
Lily's lips curled into a mocking smile. What a pitiful act.
In her past life, she had been deceived by Sophie's harmless facade, only seeing her true colors right before she died.
Peter quickly stepped in, "Sophie, don't cry. Who said you're an outsider? From today on, you're my sister."
Sophie lowered her eyes, hiding a flash of triumph.
Michael brought out a box. "Sophie, this is a gift for you."
Sophie looked surprised. "Michael, isn't this Lily's gift? How can I accept it?"
Lily wasn't surprised to see the limited-edition figurine in the box.
In her past life, Michael had also taken it upon himself to give the figurine she had waited so long for to Sophie as an apology.
Michael said, "Take it. It's what she owes you."
Peter added, "Lily, even though Sophie isn't holding a grudge about you pushing her into the water, and Michael has given a gift on your behalf, where's your sincerity?"
Lily nodded. "I understand. That's why I brought an apology gift."
She took off all her jewelry and placed each piece on a tray.
"This is the antique crown from David."
"This is the jade pendant from Michael."
"This is the gemstone necklace from Nathan."
"This is the rare pink diamond ring from Peter."
"This is the jade bracelet from James."
"This is the gold trophy from Austin."
Lily placed each item on the tray. "These are all very important to me. As an apology gift, they should be sincere enough."
She had anticipated Peter questioning her about the apology, so she had prepared these items.
Since Sophie had joined the Roberts family, her brothers had stopped giving her any significant gifts. These were the only valuable ones left.
In the end, these would be taken back by her brothers for Sophie anyway.
Peter's face froze when he saw the items on the tray.
These were Lily's most treasured possessions!
How could she bear?
Michael pressed his lips together. "Lily, what is this supposed to mean?"
"Michael, I said these are my sincere apologies. Peter, do you think this is enough?"
Lily's expression was indifferent, her emotions unperturbed.
Sophie was surprised to see the items in the box, unsure of what Lily was planning. Was this some kind of reverse psychology?
Sophie quickly said, "Lily, these gifts are too valuable. I can't accept them."
Peter, angry, said, "That's right. These are gifts we gave to you. How can you give them to Sophie?"
Sophie's smile faltered slightly. She bit her lip. "Yes, Lily, I'm just an outsider. How could I deserve these gifts?"
Realizing his mistake, Peter quickly explained, "Sophie, that's not what I meant. I'll choose new gifts for you."
Sophie smiled through her tears. "Thank you, Peter."
Peter's heart softened instantly. This was what a sweet sister should be like.
Michael sighed. "Lily, why are you throwing a tantrum again?"
These gifts were precious to Lily, and no one was allowed to touch them.
He couldn't believe she had taken them all out to give to Sophie as an apology!
Was she trying to sever ties with them?
Or was she angry because he had taken her figurine to apologize to Sophie?
Michael thought Lily couldn't be serious about giving these away!
"Michael, she's just venting her frustration. Did she think we wouldn't notice? Lily, when will you grow up and be more like Sophie?"
Lily remained expressionless. "These gifts are valuable. As an apology, are they enough? Peter, you wouldn't be reluctant, would you?"
Peter choked. Was this even the same thing?
In front of Sophie, he stammered, "Do you think I'm that kind of person?"
"Then let everyone witness it. These gifts are the compensation."
Michael was annoyed. "Lily, stop this."
How could she give away these important gifts?
Even if she was upset with Peter, she couldn't give away the gifts they had given her!
"Michael, do I look like I'm joking?"
Lily shoved the tray into Sophie's hands. "These are all yours now."
Including the six Roberts brothers, she didn't want any of them.
Sophie's expression was awkward, sensing Michael and Peter's displeasure.
Holding the box, Sophie's palms felt hot. She hadn't expected Lily to use these items as an apology, catching her off guard.
If she didn't handle this well, it would surely upset the Roberts brothers.
Why had Lily suddenly become so difficult to deal with?
Lily didn't wait for Sophie to speak and turned to leave.
"Lily, stop right there!"
Peter was furious. Using the gifts he had given her as an apology—what kind of apology was that?
But Lily walked away without looking back.
Michael frowned. "Lily is becoming more and more unreasonable!"
Michael was uncomfortable. The jade pendant he had given her was bought with his first earnings, holding special meaning.
Peter felt like he had punched a pillow, extremely frustrated. "I agree. She's doing this on purpose to anger us."
Listening to their conversation, Sophie bit her lip.
Lily's reverse psychology was working. She couldn't let her succeed.
Holding the box, Sophie weakly said, "Michael, Peter, did I do something wrong again? How could I take Lily's most treasured items? What should I do?"
Peter's face hardened. "Since it's her apology gift, you should accept it! I bet she'll regret it in three days."
He was waiting to see Lily regret it and planned to mock her then.
Michael's tone softened. "Sophie, keep the box for Lily. When she calms down, it'll be fine."
Lily had thrown tantrums before, and eventually, everything was fine.
He didn't believe Lily truly wanted to give away these gifts.
"Okay, I'll take good care of it."
Sophie smiled sweetly.
Michael sighed.
Lily used to be just as obedient and sweet. He hoped she would mature soon.
Seeing the well-behaved Sophie, Michael felt relieved. At least Sophie wasn't like that.
Lily returned to her room alone and lay down, feeling dizzy, probably from catching a cold after falling into the water.
She closed her eyes.
She needed to find a way to leave the Roberts family and live independently.
After the SATs in her past life, her scores were good enough to apply to top universities, but she ended up applying to the mediocre school Sophie attended because of Peter's words.
At school, she had to take care of Sophie and took the blame for Sophie's mistakes.
If she disobeyed, her credit card would be frozen.
Despite being a rich girl, she lived worse than a poor student.
In the end, Sophie stole her hard-earned thesis and framed her for plagiarism, leading to her expulsion.
This time, she wouldn't let history repeat itself.
She would go to a top university!
As for tuition and living expenses, she could join a team and win prize money.
With her gaming skills from her past life, she should be able to make a living.
After the party, Michael went to the second-floor bedroom.
He hesitated before knocking, but there was no response from inside.
The door was locked.
"Michael, Sophie seems to have a fever. Come quickly."