Chapter 6 Reclaim Her Goodness
Lily took a cab back to the Roberts' house.
As she walked into the foyer, she heard Sophie's voice, cheerful and lively.
But the moment Lily appeared, the atmosphere grew tense.
Lily walked through the hall with a blank expression, heading straight for her room.
Peter's voice boomed, "Lily, hold up! Is this how you treat us when you get home? Don't go thinking that just because some school nurse threatened to call the cops, you've got someone backing you up. Without the Roberts family, you're nothing!"
Peter got more agitated, standing up. "You think we favor Sophie? Have you forgotten all the terrible things you've done to her? Her father saved your life. We're repaying that debt for you!"
Lily felt exhausted just listening.
She stopped and looked towards the couch. "Michael, Peter, I'm home."
'Happy now?' She thought.
Michael spoke, "Dinner's ready."
"You guys go ahead, I'm not hungry."
With that, Lily turned and headed upstairs.
"Michael, look at her attitude! She's getting more out of control!"
Sophie chimed in, "Peter, don't be mad. It's all my fault. Maybe if I left the Roberts family, Lily wouldn't be so upset."
"Don't say such nonsense. If anyone's leaving, it's Lily! Why should you go?"
Lily heard these words behind her and quickened her pace, locking herself in her room.
She leaned against the door for a while, her eyes welling up.
She looked up at the ceiling, forcing the tears back. This time, she wouldn't cling to the so-called sibling bond.
The next day, Lily went to school as usual.
Sophie shared the car ride with her.
Sophie looked at her cautiously. "Lily, are you still mad?"
"Sophie, aren't you tired of acting all the time?"
Lily leaned back and closed her eyes, ignoring Sophie.
Sophie's expression darkened, but with the driver present, she put on a pitiful look and smiled at him.
The driver immediately thought Lily was too much, always bullying Sophie. He decided he'd have a word with Michael later.
At school, Lily focused on her classes and took notes diligently, trying to catch up on what she'd forgotten.
Even with Sophie's minions and supporters whispering about her, Lily didn't pay them any mind.
She had too much to do to waste time on them.
After school, Lily returned home.
She saw Austin sitting on the couch, looking upset.
Sophie ran over with a playful smile. "Austin, you're back! I missed you so much!"
Austin's mood improved a bit after Sophie's attention.
Lily glanced at them and turned to go upstairs.
Austin called out, "Lily, Peter says you've been acting out more and more. I didn't believe it, but now you can't even say hello to me?"
Lily sighed.
She didn't want to waste time and turned back, obediently greeting him. "Hello, Austin."
"That's better. By the way, I'm putting together a new team, and Michael and Peter agreed. You're joining us."
Lily gripped her backpack tightly.
Here it was, the same old story.
To please their attention, she'd agreed without hesitation, trained relentlessly, and even delayed her SATs.
And what did she get in return?
Austin said, "Lily, you've proven yourself. Now give your spot to Sophie so she can experience the joy of winning too. I'm the team captain. If I say you're out, you're out."
Last time, she'd been replaced by Sophie right before the finals.
Despite her hard work getting them to the finals, they swapped her out, handing the glory to Sophie.
What was all her effort for?
This time, she wouldn't make the same mistake!
Lily's eyes were resolute. "Austin, I want to focus on my exams. I don't want to be distracted by gaming."
Lily flatly rejected Austin's proposal.
Austin's words weren't a request; they were an order.
"Lily, did I hear you right? You're turning down my invitation?"
Austin's expression darkened. He hadn't expected her to refuse.
Lily had always obeyed him, never defying his wishes.
Lily stood firm. "If it's an invitation, I can decline."
She looked directly at Austin, watching him struggle to maintain his composure.
But that wasn't her concern.
Austin's voice was harsh. "Lily, you'd better think carefully before answering. Don't be stubborn, or you'll regret it when I don't give you another chance, and you come crying to me!"
He'd heard from Peter about Lily's recent behavior, including her giving away the gold trophy he'd gifted her to make amends with Sophie.
That trophy was from his first championship as a professional player, incredibly significant to him.
How dare Lily give it away?
Sophie gently tugged on Austin's sleeve. "Austin, don't be mad. Joining your team is a dream come true for me. Lily will come around."
Sophie's words only fueled Austin's anger.
He felt Lily was ungrateful, daring to refuse him!
Austin glared at Lily. "You have one chance. Decide now whether you're joining our family team or not!"
Lily found it almost amusing.
Austin was just a paper tiger, easily manipulated by Sophie.
Sophie pretended to be concerned. "Lily, just agree already. Don't make Austin angry."
Lily looked at her. "Sophie, if joining the team is your dream, I'll give you my spot."
She turned and went back to her room.
She took out her books and started her homework. She had a lot to catch up on and needed to make the most of her time.
A servant knocked on her door. "Ms. Roberts, dinner is ready."
"Bring it up here."
"But Mr. Michael Roberts and the others are waiting for you in the dining room."
So they wouldn't let her eat in her room.
Lily gripped her pen tightly, knowing she was still under the Roberts' control for now. She had to play along.
She went to the dining room.
Michael, Peter, Austin, and Sophie were already seated.
The Roberts family had a large dining table to accommodate everyone.
Lily sat at the far end, quietly taking her plate and eating.
The atmosphere was tense.
But soon, Sophie's laughter lightened the mood.
Austin glanced at Lily and said, "Sophie, we'll teach you how to play later. You're smart; you'll pick it up quickly, unlike Lily."
Sophie beamed. "Austin, I'll do my best and won't let you down!"
Lily remained indifferent, thinking it was better if Sophie joined.
When they failed in the revival round, Austin would have no chance to compete again.
She ate quietly, not looking at the others, not throwing a tantrum like before.
She didn't care anymore.
She finished her meal and looked up. "I'm done."
To avoid another lecture, she made sure to say something.
Michael looked surprised at her calm demeanor, noting how much colder she seemed.
Michael spoke gently. "Lily, are you sure you don't want to join the family team? You're talented at gaming. We could win the championship together as a family."
'Lily, I'm giving you an out.' Michael thought to himself.