Chapter 18 Not One Normal Person
Sophia wrapped her arms around James's waist, settling securely on the back of the bike as she softly recounted the day's events at school.
After listening, James remained silent for a long while before finally saying, "Emily really has changed so much. Do you know why the Johnson family went bankrupt?"
Sophia hummed in acknowledgment.
Back then, the Johnson family could be considered a wealthy family, but they had only been established for a little over a decade, which was not comparable to the other long-established families in Emerald City.
Evelyn had watched her family rise to prosperity, so she never took the pampered lifestyle for granted, never chose to simply stay home living off the family fortune like a spoiled heiress.
Instead, she focused on self-improvement, hoping that even without family support, she'd have the skills to support herself and find personal fulfillment, eventually helping elevate the family business to new heights.
So starting in high school, she'd spend every break either taking courses to learn new skills or working part-time jobs to earn her own spending money.
She never expected to accidentally cross someone she shouldn't have.
That someone was John.
Sophia had learned she wasn't the Smith family's biological daughter when the Johnson family went bankrupt, which had prompted her own plans to escape the Smith family. She knew exactly how absurd the real reason behind the Johnson family's downfall truly was.
"Emily always blamed the bankruptcy on Evelyn being restless, always wanting to go out. After the bankruptcy, Evelyn carried enormous guilt. Emily would lash out at her constantly, and Evelyn never fought back, just silently endured it all."
James sighed heavily, his mood growing particularly somber as he reached the crucial part. "Emily's temper got worse and worse. One time, she actually hit Evelyn. When I stepped in to protect her, Emily shoved me, and I hit my head on the wardrobe, which left me with a concussion. It was right before finals. Though I got out of the hospital in time for exams, I couldn't perform well. My parents and teachers discussed it and decided I should repeat the year."
Sophia had never planned to ask James about this, probably because she'd never cared enough to wonder.
Now, pressing her lips together after hearing the full story, she asked, "Don't you hate Emily for it?"
"I never blamed her," James's voice carried a note of sadness. "After all, she was my little sister for seventeen years. Family doesn't hold grudges overnight, right? We just never imagined she'd cut ties so completely."
Sophia looked at James's back, sensing his emotions.
Seventeen years of genuine care, only to be ruthlessly betrayed in the end.
Emotional betrayal hurt far more than any financial loss, harder to accept and impossible to understand.
Emily might not look like the Smith family's biological daughter, but her personality certainly carried their genes.
No normal person in the entire Smith family.
...
The Smith Manor's European-style three-story mansion stood majestically on the hillside, the setting sun's golden rays casting a soft gilded edge along its cream marble exterior walls.
The expansive lawn was trimmed to perfection, fountain droplets catching and refracting tiny sparkles of light. The entire estate radiated an untouchable luxury and commanding presence.
Emily stood before the wrought iron gates, gazing at this symbol of wealth and status, feeling her earlier resentment gradually dissipate.
She curved her lips into a satisfied smile and clicked across the threshold in her high heels.
"What are you standing around for? Go make coffee!" She barked arrogantly at Beth Hayes, the maid standing nearby, the moment she walked through the door.
Beth bowed slightly, murmuring, "Yes, Miss."
She turned toward the kitchen with quick, light steps.
Ever since Emily had returned, whenever George and Jane weren't home, every servant in the Smith household walked on eggshells.
Emily was demanding and volatile. She would throw things or point and yell at people whenever she felt a little upset.
Beth sighed quietly while preparing the coffee.
Though Sophia had also been particular, she would send back coffee that didn't taste right or made the chef redo dishes that didn't suit her palate, but she never hurled insults at the staff.
But Emily? Smashing cups, throwing plates, looking at them like they were insects—as if they weren't paid employees but slaves to be abused at will.
"Isn't it ready yet?" Emily's furious voice carried from the living room.
Beth's hand trembled, nearly knocking over the coffee cup.
She hurried to finish and rushed out with the tray.
Emily lounged lazily against the leather sofa, her fingertips drumming impatiently against the armrest.
Her first day at the new school was supposed to establish her dominance, but instead, she'd been challenged by a bunch of pathetic nobodies, ending up in the principal's office with a disciplinary mark on her record.
Just thinking about those contemptuous looks from Sophia's group made her teeth ache with rage.
She accepted the coffee Beth offered, taking a delicate sip before suddenly hurling the cup at Beth's feet!
"What is this garbage? It tastes awful!" she shrieked.
Beth instinctively stepped back, but the scalding coffee still splashed across her hand, instantly turning the skin bright red.
She sucked in a sharp breath from the pain but didn't dare cry out, only lowered her head with trembling fingers.
"I'm sorry, Miss. I'll go make fresh coffee right away..." She crouched down, hands shaking as she gathered the broken pieces.
"What's all this noise?" A deep male voice suddenly boomed from the staircase.
Emily's entire body went rigid. She looked up, her face instantly draining of color.
Why was Dad home?
George descended the spiral staircase in an impeccable suit, his expression grim and his piercing gaze cutting into Emily like a blade, fury churning in his eyes.
Reaching Emily, he raised his hand and struck her across the face.
"Look at yourself! Is this how a proper heiress behaves?" His voice was low but carried undeniable authority. "First day of school and you're already causing trouble, getting disciplinary action! You've completely humiliated the Smith family!"
Emily clutched her cheek, tears immediately welling up as she stammered, "Dad, they started it first..."
Before she could finish, George slapped her other cheek just as hard.
"Still making excuses?" His voice was cold, completely devoid of warmth. "We agreed to let you stay, not so you could act like some common shrew and disgrace us!"
Emily staggered, tears streaming down her face.
She opened her mouth but didn't dare argue further.
These past few days had shown her exactly how cold and ruthless this family could be. In George's eyes, the Smith family's reputation and image mattered more than anything else.
And she was nothing more than a marionette; only by staying in line and following the family's arrangements could she maintain any semblance of security.
"Roy!" George called sharply. "Teach her some proper manners!"
Butler Roy Murphy bowed respectfully. "Yes, sir."
Emily trembled all over, her nails digging deep into her palms.
She hated them, hated those who had mocked her, hated her father's cruelty, and most of all, hated Sophia, who had stolen seventeen years of her life!
If not for Sophia, why would she be treated like an outsider, forced to relearn even the most basic social graces?
Yes, this was all Sophia's fault!
This was all that Sophia owed her!