Chapter 37

Hearing Steward’s words. Sanderson fell silent

He didn’t like the idea of his daughter entering an arranged marriage, but Steward had a point that his Lia deserved better

Her partner shouldn’t just be the owner of some small store

He didn’t nod but merely spoke up. Tll look into it”

It looked like it was time to dig up some dirt on that pretty boy

In the elegantly decorated room, with pink curtains fluttering in the breeze, Juliana sprawled on her bed, her phone in hand, sobbing “Why? And it’s not enough she’s good at math Why does she have to be good at physics, too? What am I supposed to do? She’e hogging all the spotlight Mom I’m suffering too much! Wah

The phone carried a brisk female voice Juliana, you’re missing the point”

Juliana paused, rose to grab a tissue from the desk to wipe her tears and blow her nose, then switched her phone to speaker. The voice on the other end analyzed rationally, “Do you know what sets Greenmendow International School apart from regular schools?”

Juliana tossed the used tissue into the wastebasket, her voice nasal as she answered. “No”

“When you were born, you were ahead of the game. Most at Greenmeadow aim for universities abroad. You’re there not just to study but to broaden your horizons, network, and develop skills. That country girl, raised on rote learning, thinks she can change her destiny with knowledge. Competing with her academically is beneath

you

“Quality and refinement aren’t determined by academics alone. You see what I’m getting at?”

Juliana had an epiphany. “Mom, I get it! No matter how brilliant she is, she’s just a nerd, and I’m a true lady Why bother competing in studies? I excel in piano, dance, and art!”

The voice offered advice. “What’s crucial is your poise. If you keep losing your temper, it’s unbecoming.”

Juliana’s spirit reignited. “I got it, Mom. Since Loma took over the household, I can’t live as comfortably as

before”

But Juliana used to woo more out of Laurinda. Now, with Lorna favoring fairness, equating her to that

the other end. “I’ll give

Mom was stepping

up, beaming

to see that country bumpkin treated like

phone rang. Recognizing the caller ID, she eagerly answered,

back next week. Are you busy balancing the books? I’m just shopping for your gift. Sorry

Lorna has usurped the

was surprised. “What happened?”

and a call to action. “Laurinda, it’s

13:15

intrigued. “You

Cordelia came downstairs to the end of a plano concerto. Laurinda clapped vigorously. “Juliana, you are playing better

rose gracefully, smiling. “Thanks,

glance at Cordelia, she headed toward

vanished overnight, replaced

odd, but it was none of her business. Her gaze fell on the piano, which looked much like

are you looking at? Bookworm, do you even know

leisurely. “A little.”

grade did you

took

there were instruments aplenty, and she would tinker with them when bored or when there was nothing new to

Juliana had her Grade

shot Cordelia a

Cordelia didn’t care.

by the time Cordelia finished eating, she was ten minutes behind her

Sanderson and Steward

served breakfast

could speak, Laurinda snapped. “Lorna, what’s this? Don’t you know Steward hates ketchup? How can you manage a house like this?” Lorna was flustered, apologizing, “Steward, I’m so sorry. I’ll get

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