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”

to woo more out of Laurinda. Now, with Lorna favoring fairness, equating her to that country bumpkin, Juliana wouldn’t stand for

end. “I’ll give your grandmother a

Mom

up,

Laurinda was stewing in her room, hating to see that country bumpkin treated like a

Recognizing the caller ID, she eagerly answered, “Rachel, when

“Laurinda, we’ll be back next week. Are you busy balancing the books? I’m just

what? Lorna has usurped

was surprised.

recount from Laurinda and a call to action. “Laurinda, it’s easy–peasy to reclaim your position with all your years of

13:15

intrigued.

end of a plano concerto. Laurinda

gracefully, smiling. “Thanks, Grandma.”

with a side glance at Cordelia,

of defeat had vanished

was none of her business. Her gaze fell on the piano, which looked

it, Laurinda scoffed. “What are you looking at? Bookworm, do you even know the piano? Can

leisurely. “A little.”

what grade did you reach?”

took the

her orphanage, which was well–funded, there were instruments aplenty, and she would tinker with them when bored or

smirked, boasting, “Our Juliana had her Grade

she shot Cordelia a

Cordelia didn’t care.

had used mealtime to discuss the piano, and by the time Cordelia finished eating, she was ten

left, Sanderson and Steward descended for breakfast.

served breakfast promptly.

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 you a fresh one

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