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”

got an allowance of ten grand a month. But Juliana used to woo more out of Laurinda. Now,

on the other end. “I’ll give your grandmother

lit up Mom was stepping

hung up, beaming

in her room, hating to see that country

she wallowed, her phone rang. Recognizing the caller ID, she eagerly answered, “Rachel, when

week. Are you busy balancing the books? I’m just shopping for

Lorna has usurped the housekeeper’s role!”

was surprised. “What happened?”

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

13:15

was intrigued. “You

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

gracefully, smiling.

a side glance at Cordelia, she headed toward the

had vanished overnight, replaced

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

scoffed. “What are you looking at? Bookworm,

answered leisurely. “A little.”

did you

paused. “Never took the exams.”

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

“Our Juliana had her Grade 10 certificate by fifth grade.”

she shot Cordelia a meaningful look.

Cordelia didn’t care.

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

Cordelia left, Sanderson and Steward

served breakfast

Don’t you know Steward hates ketchup? How can you manage

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