Chapter 50

The two were upstairs chatting when a car broke the silence, followed by Laurinda’s excited voice from outside. “Madeline, Rosina, you finally made it!”

Then came a boisterous chout, “Mom, why the tears? Don’t tell me Lorna has been giving you grief again!”

Just by the rudeness of the voice, one could tell the owner was not someone to mess with

Lorna instinctively furrowed her brows and whispered to Cordelia “That’s your aunt, Madeline She’s. Lorna, who never liked talking behind people’s backs, hesitated but cautioned, “She married young and, well, she’s a bit rough around the edges. Her daughter Rosina isn’t the easiest, either. Just keep your distance, Lia”

Cordelia was stunned momentarily but understood the unsaid implications in Lorna’s words

The middle–aged woman who helped Laurinda inside was tanned and huge, especially noticeable in her tight–fitting dress, with her belly fat layering one over the other, quivering with every step she took

And trailing behind her was Rosina, a girl with a delicate name but a sturdy build with vulgar manners. As she entered, she plopped down on the couch and looked up at Juliana adoringly. “Juliana, you look so beautiful today. You’re sure to be chosen.”

Juliana had just finished a piano piece and responded with feigned modesty “Nothing’s certain. There’s also Cordelia and the Collins family’s darling to consider! And Rosina, you play the piano, too!”

Rosina snorted, “Me? I’m here for fun. As for Cordelia, well, I heard she grew up in an orphanage surrounded by disabled kids. She probably doesn’t present well, just here to make up the numbers.

After her spiel, Madeline interrupted, “Rachel, where’s Lorna? They’ve found Cordelia, and why hasn’t she come to greet me? Isn’t she hiding because she’s too unsightly? Come on, we’re all family. There’s no need to hide!”

As Lorna descended the stairs, hearing this, her expression soured, and she intentionally stomped a little harder.

tied in a ponytail and a fresh face framed by delicate features, she was more dazzling than a movie star, her eyes clear and mysterious.

and Rosina were stunned.

chuckled. “Lia, say hello

slowly, “Hello.”

daughter can’t be far off. But looks aren’t everything. It’s academics and talents that count.

the living room instantly grew

woman have to bring up

tugged at Madeline’s arm. “Enough already.”

mother was intimidated by Lorna, Madeline scoffed, “Mom, what’s there to hide? If a child has weaknesses, we should

smiled with a gentle elegance. “I believe

mock exams for senior year? Don’t compare yourself to Juliana right away. That would be too much pressure. Set

a fighter She did

about to launch into a lecture when she

the gorgeous girl who shouldn’t

the subject. “In families like ours, academics arerit everything Bookworms bred from exam cramming don’t make waves. Look at Juliana. How beautifully she plays the piano!” Madeline quickly shifted focus. “Yeah,

answered, “They should be

greet the newcomers and soon returned with a fashionably dressed, well–maintained woman, presumably Mrs. Collins. Following her

a pearl clip, her skin sickly pale. Upon entering, she hid behind Mrs. Collins, peeking at the

“Joy loves the piano, so when I heard Stanton was coming to Greenmeadow, I couldn’t resist bringing her along.

at all, I’ve heard great things about Joy’s piano playing. Let’s have Juliana show her around later!”

Rachel added with a chuckle. “All of us here must have scared poor Joy. Why don’t we have Juliana take

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