My Repentant Brothers by Grace Edith

Chapter 2

"What kind of attitude is this?" Layla's eyes a widened slightly. "Are you sure you want to speak to me like this?

Layla pondered. "Despite Madeline's habit of bullying Winslet within the household, she always displays immense deference and obedience to her family members. How dare she use such a tone with me now? Is she intentionally attempting to stoke further animosity?" The five Larson brothers collectively frowned at Madeline with expressions of distaste, treating her as a burden.

In their eyes. Madeline was a country bumpkin compared to Winslet, and her behavior was perceived as malicious.

In contrast to Winslet, Madeline seemed utterly inadequate.

Layla's words were laced with a bitter and condescending tone. "Had it not been for Winslet's generosity, you'd still be stuck in the countryside with your grandparents! You should be forever grateful that Winslet graciously allowed you to retum!"

Madeline's gaze bore into Layla. Although her eyes welled up with emotion, she had long abandoned any yearning for maternal affection.

Instead, she regarded Layla with a cold detachment, treating her as nothing more than a stranger.

No matter how hard Madeline tried to gain Layla's acceptance, she knew deep down that Layla would never consider her a true family member. Never

Layla was just one of the culprits who had ultimately driven her into the depths of despair.

Madeline's gaze rendered Layla momentarily puzzled. "Feeling indignant still, are we?" said the latter, her voice dripping with displeasure.

Madeline sneered. After all, she had spent several days in the hospital, and she doubted her family had come here for the sole purpose of visiting ber.

"You're not here just to see me, are you?" she asked.

Layla's gaze flickered with a certain intensity. "You're not wrong. The national university entrance exam results are out. You managed to pass, but unfortunately, Winslet didn't. And it's all because you covertly mistreated her, leading to her poor performance" A wry smile tugged at Madeline's lips as she realized their intention to pin the blame on her

After eight months of diligent effort, Madeline had managed to become the City's mumber one in the national university entrance exam.

In contrast, Winslet hadn't shown the same dedication. Despite this, with just a few words, they intended to cast her as the culprit.

The situation was as if she were being tried as a criminal, with the odds stacked against her.

Winslet's eyes were fixed on Madeline, as she waited expectantly for Layla's next words.

After all,

icy as she spoke. "Give up your spot to Winnie. You aced the exam and could do it again to become City's number one. A you owe this to

"Sure enough, it's

this nightmarish scene still caused a painful lump in

and unjust proposal. Even in the face of such

clenched tightly

even fair?"

satisfaction when she noticed Madeline's pained expression. Her heart swelled with

To u

end, a stepping stone she could use to elevate

you give up your place for Winnie. This amount can cover your re-study expenses for a year. You have to realize that connections are crucial in society. Even if you graduate a year

carried carnest

"Consider this carefully. You'll need the Larson family to back you up in the future. Chapter

adoptive family, Growing up in the countryside with your adoptive grandparents, you would have never received such good education and managed to secure City's number one on the exam if it

recent injury has incurred substantial expenses. Without the Larson family's support, can

Instead, he patted Winslet's shoulder and reassured her, "Don't worry, Winnie. We'll make

agrees."

his words either, saying harshly. "Madeline, either you leave

up your sport!"

with the weight of the ultimatum. Her teeth clenched, and she stared back at

a part of this situation. This was a repetition of what she had experienced

that they would never

and fiercely prioritize Winslet over Madeline, even

not to give in

tone, she articulated each word,

would disagree. Forget about it. It doesn't affect me much... I

as she continued, "This year

that had occurred in the

to shift

her to fail the exam! Only the Larson family would buy such a ludicrous excuse," Madeline

I'm the adopted one after all. I don't understand why you all treat me like this. It's as if you want to skin me and

entered the Larson family." Layla grew heated upon hearing this. "You and Winnie are both my daughters. You both hold equal importance to me. I treat both of you equally! Don't keep

claim she treated them

way. She believes I've taken your love away from her." A frown marred Winslet's visage as she continued, "Maddie, our parents and I have shared 18 years of life together. You've only returned for eight months. Naturally, we have a stronger emotional bond. However,