She Took The House The Car And My Heart

Chapter 97

Chapter 97 Glaring Favoritism

Freya's words faltered, trapped in her throat as Lionel unexpectedly threw her name into the conversation.

The room's mood soured instantly, as evident from the uneasy grimaces painting a few people's faces.

Edgar deliberated over his choice of words before speaking up, maintaining an objective tone. "Dad, if I may speak frankly, the favoritism you exhibit is rather glaring. Blaine and Carrie are your biological grandchildren. Yet, you've never shielded them with the same enthusiasm, have you?"

"Humph." Lionel expelled a dismissive scoff, his face twisting with annoyance.

"Why should I shield them?" he declared brashly, tossing aside any semblance of respect for the room's decorum as the family's patriarch.

"They are your own flesh and blood," Undeterred, Edgar pressed on, his voice firm with resolve. "Can you truly say it's common for a grandfather to show more affection towards his granddaughter-in-law than to his own grandchildren?"

These words cast a ripple of complex emotions across the room, sparking glints of agreement and skepticism in their eyes.

Edgar's words dripped with a deliberate intent to embarrass Freya, making it clear she would always be seen as an outsider.

"Am I supposed to care more for you ungrateful brats over Freya?" Lionel's temper flared, his demeanor chilly and uninviting, "From childhood days to now, when have Blaine and Carrie shown any concern for me that wasn't tied to their own needs? I'd say even Kristian and Liam don't hold a candle to Freya." Lionel's bluntness cut through the air, his words dismissing any concern for the feelings of others.

Just like children, the elderly crave companionship and care. Though Kristian and Liam would show fleeting concern during their visits home, their presence was always brief. As for Carrie and Blaine, they might as well have been shadows, appearing only when they needed something from him.

"Carrie is still too young to know how to express her caring for you," Edgar attempted to justify, struggling to defend her. "As for Blaine..."

He trailed off, defeated. There was no justifying Blaine's behavior.

"Enough with the excuses. I'm clueless," Lionel declared, his voice tinged with bitterness. "Which of you has ever spent quality time with me the way Freya does? Who among you has joined me for a game of chess, practiced calligraphy, or simply stood by my side in quiet companionship? None of you! Are you about to claim your schedule's too packed again? Despite managing the extensive Shaw Group and his packed schedule, Kristian makes it a point to spend time with me each month. Are you claiming to have less time than he does?"

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Chapter 97 Glaring Favoritism

voice rose with each word, his anger

Robin, or their family members dared

neglect toward Lionel, yet they considered his favorite pastimes like calligraphy and chess dreadfully

words?" Carrie's resentment towards Freya deepened. "And who's to say Freya didn't just pick up your hobbies to curry favor with you after

her silence. "If you manage to best me in any of these activities, I'll

He had yet

how adeptly she had refined her strategy. Although he never faced outright defeat, he realized upon reflection

you even consult Kristian before making such

see no issue with it," Kristian responded

snort, his demeanor suggesting that Kristian lacked the courage to raise any objections.

competing in something I excel at." "What does your expertise have to do with Lionel?" Freya countered sharply. Although Lionel had not been fond of her at first, he had never spoken harshly. As her understanding of him deepened, she discovered his underlying solitude. Lionel treated all his children with equal concern, though he later deemed some as undeserving of his attention. Carrie's animosity grew.

to your elders," Freya retorted coldly, her tone unaffected by the taunts

there been a real competition, she would not have hesitated

serve to escalate the existing tensions, contributing further to the

but Lionel smoothly intervened by calling for the dinner to

prevailed. Everyone dined with decorum, and Freya, true to

simple gesture, meant as a mark of respect and affection, was misinterpreted by some as an attempt

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ingratiate herself with Lionel.

whispers and chose not

servants efficiently cleared the dining area, and everyone joined Lionel for

"I've caught wind of rumors suggesting that Kristian plans to divorce Freya. Could there