The Remorseful Brothers

chapter 4

Chapter 4

Layla stared at Madeline in disbelief and couldn’t say anything for a while.

“Has Madeline lost her mind! How dare she talk to me like this?” Layla was a little annoyed as she grumbled inwardly. By the time she went to chase after Madeline, the latter had already taken the elevator down with her grandparents.

“Good grief! Madeline is such an eyesore. Layla angrily punched the elevator door once, then became somewhat worried.

“The main agenda is being put off again. August is already here. If we don’t resolve this soon, how is Winnie going to start her semester! Life has been smooth sailing for Winnie since she was a child. If she can’t get into a top–tier university, it will be a huge blow for her,” she thought.

Madeline had been pretty stubborn lately, especially after her injury. Therefore, Layla believed it would be wiser to wait until Madeline was out of the hospital before pressuring her once more.

Regardless, Layla doubted that a mere 18–year–old could be rebellious for long. She believed that eventually, Madeline would succumb and submit

Just give her a few days, and she will undoubtedly fall in line with my plans. She’s never defied my wishes for long. This time will be no different, Layla contemplated as she stepped into the elevator, her Chanel high heels tapping lightly on the floor.

Layla was convinced that Madeline would eventually succumb to her demands.

She pulled out her phone and initiated the process of ordering university supplies for Winslet through her assistant.

“Considering that Winnie will be attending the most prestigious university, we can’t afford to cut corners. Her wardrobe must be lavish to maintain her image. Being a top student, even her everyday items and skincare products should be of the highest quality, preferably imported. Layla pondered with great interest and went on, “On top of that, it would be ideal to provide Winnie with a car valued at around 100 thousand dollars. This would ensure her ease of transportation between home and school. Naturally, she won’t be residing in a dormitory…

Following this scheme, Layla would be expending over 120 thousand dollars before the commencement of the semester.

She let out a sigh, remarking, “It’s really costly to send a child to school, but this is the reality of raising a daughter.”

As Layla settled into her car, she reflected on Madeline’s situation. Madeline had dedicated months to her studies, relying on student grants. She even worked part–time on weekends to cover her living costs.

As for the 200 dollars of pocket money given by the Larson family each month, Madeline asked her parents to send all of it to Frank and Helena. However, Layla had no desire to maintain contact with people from a rural background

Besides, the meager amount of money sent to Madeline’s adoptive grandparents was insignificant in Layla’s eyes. It wouldn’t even cover a single piano lesson for Winslet, so she saw no issue in using it for herself.

Whether or not it was life–saving money had nothing to do with her, and she couldn’t care less.

Layla was determined to prevent the elderly couple from the countryside from becoming attached to the Larson family. She feared that once they latched on, they would prove difficult to remove.

As they left the hospital. Frank and Helena were filled with unease.

we shouldn’t have come here. Don’t worry about us. You should go

in, saying. That’s right. There’s no lingering resentment between a mother and daughter. Go back and talk things out. Your mother won’t be angry with you. As

Grandma, you are my only family. As for the Larson family, don’t mind them,”

months of pregnancy, Helena advised with concern. “Even though your mom might say things in

a detached tone,

one who had added insult to her injury, suddenly called

of his hurtful words, when he exposed her, came rushing back,

stadder chill

1051

Chapter 4

had turned

answered the phone with

go and pick you up in my car,” Benjamin said in a very gentle tone. “By the

the past, Madeline recalled how she used to be genuinely touched by Benjamin’s small gestures and gifts. However, now all she

about me not being able to spend

had already

the meal, Madeline was determined to leave her phone number with Frank and Helena so

the bus station

they realized that Madeline was as sensible and considerate as

days, the

Madeline

as if Madeline wasn’t

was discharged, and only the

gone to the nearby mountain retreat to escape the summer heat. Shall I give

Madeline sneered, “No,”

informed, she wouldn’t be so shameless as to show up

family time. What am I joining them for?” she

at the imposing mansion

were seven water glasses of the same style on the table. All of them were in pale blue, Winslet’s favorite color, but each had a

was the tacit understanding among their family

stay hydrated, especially after being discharged from the

looked at Anne, the only person in the family who

to cat tonight? I’ll make it for you. How about some mushroom soup to nourish your body?

truly felt