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.

said, “Maddie, perhaps we shouldn’t have come here. Don’t worry about us. You should go back

out. Your mother won’t be angry with you. As for us, we know the way. We’ll head to the bus station and catch a bus back home. We still have chickens and ducks

the Larson family, don’t mind

you after months of pregnancy, Helena advised with concern. “Even though your mom might say things in a harsh manner, there’s no

this another time.” Madeline replied with a detached tone,

restaurant, Madeline’s fiance, Benjamin, the one who had added insult to her injury, suddenly

exposed her, came

stadder chill swept

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Chapter 4

four year relationship had turned out

the phone with a sullen face.

T’I go and pick you up in my car,” Benjamin said in a very gentle tone. “By the way, especially prepared a graduation gift for you. You

recalled how she used to be genuinely touched by Benjamin’s small gestures and gifts. However, now all she could do was silently mock herself “Let’s talk about it later. I’m busy

“Maddie, haven’t you often complained about me not being

she had already hung

to leave her phone number with Frank

then accompanied them to the bus station

as they realized that Madeline was

days, the Larson

visit Madeline in

if

few days. Madeline was discharged, and only the butler came to

including Mr. Thomas Larson, Mrs. Larson, and the others, have gone to the nearby mountain retreat to escape the summer heat. Shall I give Mrs. Larson a call and send you

Madeline sneered, “No,”

be

are enjoying their family time. What am I joining

at the imposing

table. All of them were in pale blue, Winslet’s favorite color, but each had

was the tacit understanding among their family

must be parched. Have a glass a water. It’s important to stay hydrated, especially after being discharged from the hospital.” Anne Hayes, the housekeeper, offered kindly as she handed Madeline a disposable cup

in the family who was friendly

What would you like to cat tonight? I’ll make it for you. How about some mushroom soup to nourish your body? Does that sound good!” Anne

felt