The Remorseful Brothers

Chapter 36

Winslet observed Madeline as she lowered her head and consumed her oatmeal in a subdued manner.

Unconsciously, a strategic scheme took shape in Winslet’s mind.

Considering the family’s strong preexisting aversion toward Madeline, she orchestrated a plan to intensify their negative opinions about her.

Then, even as she returned to school, Madeline could not affect her.

With those thoughts

in mind, Winslet could not suppress a surge of exhilaration, leaving her brimming with enthusiasm as

she ascended the staircase,

Only after her departure did Madeline set aside her spoon, casting a deep gaze at Winslet’s retreating figure.

Madeline knew that Winslet would not grant her the slightest respite. She would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to push her into a corner.

Madeline stood up and ventured out into the courtyard.

Layla’s gaze held unwavering vigilance.

1. ou. You cannot venture beyond the Larson residence until the annulment and the school enrollment

“Madeline, I’m telling you. are complete.

“Refrain from entertaining any inappropriate thoughts. You can study or do other things during this year at home,” she continued. “We’ll do our utmost to support you. You should not think that the family will harm you.

Madeline’s countenance remained impassive.

She directed her attention to the plants and trees in the courtyard, her contemplation serene. “It has been eight months. since my return, and I’ve yet to witness any support from you,” she said softly.

Layla’s eyebrows twitched involuntarily when she heard Madeline argue with her again. The family is preoccupied at the moment. I have no inclination to deal with you. Don’t come over and make things difficult for me.”

Madeline neither confirmed nor refuted Layla’s assertion.

Inwardly, she was diligently preparing for her imminent departure from the Larson family.

“This time, I will leave the Larson family in Winslet’s way,” she resolved internally.

Madeline did not believe the Larson family would ever entertain remorse or repentance toward her during this lifetime. That was why she intended to sever her ties with the Larson family entirely and without reservation.

A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Madeline had always been an adept performer.

There was only a mere 48 hours remaining until the engagement cancellation banquet.

Benjamin came by at noon.

After a short chat with Winslet, he saw Madeline, who was engrossed in weeding the courtyard. His demeanor appeared slightly unsettled.

decent mood today,” he commented. “Even if our compatibility is in question, and we dissolve the marriage arrangement, maintaining a friendship is plausible We can value each other’s presence, and I’ll hold you in the regard of a

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Chapter 36

rested the hor she held “Is that

conscience twinge when you use me for mere amusement?” Madeline asked, offering Benjamin a smile that was neither sad nor

her discharge from the hospital, she rarely displayed such a

Madeline, standing in the

unveiling her fair, straight calves. Nestled beside her were white daisies, blooming with

suddenly lowered

realization dawned upon him. Madeline

meaningful life with you, he confessed with genuine remorse. “Yet, matters of the heart resist

Madeline’s continued rationality, Benjamin found himself desiring a further exchange of words. He hoped that Madeline’s resentment toward him might become less intense

hold animosity toward me starting the

appeared on Madeline’s face. “No, I won’t. I’ve made peace with the situation. I admit I once held genuine affection for you, but matters of the heart

was forcing herself to become an

that had strayed near her cheek I beli care about you. If this path brings you greater joy, I should

of guilt

Madeline, she

intelligent, very hardworking, and

with Winslet. In fact,

in certain aspects, did not seem like someone from the

to extend the conversation,

not dwell on this any further. The excessive talk will only stir melancholy within me. You also want the wedding agreement annulment banquet to proceed as scheduled without a hitch,

she

a weariness in her demeanor. He speculated that the past few days had affected her

instant, Benjamin’s heart softened

her so callously, especially considering her profound

circumstances, Madeline’s

items I presented to you during the engagement banquet, you do

Sep

Chapter 36

of providing compensation,” he

to an abrupt halt, and she remained completely

had grown disdainful of men like Benjamin, who were shrouded

continued to speak, she would probably

back now turned toward Benjamin, Madeline’s lips curled into a mocking

dutifully confined

into trash bags, ready for

single strand of my hair would

try to escape or

“Had she shown this side of herself earlier, could our disdain for

returned home in high spirits and at an unusually early

he exhibited nonchalance. “After all, she’s still a child, not yet fully matured mentally. When

the past. Perhaps we wouldn’t have wasted an entire month if we had been firmer from the onset. Oh, didn’t Henry give