hapter 12
Chapter 12
54%
Esther’s voice caught everyone’s attention as Lenore stepped out of the cab. Dressed head to toe in black, she radiated a chilly vibe. Under the dim streetlight, her face seemed to glow, stantly capturing everyone’s gaze.
There was something unique about her presence–hard to tell it was boldness or pure magnetism–that made her the center of attention without even trying
“Troy, is that your daughter who was raised in that small town?” Rachel said, scanning Lenore with a skeptical eye.
‘She’s wearing a black hoodie and cargo pants, giving off a distinctly poor vibe. Her face is the only thing remarkable about her–she might not fit in with high society, but that face has potential for some future marriage alliance, Rachel thought.
Troy’s face darkened as he quickly approached Lenore, his voice sharp. “Lenore, who told you that you could come here?”
Ken wanted to step in but was halted by the look in Lenore’s eyes She met Troy’s anger with a defiant, carefree attitude. “I decided to come myself, she said boldly.
“Is this really where you should be?” Troy clenched his fists, his expression cold and serious.
Darren–still sulking because he hadn’t received a gift from Rachel–glanced at Lenore with annoyance. He opened his mouth to say something, but Sharon quickly pulled him back, covering his mouth.
Though Sharon was married to Troy and had a son with him, her background wasn’t impressive, and Rachel never missed at chance to look down on her.
Esther stepped forward, her eyes flickering. “Dad, Rachel must’ve known Auntie Rachel would come here. Since she’s here now, why not let her join us?” she suggested, her tone innocent.
Rachel shot Lenore a disapproving look, her authoritative voice cutting through the tension. “You’ve seen me and don’t even know to greet me? Did you throw your manners out the window
Lenore shot Rachel a cool glance, hands tucked in her pockets, and smirked at Troy. “Ask him,” she replied.
Troy felt the sting of her words, a bitter reminder of their small–town roots. His face darkened. ‘Get back home, now.”
Suddenly, Esther remembered something and tightened her grig on the box in her hands. “Dad, since you spent money to get Lenore into Greenvine High School, why not teach her some manners? We don’t want her small–town attitude getting us in trouble.”
“What did you say?” Troy paused, his interest piqued. “You said Lenore got into Greenvine High?”
Esther nodded, tilting her head in confusion. “Yeah, and she made a big splash as soon as she got there. Didn’t you know?” Lenore hadn’t returned home all day, and with Troy busy at work, it was easy to forget she was part of the family now.
Troy recalled Lenore mentioning Greenvine High just yesterday At the time, he thought she was just rambling. She actually got in? Esther never lies,‘ he wondered.
His expression shifted as he reproached Lenore, “How did you manage to get into Greenvine? Who gave you the go–ahead?”
Lenore smirked coldly, eyes filled with defiance, Nonchalantly packing at her ear with her pinky, she said, “It’s just Greenvine. I entered it because I wanted to. No permission needed. Her tone was light, dripping with arrogance.
20:23 Wed, Feb 5
Chapter 12
‘How dare she say that so casually? That’s a top–tier school, Troy thought and his face turned green with frustration.
His reaction made Esther’s eyes flicker, and she bit her lip. “Is it cause you really wanted to get into Greenvine and secretly used our family’s name to make it happen?”
Her fingers tightened around the box as tears welled in her eyes Lenore, do you blame me for always bringing up Mom’s death? Is that why you got into Greenvine to get revenge on me
Esther was one of the top students at Greenvine, so having a sister there could affect her reputation in every way.
After listening closely, Rachel finally grasped what was unfolding Her disgusted gaze landed squarely on Lenore as she demanded, “I don’t care how you got into Greenvine; you need to quit right now.” Her tone was unmistakably commanding.
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