Chapter 16
Lucille cast a scornful glance at Dahlia and said, “I know you really want to do it, but do you have the courage?”
Dahlia was left speechless by her reply.
Lucille’s words had struck her hard.
Indeed, she had dreamed of scolding Lucille and depriving her of necessities at will ever since she was a little girl.
Ever since that little bitch Lucille was born, I have been hoping she would die quickly.
Back then, Gary was still reliant on the Stuart family. Despite Kerri being dead, the old fool from the Stuart family continued to shield this little bitch. Even as Lucille’s stepmother, I dared not touch her!
Lucille had always been pampered by Gary and her grandfather, Josiah, which made her somewhat spoiled.
However, she was relatively accepting of Dahlia as her stepmother. She usually followed her instructions and sometimes even looked at her with fondness.
Dahlia assumed that was because Lucille yearned for motherly affection from her, considering that she had lost her mother at a young age.
Besides, Lucille treated Ori, her “stepsister,” like her biological sister and always made sure to share the best with her. What’s with this little bitch today? She’s been so edgy since she got home, with every one of her comments seeming to bite. Could it be that she had figured out…
The thought of this possibility made Dahlia’s heart leap, and she glanced anxiously at Gary.
She saw that Gary was equally puzzled, and with Lucille around, they both chose not to delve into the matter in front of her. Gary looked at Lucille and cautiously asked, “Lucy, what’s going on with you today? Did your mom do something to upset you? Why are you so edgy as soon as you got home?”
Gary wasn’t worried that Lucille had found out about Oriel being the result of his affair.
If she had known, her reaction wouldn’t have been limited to just a few biting remarks.
“Lucy, if Mom has done something to upset you, please let me know directly. Don’t say things that hurt us, alright?” Dahlia said with feigned concern.
She looked at Oriel, whose face was pale and eyes filled with resentment, and added, “You know Ori’s health hasn’t been good since she was a child. What you said just now… was truly hurtful.”
Observing the couple’s pretentious act, Lucille had no interest in playing along and simply said, “It’s nothing. I’m just in a bad mood!”
She walked over to the sofa, sat down, and said coldly, “I’m in a bad mood and need to vent. Both of you have been living off my family and using our resources without contributing anything. Since I’m upset, I’m going to vent my frustrations on you. Consider it repayment for all those years. At least it will make you somewhat useful.”
“Lucy!”
Gary could no longer tolerate Lucille’s harsh remarks and reprimanded her sternly.
“Have I spoiled you too much since you were young? When did you become so spiteful? Dahlia is your stepmother. Don’t you know how to respect your elders? Did all the manners you were taught as a child go down the drain?”
Seeing Gary’s angry expression, Dahlia and Oriel felt a sense of pleasure from his reprimand.
That little bitch Lucille definitely needs to be put in her place for her foul language.
Dahlia’s internal scoffing was hidden behind a facade of tenderness as she played the peacemaker.
“Let it go, Gary. Lucy mentioned she’s in a bad mood. Don’t be too hard on her. Let’s eat.”
While Dahlia’s tone was gentle, her eyes were strategically reddened, radiating a silent grievance that touched Gary deeply.
Comparing his “loving” wife with his “difficult” daughter, Gary’s frustration mounted, leading him to reprimand Lucille even more sternly.
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