Chapter 18
As Flint began to see how sharp–tongued and rude Lucille really was, his disdain for her only grew, especially when he compared her to her kind and patient stepmother.
When Flint measured Lucille against Oriel, who was naturally delicate and gentle with an understanding mother, the choice was clear. Flint would undoubtedly prefer Oriel.
Dahlia had planned this perfectly. Her tactic would kill multiple birds with one stone.
With her mind made up, Dahlia became even more determined to play the role of a selfless stepmother. She tirelessly protected her stepdaughter’s image, even if it meant her own daughter had to suffer.
“Dahlia, you cannot keep spoiling her. The more you do that, the more she’ll overstep her bounds. It’s one thing for her to act out at home, but she’s married to the Ashworths now. Lucielle’s action represents the Ashworths. If she continues this behavior in public, the Ashworths will face disgrace.
Oh, really?
Lucille raised an eyebrow and glanced at her father.
They were trying to pin all this on her. She couldn’t endure that in silence.
If Gary knew she was already planning to divorce Flint, would he still keep up this charade?
All these years, she had never noticed just how award–winning her father’s acting skills were. It was a real pity he wasn’t in the entertainment industry.
Lucille picked up the coffee the servant had prepared for her. She enjoyed both the rich aroma and the theatrical performance unfolding before her.
Flint seems unaffected. He quietly cast a glance her way before returning his attention to the dramatic couple in front of them. He smirked slightly but didn’t interrupt.
“Gary, let it go. We’re all family here. Lucy’s still young. Why make a fuss over it?”
Dahlia pretended to be in a difficult position as she cast a fleeting glance at Lucille.
When Lucille showed no signs of remorse, she smirked inwardly.
Flint was right there, yet she didn’t even bother to put on an act? Did she think becoming Mrs. Ashworth meant she had nothing to worry about?
Jacob was gone–who could possibly control Flint now?
Dahlia deliberately mentioned that Lucille was young. However, Oriel was a few months younger than Lucielle, yet she was so gentle and understanding.
Every word Dahlia said was a trap for Lucy.
If Lucielle still clung to Flint, she might have worried that they were trying to poison his mind against her.
But now …
Lucielle decided to sit back and watch the show. She had to admit, this couple was quite the skilled duo.
As soon as Dahlia uttered those words, Gary became agitated. He said, “Young? She’s 20! Ori is younger than he is. Look at her, and then at Lucy!”
Dahlia let out a bitter smile and gave Lucielle an apologetic look. She seemed to imply that she had done her best, but there was nothing more she could do as a stepmother.
After all, Gary was Lucielle’s biological father–it was only right for him to discipline her.
Lucielle paid no mind to Dahlia’s irritating expression. She was idly stirring her coffee.
Despite Dahlia’s attempts to stop him, Gary recounted everything to Flint.
“She said all this?”
Flint finally spoke. His voice gave nothing away, but the slight furrow in his brow indicated his displeasure.
Other than Lucielle, all three in the room were secretly pleased.
Dahlia and Oriel were especially thrilled that Flint was learning just how sharp–tongued and mean his wife could be. They relished the thought that he was growing to despise her.
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