“Besides, how many years can Julian Thome live? Once he’s gone, won’t everything of the Thorne family eventually belong to the Sterlings?”
A flicker of calculation passed through his eyes. Finally, he nodded. “Alright, I agree.”
3
After I joined the Thorne family, Julian’s parents showed me exceptional regard.
They not only personally guided me through the Thome family’s vast business empire but also taught me hands–on.
Two months later, the first project I spearheaded achieved great success, with profits far exceeding expectations.
Julian’s parents were delighted and hosted a celebration banquet specifically for me.
At the banquet, I wore a perfectly tailored gown, becoming the center of attention.
Seraphina approached with a wine glass, smiling sweetly.
“Congratulations, little sister. But I must advise you, women shouldn’t be too high–profile. Men don’t like that.”
She pointedly added, “Especially women who only achieve a little something by being propped up by others.”
I swirled the red wine in my glass.
“Sister is right. Father has proppad you up for so many years, yet I haven’t seen a single achievement from you.”
My father, who was talking to someone, heard my words and, for the first time, gave Seraphina a cold look.
Seraphina’s eyes instantly welled up.
“Sister, how can you talk like that? I’m only doing this for your own good!”
She changed tactics, looking at my eye felaning wor
5:24 AM cf c
<
“Sister, how can you talk like that? I’m only doing this for your own good!”
She changed tactics, looking at my eye, feigning worry.
“Your most important task now is to capture Julian’s heart and get pregnant soon. But your eye… it’s so unsightly, no wonder your husband doesn’t favor you.”
“I knew it. From the beginning, you shouldn’t have married into the Thome family. Staying home would have been better than being thrown out.”
I stared at Seraphina, speaking each word distinctly.
“Sister, have you forgotten how I lost this eye?”
“That year, when we encountered those thugs, even in that desperate situation, with your leg injured, I never thought of abandoning you. I dragged your hand and ran.”
at me?”
“And how did you treat
“We were almost free, just a few more steps, but you tripped me, causing me to be caught by them, and my eye was brutally gouged out!”
Seraphina’s face instantly turned pale. Unable to retort, she covered her face and pretended to cry with quilt.
“I’m sorry, little sister, I didn’t mean to…”
“Cut the act,”
I interrupted her. “Don’t think a few tears can hide your malice.”
“Aria Sterling! Your words are too much!”
Caleb, protecting the crying Seraphina, angrily rebuked me.
Jax was even more direct. He grabbed my wrist, trying to forcefully drag me in front of Seraphina.
“Seraphina is always kind; you must be slandering her. Apologize to her now!”
I kicked him.
“What are you, some kind of side piece Seraphina can’t openly acknowledge? Do you even have a right to speak here?”
Jax looked up at me, stunned. “How can you say that about me?
Then, his face darkened, and he gritted his teeth.
“No matter what, you must apologize to Seraphina first.”
With that, he actually tried to kick my shin, intending to force me to kneel before Seraphina.
angrily struggled free and ordered the bodyguards behind me.
“Throw him out!”
5:24 AM
<
Jax’s eyes widened. “How dare you kick me out?”
I sneered, “Because this is a Thome family banquet. What right does a nameless side piece like you have to cause a ruckus
here?”
Jax roared in anger but was utterly helpless to resist.
A week later.
