Chapter 243
Chapter 243
That was the first time since Emily came back from St. Gabriel Reform Academy that she’d been so blunt about what she felt inside. She was tired of how they kept overestimating their importance and acting like they always knew best.
Emma was shocked. She never thought Emily would ever talk to her like that. When she looked into Emily’s eyes, which seemed so unfamiliar, she felt a wave of panic wash over her.
It was like her daughter Emily, who used to cling to her arm and call her “Mommy” in that sweet, innocent voice, was gone
forever.
“Emily…” Emma’s voice was hoarse. She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but her throat felt tight, as if someone was choking her.
“Mom, don’t be upset with Emily,” Lydia spoke up. “You’ve always treated me so well, so it’s understandable that Emily might feel uncomfortable about it. I believe she doesn’t mean it deep down.”
Then she turned to Emily, her voice trembling as if she were about to cry. “Emily, I know you still have some resentment because Mom and Dad sent you to that place, but they only did it for your own good.
“The Bennett family holds a significant position in Cloudridge, and everything we do represents the family’s reputation. That’s why they sent you there to learn proper manners. After you left, they were heartbroken, too.
“If you still feel upset, just blame me instead. As long as you’re willing to get along with the family, whatever I have to give up, I’m doing it willingly.”
Lydia deliberately put on an act of being self-sacrificing and tolerant, making Emily look like she was just being unreasonable.
Sure enough, that strange feeling Emma had about Emily vanished, replaced by nothing but worry and tenderness for Lydia. “Lydia, she’s the one making a fuss. Why should you always have to be the one getting hurt?”
Emma was just about to start scolding Emily when Jeremy, who had been watching the drama unfold from the sidelines, suddenly spoke up, “Ms. Bennett, what exactly is this St. Gabriel Reform Academy you mentioned?”
At some point, Jeremy’s usual gentlemanly smile faded away, and his gaze turned deep and shadowy, giving off a strange, unsettling vibe.
Lydia and Emma were both caught off guard by his sudden question. Before they could even process what had just happened, Emily spoke up. “She was talking about it.
“The people from upper society dump unfavored kids there to be ‘fixed’ and ‘educated, so they don’t have to deal with the shame of having a family member they consider a failure.”
Emily pressed on, “Judging by your expression, Mr. Windrose, it seems like you know exactly what kind of place that is, don’t you?” ‘So, he sent Zack there on purpose… she thought.
Jeremy took a moment to compose himself, glancing at Lydia and Emma, who were standing there looking completely lost, then back at Emily, whose eyes were fixed on him as if she could see right through him.
He nodded. “I’ve heard of it, but I never would have thought that Ms. Harper had actually been there, and that it was your own family who sent you there.”
He shot Emma a half-smile, his voice laced with sarcasm. “I’ve always heard that the Bennett family in Cloudridge used to spoil the daughter they raised by mistake.
1/2
Chapter 290 MENOPTER
“But as soon as you found your real daughter, you made a complete change and started treating the girl you raised before like she was nothing but trash.
“I used to think that was just gossip, people talking nonsense. But now, it looks like the Bennett family does hate the daughter they raised by mistake.”
Jeremy was just stating the facts, but for some reason, Emma couldn’t shake the feeling that he was mocking her.
