Chapter 18
Mabel didn’t even flinch at Beatrice’s scolding – it was white noise to her now. Her birthday party was right around the corner, and she was counting the days until she could finally sever ties with the Harper family.
Beatrice’s eyes narrowed, her temper flaring at Mabel’s indifference. “What? You’re ignoring me now? Do you think you’re too good to answer? Let me remind you – everything you have torlay came from us. The least you could do is stop making things harder for Rhea. If she’d met Matthew first, do you think he’d even look at you? Look what you’ve done she’s in tears. because of you. Now go get your tiara. Give it to Rhea and apologize!
Mabel turned slowly, a cold smirk tugging at her lips. “Apologize For what? For existing?
Mabel wasn’t about to repeat the mistakes of her past life, where she had put family first only to be endlessly manipulated and exploited by them. Beatrice’s brazen demand made Mabel scoff openly. “It’s mine. Why should I give it to her?”
Beatrice pressed on. “Rhea is your sister. Why are you being so selfish? I’m not asking you to give it away – just let her wear it at your birthday party!”
Behind her mother, Rhea peeked out, her tear–streaked face lighting up with hope. The tiara That tiara could be her ticket to finally stealing the spotlight. Just imagining herself wearing it sent a thrill down her spine.
sharp
eyes caught the flicker of excitement in Rhea’s gaze, and she let out a dry laugh. “Oh, I see. It’s like the cup of
you borrowed from our neighbor. When will you return it? Like never?”
“You little – !” Beatrice spluttered, momentarily at a loss for words. But she recovered quickly, her voice dripping with venom. That tiara of yours isn’t even legitimate! Who knows how you earned it? Why can’t you just let Rhea have it for a few days?”
In the past. Mabel might’ve caved. She’d spent years giving in, sacrificing her dignity for the sake of keeping peace.
But those days were long gone.
Mabel’s gaze hardened, and her voice turned sharp and cutting. If you think it’s so easy, why don’t you tell Rhea to dress up and see if some random man hands her a thirteen–million–dollar tiara?”
Rhea’s outburst was quick and sharp. “Mom! Listen to her. She’s crazy! I’d NEVER go around flirting and causing trouble like.
Mabel raised an unimpressed brow, her inner thoughts razor–sharp That’s true. You don’t have to go out to stir trouble- you’re plenty good at making a mess right here at home.”
Beatrice’s face darkened at Rhea‘ spat, her patience fraying at the edges. But with her husband’s stern warnings still fresh in her mind – “Don’t provoke Mabel before the deal is finalized – she forced herself to swallow her anger. The momentary flash of frustration faded, replaced by a strained calm.
Mabel noticed, of course. Beatrice’s every move was transparent to her. She knew all too well that Beatrice was treading lightly, desperate not to jeopardize the inheritance left behind by her father, For Beatrice, Mabel was an irritating obstacle, but one she couldn’t afford to alienate just yet.
Seeing no point in continuing the argument, Mabel turned and started up the stairs-
But just as she reached the landing, she glanced back, her tone deliberately casual. “Oh, by the way. Mom Her sly smile sliced through the air. “Why am I seeing Dad at home less and less lately?”
The question hit its mark. Beatrice froze, her forced composure cracking for a moment.
Mabel’s smile widened, mocking and unhurried. Without waiting for a response, she hummed a cheerful tune and disappeared into her room, leaving Beatrice rattled.
22:23 Thu, Dec 12
Chapter 18
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“What a pathetic woman, Mabel thought as she shut the door behind her. So consumed with keeping tabs on me that she doesn’t even notice her husband has a mistress.
The memory of her past life flashed in her mind like a bitter wound. Back then, Beatrice hadn’t uncovered her husband’s affair until it was too late. By the time his mistress surfaced – armed with an illegitimate child to claim a share of the Barrett family fortune the Harper family had plunged into chaos.
–
Business deals collapsed, the family’s reputation was dragged through the mud, and internal strife tore them apart. Caught in the middle of it all, Mabel had been collateral damage, crushed under the weight of their greed and betrayals.
‘Not this time. Mabel’s expression hardened. This time, I’ll keep my distance and watch the fireworks from afar. Let them destroy each other.
Her parting remark planted a seed of unease in Beatrice’s mind, but she pushed it aside for now.
Her focus was on Mabel’s upcoming birthday party- the key to securing the Barrett family inheritance. Once Mabel signed the agreement, Beatrice could handle everything else later.
Rhea, however, lacked Beatrice’s strategic patience. Every time Beatrice showed leniency toward Mabel, Rhea’s resentment grew hotter. She couldn’t understand why her mother tolerated Mabel’s insolence, and it burned her up inside.
To appease Rhea and lift her spirits, Beatrice took Mabel’s black card and went on an extravagant shopping spree.
Jewelry, handbags, designer dresses – Beatrice spared no expense, dropping nearly millions on luxury goods for Rhea. By the time they returned, Rhea’s room looked like the stockroom of an upscale boutique.
Rhea was over the moon. To her, money equaled love, and her mother’s lavish spending felt like a declaration: Mabel may have the name, but SHE was the daughter Beatrice truly valued. For now, Rhea reveled in the illusion of victory.
Later, Rhea strolled into Mabel’s room, brimming with smugness. “Mabel, I told Mom not to, but she just wouldn’t listen,” she began, her voice dripping with mock concern. “She insisted on buying me all these gifts. I tried to stop her, I really did. But, well..” Rhea sighed theatrically, her expression smug. I guess she just couldn’t help herself. Mabel said nothing, her face unreadable as she continued to flip through a book. Undeterred, Rhea leaned in closer, her tone turning condescending. ‘It’s kind of ironic, don’t you think? Your birthday party’s just around the corner, yet Mom’s spoiling ME instead of you. Oh, and speaking of the party…” Rhea feigned a thoughtful pause. I couldn’t help noticing – aside from that cheap little dress you scrimped and saved for, there’s nothing in your closet remotely appropriate for such an important event” Rhea flashed a saccharine smile, her words laced with venom, “I can’t help but worry… what if, on your big day, my outfit completely outshines yours without me even trying?”
Mabel remained silent, her calm gaze fixed on Rhea as she showed off.
Mabel didn’t need a crystal ball to see through the Harper family’s financial charade. Beatrice couldn’t afford to shower Rhea with such extravagant gifts not on her own dime. It was clear that her black card had been doing the heavy lifting.
After letting Rhea finish her gloating performance, Mabel turned to her and called out, “Mom! Can you come here? I need to talk to you about something.”
Beatrice appeared in the doorway a moment later, her tone laced with impatience. What now?”
Mabel gestured toward Rhea with a faintly displeased expression “Mom, Rhea just told me you spent millions on gifts for her. Since we’re both your daughters, I’m sure you wouldn’t play favorites, right? So, what about my birthday gift? It better not be cheaper than hers. If it is… Mabel’s voice trailed off deliberately, coal and cutting. “I won’t bother attending the party tomorrow. You can just go with Rhea instead.”
Rhea’s smirk vanished in an instant, her eyes widening in disbelief. She had never expected Mabel to demand a lavish gift so shamelessly.
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Chapter 18
spent that
Beatrice’s face darkened, her jaw tightening. Her inner monologue practically screamed: “This insolent brat! I money on Rhea, my REAL daughter what does it have to do with you? But she couldn’t let those words slip out, absolutely not. Her hands were tied, and she knew it.
Forcing a brittle smile, Beatrice replied with barely concealed frustration, “You’re being paranoid, Mabel? Of course your dad and I have prepared something special for your birthday.”
Mabel raised a brow, her expression laced with mock curiosity. “Dh? And what might that be? Don’t tell me it’s that six–grand necklace the delivery guy dropped off last week.”
The room fell silent. Beatrice’s fake smile faltered, her composure cracking under the weight of Mabel’s pointed question. “How… how could it be that? Of course not she stammered, scrambling for a response. “Your dad and I would never get you something so cheap. Your gift will absolutely be on par with Rhea’s. You’ll see me tomorrow at the party”
know
Satished, Mabel leaned back with a small, knowing smirk. “Alright then,” she said lightly. “I’ll wait for my big surprise.
In the afternoon, Beatrice stormed out of the house, muttering carses under her breath. Clutching Mabel’s black card like a lifeline, she headed straight for the nearest high–end boutique, desperate to conjure up a last–minute “special gift.”
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