Zelda's words were gentle and polite to most ears, but Angela sensed a hint of sarcasm. Angela said in a displeased tone, "Mae is still your sister, and the past is over. Why are you acting this way?" Zelda, who had just lifted the cup from the table, paused before glancing at Angela. Zelda thought that by Angela's standards, even attempted murder wasn't a crime. Yet, Zelda wasn't about to argue. The Johnsons had made compromises over the years and Zelda didn't feel any guilt toward Mary.If being tolerant and forgiving only allowed others to take advantage, then there was no need to hold on any longer. Even the humblest person had limits. Plus, although Zelda was frail, she was not weak.Having set the cup down, she stared at Angela and said, "Mom, you're older and wiser. I spend most of my time hospitalized or homebound because of my health. You've seen and experienced a lot more than I have. You should understand but why do you say such a thing?"Zelda's voice remained soft a
Sam had toned down his wild side after he tied the knot and became a parent. His relationships with Zelda and Kenneth were getting better as well. Perhaps the bad things from before would fade away if these good times continued.Zelda wasn't looking for any forgiveness from her children. Her only hope was that their future would be filled with safety and happiness.As soon as Zelda had left the living room, Angela's face became much more somber. But she couldn't vent because all she had beside her was a housekeeper offering her water. Angela took a deep breath and settled down on the couch.It always felt like spring in Fairport. The villa had a garden-style architecture. Outside the window walls were beautiful views of trees and flowers. Birds were singing and the water rippled. Angela felt bitterness creep in despite the beautiful scene.She had never expected to be treated with cold indifference as an elder. It was just ludicrous. Her anger began to rise as she thought about the
Angela's tone of voice sounded aggressive to Oliver, who was nothing more than a high school student. Oliver's face remained blank. He was long used to Angela being a bit temperamental. He had rarely seen her smile when he lived in Rookfort.In those days, Wendy hadn't yet recognized him as her son, and Mary would secretly refer to him as the illegitimate child. He remembered everything about it. He stared at Angela and asked calmly, "Great-grandma, did you have someone to talk to every day in Rookfort?"Angela's place had been unusually quiet since the family split. Henry's family seldom came to visit. Mary only came back when she needed money. James was always busy fishing and playing chess. That kept Angela alone most of the time. Surprised by Oliver's question, Angela froze."Great-grandma, did you used to help out in the kitchen when you were in Rookfort?" Oliver asked.In those days, Emily did all the housework and cooking. But after the family had split up, they had hired a
"Oliver," Penny called out as she led her daughter, Cerys Johnson, from the yard into the living room. Penny patted Oliver on the head before adding, "Take Cerys out to play. I'll look after your great-grandma.""Oliver, let's play!" Cerys eagerly reached out to Oliver. At the age of three, Cerys received a great deal of love and care from Penny and Sam. She was irresistibly adorable with her chubby cheeks and big eyes.Oliver glanced at Penny and realized that she was sending him away on purpose. Since he'd already said what he needed, he didn't mind."All right, Aunt Penny. I'll be taking Cerys to play. Call me if you need anything," Oliver said politely as he took Cerys' hand in his.They left the living room and headed for the grape arbor. Oliver didn't waste a single glance at Angela. For him, courtesy was a matter of mutual respect, regardless of Angela's age.Oliver wasn't influenced by other people's opinions. He always put his feelings first. He would make sure that tho
"Angela, I'm sorry. I don't have any idea what's going on with James," Penny said truthfully. She kept her expression emotionless as she added, "You're closest to him. You probably know more about his health than anyone."Angela's expression immediately turned dark. She regretted coming to Fairport. Her frustration made it hard for her to breathe.Just as she was about to speak, Zelda's voice came from behind her. "Mom, you're not getting any younger, and your legs are not strong. Why are you standing there? Aren't you tired?"Angela's rage wasn't fading, and she found Zelda an easy target for venting. She snapped back, "You're shameless enough to bring this up! Is this the way you treat your guests? How dare you invite me here but cast me aside?"Perhaps Zelda had already given up on Angela, so she didn't feel much. As Rebecca had said, a scolding wouldn't do any harm. Zelda gazed calmly at Angela, the woman who had brought her into the world and raised her.Memories of her happy
Angela felt that Zelda's words hit her like a sledgehammer."Could you?" Zelda humbly asked Angela not to take her anger out on others because of her favoritism toward Mary.Angela was startled. She staggered and nearly fell. Luckily, the housekeeper caught her quickly.Zelda had always believed that family came first. In the past, she would have been worried about Angela getting hurt. However, Angela's harsh words gradually wore down her heart, and she was no longer tenderhearted."Zel, I didn't mean to be hard on you." Angela softened her tone after regaining her composure. She must have felt guilty about how she had treated Zelda over the years, and how she had treated the Johnsons these past few days."Mary's marriage didn't turn out well. Your father married her off in Riverwood, which was a long way from Rookfort. We couldn't help her in time when she was being mistreated. After her divorce, Mary came back to us with Serena."Yet, the Seales family was a heartless bunch. Th
Looking back, Zelda had been the compromising and accommodating sister ever since Mary, or more accurately, Henry was born.The Stiggs' business was booming when Zelda was young. She learned to do chores and take care of Henry like an adult. Henry grew up under her care, even though there wasn't much of an age difference between them.James took over most of the responsibilities while Angela stayed home after the Stiggs' business stabilized. That was when they welcomed Mary into the family.Angela devoted herself to Mary. She often gave Mary things that belonged to Zelda rather than Henry because she didn't want to mistreat Henry. Besides, Angela felt that Zelda had grown up and that Mary deserved to be cherished.Perhaps due to her upbringing, Zelda didn't feel that anything seemed wrong. Despite her inner turmoil, she fulfilled her duties as a sister and continued to manage various affairs at home.The most rebellious thing Zelda did in her life was marry Kenneth. Some warned he
Perhaps Zelda's words had affected Angela, for her tone was not as firm as earlier. Emotions rose in Angela. She also felt a hint of regret for Zelda. Zelda seemed uninterested. She wasn't going to let go of past grievances just for that."I don't have to tell you where I'm going, do I? Why are you asking now when you never cared about me before?" Zelda glowered at Angela before she left with Rebecca and Penny.Angela seemed defeated and angry. She wanted to say something to Zelda but ended up remaining silent. Her shoulders slumped, and she looked deflated. She was exhausted and didn't know where to go next.The housekeeper noticed that something was wrong and quickly came over to support Angela. With a wave of her hand, Angela pulled her arm away from the housekeeper and walked out of the villa. She seemed to be looking for Cerys and Oliver, who were in the garden.Everyone loved Cerys. She was docile, sensible, and as beautiful as Penny, who had once been a star. Angela sat in a
Penny didn't have much free time over the past three years.As she had envisioned, during the first year, she honed her acting skills amidst criticism while also working as a translator.Later on, she felt that acting didn't hold much appeal anymore. Moreover, realizing that there weren't any roles left for her, she gradually gave up and moved toward working behind the scenes.She had some work during this period.It seemed that a daring reality show, not caring about potential risks, decided to capitalize on her controversial popularity and invited her to participate in one of their programs.The reason Penny agreed to participate was because the show's first season had a good reputation, and the payment offered was reasonable.Continuously doing translations could be quite tiring. After discussing with Cecilia and weighing the pros and cons, she eventually signed up for this TV show.Unfortunately, she had underestimated the darker side of human nature.The show's production
"Really?" Zane blurted out, staring incredulously at Sam, who nodded calmly. His unruly and carefree demeanor was restrained, and his composed attitude showed that he wasn't joking.Zane fell silent again, furrowing his brow as he intently observed Sam.It was as if he thought everything through in an instant, giving up without hesitation. He didn't even remind Zane of the request from years ago to take care of Penny. Instead, he said this would be the last time he would help out.Logically speaking, this should be a satisfactory outcome for Zane. After all, from any perspective, the Lowe family's scion would only be a burden to Sam.Looking again at Sam's attitude, it seemed he didn't want Penny to know he was the one quietly spending money to handle things behind the scenes.Since there was no plan to meet her, he didn't need to worry about anything after that. If that was the case, it would be better to just end it early.That way, if Sam saw Penny falling in love, getting mar
All those old scoundrels from the Lowe family undoubtedly ranked the highest. Then there was Jessica, the entertainment industry's national goddess, who also played a significant role.Besides them, there were a few minor celebrities who didn't really make the cut.However, as Sam's partner and someone who watched him grow up, Zane privately hoped Sam could find a better girl.So, he advised, "There are plenty of socialites in Riverwood, and Amdale has no shortage of beautiful young ladies, either, and Rookfort isn't much different."You and the Lowe family's daughter haven't even officially met…""Who said I haven't met her?" Sam interrupted him without a second thought.He had even seen her twice. How could Zane say they hadn't even met yet?The first time, she gave him all the money she had. The second time, he spoke up to help her get that role.After these interactions, they could be considered acquaintances.Zane choked up and couldn't find the words to refute.He was s
Because Penny declined his offer, Zane didn't insist. After a bit of small talk, he ended the call.He politely mentioned that if she needed any help, she could call this number again. If he could assist in any way, he certainly would.However, Zanw knew very well that, given Penny's temperament, she would rather give up what she had than actively seek help from a stranger.Yes, to Penny, Zane was just a stranger. He was a person she had met once but didn't really know.This time, Penny didn't respond as coldly as she did when she was 18. Instead, she exchanged a couple of polite pleasantries, mentioned that she would reach out if needed, and then hung up the phone.After that, she let out a long sigh of relief and lay on the lounge chair on the balcony, gazing at the view outside the window.There were fluffy white clouds in the azure sky and the greenery visible in the neighborhood. Sparrows were chirping persistently as they darted through the forest, and the cicadas loudly bu
Although the other person said only one word, Penny could still tell he didn't have any ill intentions.Because of that faint sense of familiarity, Penny didn't hang up the phone immediately. "Hello? May I ask what this is about?"The unfamiliar and distant tone probably made the man on the other end of the phone pause for a moment. It was only after a brief silence that he responded."Young lady, don't you remember me? It's Zane Moran."His voice carried a laugh, with a hint of teasing.Only then did Penny remember who he was, but she wasn't happy at all.Zane meant no harm when that incident happened back then. But despite that, over the years that had passed, he became one of the people and things Penny would rather not recall.Whether it was the exam she missed, the incident where Spencer took her to the hotel against her will, or Zane, who gave her 30 dollars for a taxi ride.She just wanted to hide all of them deep in her memories.The recent events had particularly made
"I'm fine. You all don't have to look so worried. You're making it seem as if something bad is going to happen to me."Penny looked at the two people at the door who were showing a range of expressions, feeling speechless.Cecilia was provoked by her words, and her eyes turned red."We're worried about you. You have no idea what you look like right now. You're almost like one of those disheartened protagonists in novels who hated the world."Penny clicked her tongue twice and said, "Aren't you exaggerating?"She didn't believe it. She was just worried about money. It wasn't like she had become disillusioned with life.Besides, she didn't dislike this world at all. On the contrary, she really liked it.Whenever Penny came across posts online suggesting that all humans should just die, she always felt like rolling her eyes. If they wanted to die, they shouldn't drag others with them.When searching for her own role in movies, TV dramas, and novels, Penny particularly preferred re
Penny's way of clarifying things was to simply tell the truth.Sometimes, trying to cover things up would just lead to needing 100 more lies to continue the cover-up. That would often end up making things worse and more ridiculous.It was better to tell the truth about the situation.To answer the question of why she lashed out at the Lowe family, she briefly explained her experiences over the years.Why didn't she attend the final paper of the college entrance examinations? She personally reopened that old wound.As for that man in the hotel, Penny didn't have much of an impression of him anymore. She only remembered not taking his business card and accepting 30 dollars from him.Why did she show up at that man's hotel room? She wrote it down truthfully—it was her father who personally took her and left her at the hotel, wanting to trade her like a commodity.Every single word was carefully considered and written by Penny.She didn't share much of these things with Cecilia. Th
Once the official statements were released, Penny's career being ruined became a certainty.The only surprising thing was probably that after the film crew issued their statement, the largest investor also requested to withdraw.The film crew was completely shocked, but there was nothing they could do. The scion was willing to lose money just to withdraw his investment, so what could they do?The amount of money in the compensation was nothing compared to the amount that the scion planned to invest. The production team would incur a significant loss.With one less investor, the project's status was essentially downgraded. They had much less room to manipulate their gains now, too.One would understand why the scion was doing this if they used their brain a little.However, the protests from the audience couldn't be ignored, and compared to the investors, it was clearly more important to keep the show going.After all, they could always attract more sponsors, even if the amount o
In addition to the widespread backlash caused by the phone recording, Penny's academic credentials were also scrutinized and exposed.Before the college entrance exam, she had always been the top student in her school and had never ranked anything else.However, in the college entrance exam, she barely passed the minimum mark for key institutions, far below her usual performance.Some people speculated that she had been cheating during regular exams and that her actual abilities were much worse.However, the exam results could be checked online, and the fact that Penny scored zero on the last exam was surprising.It was even more shocking that she was admitted to a top-tier university despite missing an exam. It was truly exceptional.But few people paid attention to this information.After all, the achievements attained through hard work couldn't be faked. Even if the results weren't as expected, it was undeniable that she was stronger than many others.Regarding this topic, t