Chapter 36

The favoritism was unbearable-blatant and suffocating.
Felicia’s eyes were sharp, as if she could see through their thoughts. Any trace of guilt or denial they had was completely exposed.
Myra stammered, “Licia, Kayla would never do something like that.”
“You can read her mind now? Know exactly what she’s done or thought? Felicia’s tone was dismissive, completely indifferent to whether this would tear their relationship apart.
The illusion of family harmony had long been shattered, so there was no need to pretend anymore.
Myra was at a loss for words, and Dexter added, “Licia don’t get sidetracked. The one who tried to harm you is Melvin, and I promise you, I will make sure justice is served. But Kayla has nothing to do with this.” Kayla stood quietly behind them, not needing to defend herself. There would always be someone ready to believe her, to protect her.
This was a privilege Felicia could never afford.
Felicia had expected things to turn out this way, but it still hurt. That tight, suffocating pain wrapped around her chest, leaving her too drained to argue.
It was impossible to wake someone pretending to be asleep, just as it was futile to reason with parents who refused to listen.
She took a deep breath and looked up again. She saw Kayla standing a few steps away, smiling at her.
That smug expression was the same smile Felicia had seen in her past life, just before everything had ended.
Without another word, she pushed past Myra and Dexter, walking straight to Kayla. Without hesitation, she raised her hand and slapped her.
The sound echoed through the room, and Kayla’s cheek instantly swelled.
Before Myra and Dexter could intervene, Felicia slapped her again on the other side, so now both cheeks were swollen.
She flexed her tingling hand and said calmly, “I’ve wanted to do that for a long time.”
Kayla covered her cheek with one hand and then her right. She felt a surge of resentment, but she didn’t dare to retaliate.
Instead, she timidly said, “Felicia, as long as you’re satisfied, I can pretend it doesn’t hurt.”
What a line-“As long as you’re satisfied, I can pretend it doesn’t hurt.”
This had to be infuriating for Dexter and Myra.
Felicia shot a scathing glance at them. The couple likely felt guilty. Regardless of whether Kayla was involved, Felicia’s kidnapping stemmed from her actions.
It was only natural to vent her anger this way. Fortunately, Felicia had no intention of striking again.
She limped into the elevator and went up to the second floor, shutting the door and locking it behind her.
Myra sighed in relief and turned to instruct the maid to get an ice pack for Kayla. She then poured a glass
of water and said, “Felicia is just upset, but you understand, right?”
Kayla was speechless. She could only nod, looking pitiful.
Myra sighed and said, “I know you feel wronged, but Melvin went too far this time. You need to stay away from him, okay?”
“Got it, Mom….” Kayla pouted, obediently agreeing. At the next moment, a flicker of malice crossed her face.
This matter was brushed aside, but the underlying tensions that had been simmering were now brought to the surface.
In the room, Felicia gazed out at the scenery, her expression calm.
It was fine. The cracks were forming, bit by bit. The more Kayla did, the more her flaws would show.
Sooner or later, that false, hypocritical mask would be ripped away.
Just like this time, even though Myra and Dexter continued to defend Kayla, they must have had a flicker of doubt in their hearts.
For now, they simply chose to trust their judgment. But in the future, they would be convinced by the evidence:
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