Chapter 24

Charlotte stopped, her gaze icy as it landed on Steven. She gave him a cold, almost mocking smile. “You sent me away when I was thirteen. Out there, no one bothered teaching me about manners or etiquette.”
So was she blaming him for sending her off to the countryside?
Her condition might have improved, but she’d picked up some rough edges. The Main family was under too much scrutiny now. They couldn’t risk her being a problem. He needed to get rid of her bad habits, and fast.
“Charlotte, I just worry about you. I’m afraid things will go back to how they used to be
Olivia, looking flawless and dainty while eating her bird’s nest soup, suddenly chimed in. She poked right where it hurt, then pretended to backtrack. “Charlotte, you know I didn’t mean anything by it. I just worry you’ll get lost or run into someone dangerous.”
“Exactly, Charlotte. Your dad didn’t mean to scold you,” Elizabeth said, stepping closer like she wanted to take Charlotte’s hand.
But when she met Charlotte’s icy stare, she hesitated, her smile fading into awkwardness.
“Alright, that’s enough. What matters is you’re home. In a couple of days, you’ll start school. Olivia and I will take you out shopping for clothes.”
Elizabeth smiled sweetly, playing the doting mother, but her eyes gave nothing away.
“We’ve already signed you up for Pathfinder Academy. Whether you like it or not, you’re going,” Steven said, his eyes flicking over Charlotte’s plain clothes with clear disgust. “Clean yourself up. You are my daughter, after all.”
“Yes, Charlotte, you can’t go around looking like this. How will you face anyone?” Olivia added, the contempt in her eyes even sharper.
Looking pleased with herself, Olivia took Steven’s arm. “Dad, let me walk you out.” Elizabeth followed right behind.
Suddenly, the living room felt empty, just Charlotte and the maids, who watched her nervously.
Back then, Charlotte had been just a puppet, trained to never talk back or defend herself. Over time, people only remembered Olivia, the Main family’s talented, beautiful daughter. No one mentioned Charlotte anymore.
Charlotte glanced at the “loving” trio outside, then lowered her eyes. The corners of her mouth lifted in a cold, mocking smile. She pulled out her phone and sent a quick text.
I’m back in Cabinda.
The reply came instantly, filled with excitement. You’re finally back! I’ll take care of it right away.
…
SKP.
Cabinda’s most luxurious and sprawling shopping mall.
Olivia clung to Elizabeth’s arm. The two of them, dressed head-to-toe in the latest designer pieces, and carrying bags worth a fortune, stood out in the crowd.
Spotting them, the sales associates rushed over, bowing and practically tripping over themselves to greet them.
“Elizabeth, welcome! We just got a bunch of new arrivals, they’d look amazing on you.”
“Olivia, it’s been forever! You’re even prettier than before.”
The compliments kept coming, but none of the smiles were genuine.
Charlotte followed behind, her face expressionless.
Hearing the chatter, she looked up lazily. When she saw the store’s sign-kiss-she arched an
eyebrow and let a small vel
slip
sŵnovels
1-kiss: My kiss belongs only to you.
It was a newer luxury brand, but its standout designs had made it a rising star in the fashion world.
Charlotte stood alone at the entrance, looking up at the store.
A woman in a crisp uniform, name tag shining on her chest, stepped right in front of
her.
“Can I help you with something?”
The saleswoman looked her up and
down, Hoodie, black pants, a due
gray backpack
her screamed one thing: broke.