“But Mom, I’ll be able to help you when I marry Landon.” Betty was pale with shock at her mother’s


    reaction.


    Sophia pursed her lips, eyes turning dark. She suddenly asked, “How far along is Zoe and Jasper?”


    “What do you mean by how far along? Jasper seems to be still infatuated with that whore, Alyssa. Zoe


    has


    no chance whatsoever.”


    “Good.”


    “Mom?”


    “Don’t you see? This is a great chance to distance Landon and Jasper from one another!” Sophia


    prodded


    ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    her daughter’s forehead.


    She continued, “Landon is his father’s only son. Even if his father is still leading thepany and


    family,


    Landon is bound to take over the mantle sooner orter!


    “Using Zoe to form a rift between Jasper and Landon was a far better deal than having her marry into


    the


    family.


    “I know Jasper. He never surrenders no matter how much you push him. Regardless, Zoe will still


    be


    the thing that separates them in the end!”


    Betty looked in awe at her mother, now understanding her n.


    Suddenly, a faint knock echoed from the door.


    Sophiaposed herself, putting on a kind expression. “Come in.”


    The door slowly opened, and in came Lauren with her teddy bear in hand. Betty gritted her teeth angrily


    upon seeing her sister. She fought the urge to tear the plush toy from her hands and rip it apart.


    “What is it, Lauren?” Sophia asked lightly.


    “Mom… Mommy…” Lauren clung to her bear, asking quietly, “Can… Can I attend tonight’s party?”


    Both Sophia and Betty were taken aback by her request. This was the first time this near-non-existent


    young woman had asked anything for herself.


    “Tsk tsk. Your sweet little persona is nearly crumbling at the seams, little sister,” Betty mocked, “You


    want


    to go because Landon will be there, don’t you? What a horny little bitch you are.”


    “N-No!” Lauren had long forgotten about Landon, including how they had kissed and held one another


    that night in the garden.


    “No one can get so lucky twice, little sister. Besides, did you forget about your mental illness? Do you


    really think he’d like a crazy little bitch like you?” Betty rolled her eyes. (1)


    Lauren stiffened up, her grip on her teddy bear tightening.


    “It wouldn’t be appropriate for you to attend tonight’s event, Lauren. Stay at home and-” Sophia cleared


    her throat. “Forget whatever happened between you and Landon.


    “Do not get in your sister’s way or cause her any trouble from now on. Understood?”


    “But Mommy, I wanna go because I … I really like Ada Kingsley’s movies! I want to meet her!” Lauren


    begged, tears welling up in her eyes.


    “Who would believe you, brat? Don’t listen to her lies, Mom. She’s a scheming little bitch. That’s what


    she


    1. She’s trying to steal Landon away from me!” (1)


    “Stop this, Lauren. You’ve already caused enough trouble,” Sophia said sternly. It was as if she was


    ordering some housekeeper around.


    Lauren could only stand there miserably, sniffling and hurt.


    Her mother’s apathetic attitude and her sister’s hatred toward her had led her to be a meek and


    frail


    little creature who could never stand up for herself.


    She was alwaysbeled as the sick one. She was the daughter who brought shame to her family-the


    daughter who shouldn’t have been born. 1