“Madisyn, I’m sorry.


    My friends were just trying to protect me because they didn’t want me to be unfairly treated.


    I apologize on their behalf; this is our fault.


    ”


    Tears welled up in Kristine’s eyes as she apologized.


    Seeing Kristine so openly remorseful made Josie and their friends feel even more awful.


    In a firm tone, Susan said, “I might note from a rich family, but I don’t see why they felt the need to defend you, after Madisyn returned to her own family.


    Do you feel threatened by her return?”


    Who would have thought that this ordinary girl could utter such sharp words!


    Kristine quickly shook her head.


    “No, no, everything’s fine at home.


    It was just a misunderstanding by my friends.


    ”


    Disappointment filled Glenn’s eyes as he said, “Kristine, if you’re upset about something, you should tell us directly.


    Madisyn has had a tough time in the past, and now that she’s back, I hope you two can get along.


    ”


    His tone wasn’t harsh, but the disappointment in his eyes was enough to make Kristine very ufortable.


    She had always been a source of pride for the Johns family!


    Furthermore, ine remained silent throughout, not even giving Kristine a single look, clearly showing her disappointment.


    Kristine felt like crying.


    What had she done to deserve this?


    Was it just because she wasn’t born into the family?novelbin


    It wasn’t her fault, yet everyone seemed to me her!


    “Understood,” Kristine muttered, biting her lip to hold back her tears and frustration.


    “I have no hard feelings.


    I’m fond of Madisyn and I’m sure we’ll get along.


    ”


    Glenn didn’t say anything else to her.


    He just invited everyone to have dinner.


    As the group dispersed, they left the awkward situation behind them.


    Josie observed Kristine’s downcast face with a sense of sorrow.


    She then looked over at Andrew and approached him, saying, “Mr.


    Klein.


    ”


    Andrew’s gaze was cold, and under his stern look, Josie felt an overwhelming tension but continued, “Kristine is your fiancee.


    She isn’t Mr.


    and Mrs.


    Johns’s real daughter, and with Madisyn’s return, she might be overlooked and unfairly treated.


    Please, take good care of her.


    ”


    Kristine, overhearing this, turned her eyes towards Andrew, filled with hope.


    Given her current distress, Andrew would surely show some concern, wouldn’t he?


    After all, they practically grew up together.


    “Fiancee?” Andrew’s response was chilling.


    “Since when was she ever my fiancee?”