Chapter 131: Chapter 131

Chapter 131 Robert glanced at Ruby and spoke coldly, "Since you’re back, sit down and eat."

"I’ll pass. Just tell me why you called me here," Ruby replied curtly. She had no interest in maintaining a façade of familial affection; it was exhausting and fake.

"Ruby, your father often mentions you. Don’t you miss this family even a little? Your mother cries over you all the time but doesn’t dare call, afraid she’ll upset you. They’re getting old, and they deserve our care," Sienna chimed in, her words laced with exaggerated concern.

Ruby’s lips curled into a sneer. ’Still the same phony act after all these years. "Oh, spare me. That’s your mother, not mine. She doesn’t miss me;

she’s probably sticking pins in a doll wishing for my demise," Ruby retorted.

"Ruby," Emily interjected, feigning hurt as she clutched her chest. Tears streamed down her face as she said, "I know you’ve never liked me. I never expected you to call me ’Mom, but how can you think so ill of me? I’ve prayed for your happiness and safety at the temple for years. You’ve truly let me down."

Robert slammed his utensils on the table, his voice rising in anger. "Look at yourself, Ruby! Is this how a proper lady behaves? Why can’t you learn from Sienna? She’s everything you’re not-polite and well-mannered."

Ruby knew why Robert favored Sienna. Sienna was sweet-tongued, and Emily’s admiration fed his ego. Ruby’s bluntness, on the other hand, reminded him of her late mother-someone who had never pandered to him. "Back then, his former father-in-law never respected him, constantly belittling him and making him feel utterly worthless. Every interaction stripped him of his dignity. It wasn’t until his former in-laws passed away and the Dixon Group flourished under his leadership that he finally felt like a man worthy of respect.

Later, he met Emily. The way she looked at him, with admiration shining in her eyes, made him feel seen and valued. And Sienna, with her sweet, flattering words, was everything Ruby and her mother were not. This stark contrast only deepened his resentment toward Ruby and her mother.

Ruby rolled her eyes and scoffed, "Learn from her? You mean how to act like a manipulative woman, dripping with fake sweetness? No thanks, I’d rather keep my breakfast down."

"Ruby, why do you have to say such hurtful things? Can’t we just have a nice family dinner without upsetting Dad?" Sienna murmured, her face painted with an expression of wounded innocence.

Ruby reminded herself to stay calm-for her mother’s sake. But she couldn’t resist firing back, "You’re all wasted talent not being in the entertainment industry."

"Ruby, it’s all my fault," Emily chimed in, her tone oozing fake humility. "I’ll apologize if it makes you feel better. Please, just sit down and spend time with your father."

Robert growled, "Forget it, Emily. If she doesn’t want to eat, let her go hungry. Emily even cooked herself to welcome you back, and this is the thanks she gets? You’re growing more insufferable by the day."

Ruby smirked bitterly. "Thanks, but I’ll pass. I wouldn’t want to be poisoned. If you’ve got something to say, just spit it out. If not, I’m leaving." "You-

insolent brat!" Robert’s face turned red with fury.

"Robert, don’t get upset. We still need her help,"

Emily whispered, attempting to calm him.

"Ruby, we need you to clear something up with Joseph Darling," Emily said with a syrupy smile.

The mention of Joseph’s name triggered a flood of memories. He must be doing well now...

"What’s in it for me?" Ruby asked coldly. "Will you let my mother go?"

Emily’s mask of calm nearly cracked, but she forced a smile. "If you do this, I promise to release her."

Ruby’s fists clenched, her nails digging into her palms. ’So, Sienna drugged him back then, and now they’re getting married? Fine. Let them have each other. "And what exactly am I supposed to do?" she asked.

Emily’s smile widened. "Joseph and Sienna were going to get married, but there’s been a misunderstanding about that incident years ago. We need you to tell Joseph that it was all your doing-that you drugged him and orchestrated everything to make Sienna look bad. Once Joseph believes you, their wedding can proceed, and your mother will be free."

Ruby’s heart sank. She could barely process the disgust she felt. ’Of course, they’d stoop to this.’

"And if he doesn’t believe me?" Ruby countered.

"Oh, he will," Sienna interjected, her tone sickeningly sweet. "Joseph loves me. He’s just confused right now. Once you take the blame, everything will go back to normal."

"Fine," Ruby said, her voice void of emotion. "If that’s all, I’ll get it done. I’ll leave now."

"You have one week, Ruby," Emily reminded her, her voice coated in faux concern.

Ruby stormed out of the Dixon family estate, her mind racing with fury. ’How pathetic. They think they can manipulate me forever. Once I get Mom out, I’ll make them pay for everything.

As she left, her phone buzzed. Seeing the caller, her heart softened.

"Mommy, when are you coming home?" a little girl’s sweet, lisping voice chirped.

The sound of her daughter’s voice melted away all her anger. "Soon, sweetheart. Mommy’s coming home soon. Be a good girl and wait for me, okay?"

Later that afternoon, Danielle arrived early at the training grounds. She scanned the area, her gaze darting around. Spotting Maximus, she approached him.

"Maximus, has Elliot arrived yet? I couldn’t reach him earlier." Maximus scratched his head. "Elliot’s out on a mission. It’s classified, so even I don’t know the details."

Danielle nodded, trying to hide her worry. Please let him be safe. If anything happens, I’ll hunt down every assassin and the person who put the hit on him.

She sent a quick message: "Track the assassins who accepted the contract on Elliot. Locate the client’s IP immediately."

As she pocketed her phone, she felt several pairs of eyes on her.

"She’s stunning. Definitely the prettiest girl at Moreno University," one boy whispered. "Absolutely. Everything about her is perfect-her face, her posture, even the way she stands."

Nearby, Emma smirked and decided to stir the pot. "Don’t bother. Someone like her would never notice guys like you. Unless, of course, you have enough money. Not that it would matter-her ’backers’ wouldn’t allow it."

Her cryptic words sparked curiosity.

"You know her? Tell us more!"

Not A Small Town Girl (Danielle and David)

Chapter 130

Emma feigned hesitation before adding, "I’ve seen her with different men at certain events. Let’s just say it’s... complicated."

"Multiple men? Wow, she’s really playing the field," someone muttered.

"She’s a gold digger? What a waste of such a pretty face." The once-admiring gazes turned into judgmental sneers, fueled by Emma’s poisonous words. Danielle, oblivious to their gossip, focused on the mission in her mind.