Chapter 38

Chapter 38

The next day, as Vincent and Stephanie were finishing their meal and getting ready to leave, Matilda and Horace’s unexpected arrival disrupted their

plans.

Although displeased by the way they had treated his wife, he reluctantly invited them inside out of courtesy

The housekeeper laid out tea and left the room.

Horace lifted the teacup, blowing softly across the steaming tea, only to be interrupted by Matilda’s stem gaze

Clearing his throat, he spoke. “We’ve come to ask Stephanie to return with us to Jacinter:

Vincent responded indifferently, “Stephie’s my wife now. Her place is here with me in Tranquil Garden”

“The thing is… no one knows Stephanie’s true identity yet. If word gets out about Stephanie’s current situation, it could damage her reputation,” Horace

said.

Vincent’s eyes narrowed. “Weren’t you the ones who publicly accused my wife of plagiarism without any evidence? And now, you’re all worried about her reputation?“

Horace faltered at Vincent’s words. “At the time, we found it odd how Stephanie could come up with designs so similar to Florence’s after only being with the company for a month. Besides, we never knew about Staphanie’s design achievements. Maybe she got into the Starlight Design Studio because of your connections?”

Vincent scoffed at the suggestion. “It’s ridiculous to think that as a parent, you’d admit to not knowing your child. Stephie earned her spot at Starlight Design Studio solely through her talent. I had zero involvement in that”

Silenced by Vincent’s response, Horace turned to Matilda

Matilda cleared her throat gently. “Let’s not dwell on the past. We only want what’s best for Stephanie, and that means coming back with us to Jacaster. Gossip can be cruel, and we wouldn’t want Stephanie’s reputation to suffer.”

Vincent smirked at her words. His gare turned cold as he looked at the pair across him. “That’s not happening”

Sensing Vincent’s growing irritation, Matilda pursed her lips.

Taking a steadying breath, she continued, “Well, since the two of you are married now, when do you plan to have the wedding? We’re her parents, you see. We’re worried about Stephanie’s reputation.”

‘re holding off on the wedding for now. But I’ll make it up to her later,” Vincent said.

“For personal reasons, we’re

Matilda’s eyes darted around before she spoke again. “Shouldn’t we at least talk about the betrothal gift, then?”

Vincent’s eyes narrowed. Matilda’s true motives were becoming clear.

Under the guise of concern for Stephanie, all they cared about was the betrothal gift.

“How much do you want?” he asked bluntly.

Matilda’s eyes lit up. “I’ve poured so much care and sacrifice into raising our daughter. We’ve nurtured her talents. Se, shouldn’t we receive shares la tem

Geeup is compensation

count not suppress a very churide You? Sacrificed a lot to raise ? Natured my balen

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Chapter 38

Matilda frowned, thinking Stephanie was being ungrateful. “Am I wrong?” the former said.

67%

Stephanie let out a sigh. “Grandpa was the one who really raised me, not you. Your focus was only on Florence. All your attention was on her. Grandpa was the one who showed up to my parent-teacher meetings, not you. You didn’t even know which class I was in, even if I was always ranking first in my grade. And when I left at 14 for Astoria, not once did you call or message me, or offer a dime for living expenses or tuition. If it weren’t for Grandpa, I’d be spending every Christmas alone! Is that what you call raising me? Heck, you didn’t even know what I majored in at university, so how can you claim to have nurtured me?”

Matilda’s lips trembled with anger. “Stephanie, how can you be so heartless? I’m your mother- breastfed you..

Stephanie cut her off sharply. “When I was six, I heard you say that Florence was breastfed, but I was given formula. I never understood why you’d treat me so differently when Florence and I are twins. Am I even your real daughter?”

Matilda’s hand trembled, causing her coffee cup to rattle. “Of course, you are!”

“Then, why did you accuse me of seeking attention when Florence put thumbtacks in my shoes?” Stephanie cried out. “Florence fell down the stairs on” her own, but she blamed me, and you believed her. I didn’t even get a chance to explain before you came at me with a belt.”

“How can you even remember all of that? Weren’t you two getting along later on?” Matilda deflected.

Stephanie let out a bitter laugh. “Oh, we were tight all right, which was why I never suspected her affair with Douglas. I forgave her for stealing my design sketches. I helped her in a deal with the entertainment company being her vocal double. We were so ‘close’ that I joined Fantasy Boutique to help her with her designs!”

“Sketches? What nonsense are you talking about?” Matilda asked in disbelief. “Are you hearing yourself right now?”

“Nonsense?” Stephanie laughed. “Florence’s skill spoke for itself at the product launch. I let everything slide because I believed Florence genuinely cared during my time away. I was touched by how much she seemed to look out for me. But it was all fake, wasn’t it? She was just using me for her own gain.”

Stephanie decided to speak her full mind since they were enemies then anyway.

In that second chance at life, she was there to seek revenge.

She turned to Vincent and said, “I’ll be back in a second.”

Vincent nodded, his heart aching as he watched her go upstairs.

Stephanie had been through so much, dismissed as insignificant by her parents and used by her own sister,

Vincent stared coldly at the two across him, his gaze making them’squirm uneasily.

Horace forced an awkward smile, speaking up. “There seems to be some misunderstanding here. Stephanie’s always been stubborn and only sees the radical side of things.

Matilda chimed in, “That’s true. Stephanie acts impulsively all the time. Please just bear with her.”

Vincent cut in coldly, “You’ve failed as parents. All you do is compare Stephanie to Florence, It’s clear where she stands in your hearts when you so readily cast her out. Calling her impulsive when you’ve never bothered to understand her. After today, don’t bother showing up at Tranquil Garden again, Or else, I won’t hesitate to kick you out ”

“Just then, Stephanie reappeared holding a document. She sat beside Vincent and placed it on the coffee table before her parents.

it.” shademanded.

ked up the document, her eyes widening in disballet Dou’re severing ties with gate

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Chapter 38

“Yes,” Stephanie affirmed solemnly. “I’m cutting g ties with both of you and the rest of the family.”

Horace frowned. “Stephanie, what are you doing?”

“I’m not messing around. I’ve thought long and hard about this. Once you sign, you’re free to go,” Stephanie said firmly.

After hearing Stephanie, Matilda wanted to strangle her, but she could not afford to lose her temper before securing the betrothal gift.

“Stephie…” Matilda pleaded.”

“Don’t call me that. It makes my skin crawl,” Stephanie said coldly.

Matilda forced a chuckle. “Come on now. Stop with this nonsense. We’re still family, after all. Can’t we be nice to you?”

Stephanie raised an eyebrow. “Are you being so nice because you haven’t received the betrothal gift? Will you sign if you receive it?”

Choking up, Matilda insisted, “But we’re still family…”

“Do you still want the betrothal gift or not?” Stephanie said bluntly.

Realizing Stephanie was set on cutting ties, Matilda dropped the act. “How much of a betrothal gift are we talking about?”