Chapter 240
The Remorseful Brothers
Chapter 240 Bellaâs body couldnât help but mission stiffen slightly. She looked at her husband Lincoln, hoping he would say something to help her decline this difficult But Lincoln just meekly lowered his head, staring at the floor. âMom entrusts you with such an important task. Arenât you going to accept it right away?â
Bella suppressed the chill inside and forced a smile that looked more like a grimace, her face turning a bit pale. I got it, Ruth.â
Bella pinched Lincoln hard in frustration. Madeline alone could outmatch all of the members of Thomasâ family combined. In the past, Vanessa had always gotten her way because of her parentsâ indulgence and never suffered any losses. But she got severely beaten up by Madeline. But her usually overprotective parents didnât even dare to utter a word when they returned home.
Bella quickly went to inquire about Madelineâs background. Madeline had Caleb as her powerful backing. Caleb was the kind of man people couldnât afford to mess with. Being in the entertainment industry, Bella knew full well that there were plenty of people in the criminal and law- abiding worlds who were not to mess with. With their enormous strength and influence, those underworld figures in particular could still prosper in society. They were like dragons hiding in the depths; anyone who got their attention might be in danger. Bella was very irritated right now Nobody would dare provoke Madeline, not even the sharpâwitted and cunning Sharon. Being sent to discipline her made Bella very afraid.
Ruthâs fierce instructions made their minds racing. Harleyâs family was sent to discipline them; Henryâs family was responsible for their work, and Jacobâs family was tasked with looking after Madeline. Ruth nodded with satisfaction, feeling that she truly was a master strategist. Such little things were best left to their subordinates to handle. âItâs been years since Thomas last saw you. Be kind and friendly when you meet him later. Donât scare him off,â she said.
Yvetteâs smile was shallow, she thought to herself that Ruth was the intimidating one.
Ruth turned to Sharon, who was sitting upright and poised. âSharon, you have always been meticulous. Youâll go to help them settle in.â
Sharon could only manage a bitter smile, thinking, âDoes Ruth know what she is doing? Iâve seriously offended Thomasâ family in the past. I donât know whatâs waiting for me if I face Madelineâ âRuth, wonât they be living with us here?â
âOf course not,â Ruth said with a disdainful look on her face. âThey come me from a small town Acocester. Theyâre likely to bring in all sorts of bad habits since they havenât been taught proper manners.
She was worried that if they moved back in, they might corrupt the familyâs traditions and decorum. But most importantly, she just didnât like them and didnât want to see their faces every morning and night. She wanted to live a long and healthy life.
As they were talking, the car had already pulled up to the grand entrance of the house.
Vanessa was the first to get out, eager to not spend another moment with them.
The second was Layla, taking in the newly paved driveway, the impressive mansion gate, and the two security guards standing at the entrance, who seemed to be highly professional.
Views of the exquisite imposing gate.
interior landscaping, the exquisitely carved beams and rafters, and the peaceful courtyard could be seen through the Layla exclaimed, âThomas is truly from a wealthy family; itâs nothing like our former commercial villa. The pine tree inside appears to be quite old and valuable.â
Thomas wasnât in a good mood. âNo matter how grand this place is, itâs not our home. Why do you always think about these trivial things! These things donât matter once we get to live a comfortable life. We donât need to open up to them.â
Layla, however, was in high spirits. She adjusted her clothes and used her phone to check her makeup to make sure she looked presentable.
Their five sons also got out of the car. The family of seven followed Vanessa as they entered the Larson residence.
As soon as they entered. Vanessa instructed the security guards, Take a good look. These are my uncle Thomas, his wife, and their sons. If they visit again in the future, donât treat them like strangers and try to drive them away although they may not look like us. Remember thisâ
Vanessaâs eyes gleamed with pride. âUncle Thomas, itâs been a while since youâve been back. Iâm afraid youâve forgotten how strict our family rules are. But thatâs okay, youâll get used to it again.â
Something uneasy settled in Thomas Laylaâs smile stiffened, but she forced herself to ignore the unease. Better days were ahead, so she could bear this. But the feeling of oppression was all too real as soon as they stepped into the hall and saw a scene akin to a trial. Layla consoled herself inwardly. âThatâs just the nature of large families. A wealthy household has many members, lots of rules, and a generally cold and serious attitude. Everything is as is should be. They are elite, after all. Itâs naturally different from ordinary families.â
Rith, seeing them standing stiffly in the hall, let out a cold laugh. âHah, are you all dead! Donât you know how to greet?â
the 11:53 AM ÙØ§ Chapter 240 âThomasâ expression darkened. Ruth was putting airs to intimidate them.
Layla hurriedly said, âRuth and you guys, we rushed back without preparing any gifts for you. I hope you donât mind.â
Layla was a bit nervous. Although they werenât planning to forego the gifts, they were actually severely short on cash. Cheap items wouldnât cut it anyway, they would just make people laugh. The somewhat unfriendly glances from everyone caused her to feel uneasy. But her family was supposed to come back. They were all bloodârelated to these people. She found it incomprehensible that they were unhappy with them and even gave them the cold shoulder. âWhat is this all about? Layla was grumbling inwardly, quite discontented.
âLaylaâ Tiana grinned. Thatâs not how people greet each other. I understand you come from a modest background. It appears that I will need to spend some time teaching you manners, based on your current demeanor. But I come from a wellâtoâdo family. I didnât marry into this family to help you out, so I wonât be very patient with you,â
Tiana smirked, her wellâmaintained, elegant face carrying a hint of mockery. âYou should thoroughly study the rules. Donât waste my timeâ
Now, Layla could no longer keep a straight face. They had returned to inherit the family business, not to be mocked and taught manners. âTiana, what do you mean by that? Weâre all family. Is it necessary to be so mean?â