Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
At these words, the entire dining table fell suddenly silent.
Unclear on the situation, Melissa asked, âWhatâs wrong with the trending topics on Twitter? Todayâs hot search is filled with praises for Isla, a fact Iâm well aware of!â
She was the one who instructed the PR department to do this.
âAre you sure itâs praise?â
Lewisâs indifferent remark, however, ignited an ominous feeling in Melissaâs heart.
She immediately took out her phone and opened Twitterâs hot search.
At the same time, Jakeâs phone also rang. It was a call from the Horton Groupâs PR department!
Jakeâs expression suddenly changed after he took the call, and he abruptly hung up, looking incredulous. He then opened Twitter on his phone to check the trending video.
Isla, not understanding what was going on, hesitantly asked, âJake, whatâs wrong?â
Whatâs wrong? You still have the nerve to ask whatâs wrong?â
Before Jake could continue, Melissa had already swept all the tableware off the table, directing it all at Isla!
The hot milk that had just been served scalded Isla, making her jump up immediately. As she was about to speak, Melissa stood up, swinging her arm⦠âSlap!â
The crisp sound of a slap echoed throughout the room.
Isla stood still, holding her face, seemingly unable to comprehend what had just occurred. âAuntie, what exactly is going on?â
With a cold sneer, Melissa said, âCheck Twitter!â
It was only after checking Twitter that Isla realized she had been harshly criticized.
It turned out that after Ms. S retweeted Joshâs post, it immediately captured everyoneâs attention, allowing it to ferment to the top of the hot search in such a short time.
Moreover, after the police investigation, they had already announced a reward, verbally praised Josh, and issued him a certificate of commendation.
All was said and done, and there was no room left to turn things around!
In the past, when Isla stole Keiraâs credit, at most a few people knew. But this time was different; everyone now knew her hypocritical nature. This time, she had thoroughly failed!
Isla remained rooted to the spot, stunned.
Seizing the moment, Tom walked in with a smile, holding a contract, and said, âMr. Horton, I have revised the contract here. Do we sign the share transfer agreement now? Share transfers need to be made public.â
With an icy response, Lewis said, âAre you sure you still want such a daughter-in-law? If the Horton family lets her in, Iâm afraid it would become a joke!â
upon hearing this, Melissa clenched her fists tightly and pointed furiously toward the door. âGet out! I want you to get out! The marriage between our two families is canceled!â
Isla still wanted to explain. âAuntie, Iâ¦â
âShut your mouth! If you donât leave now, Iâll call security!â
Isla was shaking all over. She looked at Jake, only to see the man staring at her with disbelief in his eyes, clearly showing that he wouldnât speak up for her.
Isla lowered her head. âIâll leave right away.â
Even after she left, the dining room remained deathly silent.
Tom continued. âSo about this share transfer agreement⦠are we still signing
Melissa was dumbfounded.
Nathan and Oliver both tensed their jaws.
It wasnât until this moment that they finally realized they had suffered a loss today!
Not only did they fail to secure the five percent shares, but they had actually lost two percent!
Nathan was so furious that his chest heaved with anger. He glared at Oliver, then snorted coldly, stood up, and stormed out.
Oliver got up to follow him. âDad, let me take you backâ¦â
With both men gone, Melissa and Jake would be a joke if they stayed. They came pompously and left in disgrace.
Isla soon arrived back at the Olsen residence.
She was still covered in milk, dirty and disheveled.
As soon as she entered the house, Taylor came to greet her. âIsla, how did it go? Jake came early this morning to take you to the Horton residence. Did you get the shares?â
Right after he finished speaking, he noticed the expression on Islaâs face and paused in surprise. âIsla, whatâs wrong? Shirley, come quick!â
Mrs. Olsen, who had been resting upstairs, came down with Aunt Southâs assistance upon hearing this.
Seeing Islaâs condition, she frowned.
Taylor sat Isla down on the couch, rage on his face. âWho did this to you? The
Horton family? They dare to bully my daughter; Iâll confront them!â
But just as he reached the doorway, he was called back by Isla. âDad, no, itâs not that. Come back!â
Taylor stopped in his tracks. âIsla, then explain what exactly is going on?â
Before Isla could speak, Mrs. Olsen had already approached them.
Since recovering from her nightly coughs, she had been resting well recently, and her complexion had greatly improved. She was no longer as pale as paper, yet she remained frail, with a sickly look.
Still, she stood with the grace and uprightness of bamboo in winter.
She began to speak slowly. âIs it about the incident trending on social media?â
Islaâs pupils contracted, and lowering her head, she covered her face and began to cry. âMom, I really didnât mean to do it, Connor Hill came to see me, and I was terrified. He threatened me not to tell anyone, or he would come after me! I didnât dare to speak at that momentâ¦â
Mrs. Olsenâs tone was filled with disappointment. âIf you didnât do it, why didnât you tell the truth when the police questioned you?!â
Isla sobbed. âBecause Jake thought it was me who did it, he was being especially nice to me. I really like Jake, and I donât want us to part, so I didnât deny it⦠I never expected the Horton family would turn this into an issue and blow it up on social mediaâ¦â
Mrs. Olsen scoffed coldly. âIsla, even now, youâre still making excuses for your vanity and deceit!â
Isla suddenly looked up. âMom! I really didnât mean it. Canât you help me? Talk to the Horton family. I know you have a way⦠Tell them not to call off the engagement!â
Mrs. Olsen sighed. âThe Horton family has called off the engagement now?
Then you should just stay at home. I havenât been well before and didnât bring you up properly. From now on, Iâll keep an eye on you!â
After checking the news on Twitter, Taylor immediately intervened. âShirley, donât be upset. Itâs just a small matter. Sheâs just a little vain and hasnât seen â through the illusions of fame and gain yet. Donât worryâ¦â
Mrs. Olsen shook her head at once. âTaylor, donât make excuses for herâ Donât indulge her anymore. To spare the rod is to spoil the child; itâs our fault as parents for not raising her right. From now on, we can no longer pamper her like thisâ¦â
No sooner had she finished than Isla sharply raised her head and looked at
Mrs. Olsen incredulously. âMom! Iâve been wronged! Not only wouldnât you comfort me when I come home, but you scold me instead!â
Leaving those words behind, she got up and ran upstairs.
Suddenly, there was an alarmed shout from the nanny upstairs. âMiss!â
Mrs. Olsen and Taylor hurried upstairs only to find Isla had run to the third-floor garden, climbed up on the railing, and was poised to jump.
Mrs. Olsenâs legs gave way. âIsla!â
âMom, go to the Horton family right now.. I want this marriage! Otherwise Iâll jump!â