âBut Mom, I can also marry into the Hoffman family. It will be equally beneficial for you!â Bethanyâs face
turned pale as she was startled by her motherâs intense reaction.
Shannon maintained her silence. She pursed her lips and had a sinister glint in her a moment, she
said, âWhat is the progress between Zoe and Justin?â
eyes. After
âItâs not like thereâs any significant progress. From what Zoe hinted, Justin seems to be lingering over
that little harlot, Bella. She doesnât stand a chance at all,â Bethany replied with a disgruntled
expression.
âHeh, thatâs even better,â Shannon remarked. âDear, donât you understand? This is a great opportunity
to sow discord between Justin and Ryan!â
âMom, what do you mean?â
Frustrated, Shannon flicked Bethanyâs forehead. âRyan is the sole heir of the Hoffman Group. Despite
Chairman Hoffmanâs current control, Ryan has inherited a substantial amount of shares from his father.
In the future, the Hoffman Group belongs to him!â
Shannon continued, âIf we use Zoe to create a rift between Ryan and Justin, itâs much more meaningful
than becoming in-laws. I understand Justinâs stubborn nature. Itâs futile to force anything he doesnât
want on him. So, even if Zoe doesnât marry him, this will become a thorn in their friendship. They can
never go back to the way they were!â
Realizing this, Bethany looked at Shannon with admiration.
Just then, there was a soft knock on the door.
âCome in!â Shannon composed herself, hiding her menacing gaze.
The door creaked open, and Carrie entered clutching a teddy bear.
Upon seeing her sister, Bethany immediately thought of the grudge between them. She wished she
could destroy both Carrie and her ugly teddy bear.
âCarrie? What are you here for?â Shannon asked indifferently.
âM-Mommyâ¦â
Carrie lowered her head and held the teddy bear tightly. She asked in a barely audible voice, âC -Can I
attend the banquet tonight?â
Both Shannon and Bethany were taken aback. They could not recall a time when Carrie had ever
asked for something on her own. This was a first.
âMy dear sister, your innocent facade is finally on the verge of collapse, huh?â Bethany sneered with a
devious grin. âDid you hear that Ryan would be there? You just couldnât resist the temptation to meet
your crush, right? After what happened with Ryan last time, are you unable to resist the urge to throw
yourself at him again? Why are you so shameless?â
âI-I didnât!â Carrie quickly denied any lingering feelings for Ryan and pushed aside the awkward
encounter in the bushes.
âCarrie, luck wonât always be on your side. And donât forget, youâve got some mental illness. Arenât you
afraid of scaring Ryan with your crazy behavior?â Bethany expressed disgust with a
roll of her eyes.
Carrieâs face instantly turned pale.
âCarrie, itâs probably best if you skip tonightâs event. Just stay at home. Also..â Shannonâs expression
darkened. âAbout what happened between you and Ryan before, I wonât hold it against you. But from
now on, donât cause any more trouble for your sister, or there will be consequences. Understand?â
âMommy! I-I just want to meet Ada Wang⦠I really like her movies!â Carrie pleaded as tears welled up
in her eyes.
âWho would believe such a lame excuse? Mom, donât fall for her lie. She may look innocent, but deep
down, sheâs scheming after Ryan!â Bethany gritted her teeth, seething with
resentment.
âCarrie, donât get in your sisterâs way. Youâve caused enough trouble. No more, understand?â Shannon
commanded with an authoritative tone, as if Carrie was not part of the family.
Carrie stood there in confusion with her head hung low. She sniffled pitifully. The neglect from her
mother and the hostility from her sister left her feeling like an outcast in her own family.
She was the daughter with a mental illness who brought shame to the family.
She was an unwelcome existence and an unnecessary burden.