Chapter 11 Fake
Finished
All my efforts, wasted on these blind fools who defend outsiders instead of their own, Charmaine thought bitterly.
Willard’s face was grim. Though he had never once fulfilled his duties as a father, his tone now carried a commanding arrogance as he scolded, “Charmaine, we know we owe you from the past, but that doesn’t mean we’ll indulge your constant misbehavior.”
Charmaine sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she retorted, “Oh, so you admit you owe me? And bringing me back to the Nelsons is your idea of compensation? And I’m supposed to be grateful for that? The great Nelson family sure knows how to bestow generosity!”
Willard was stunned. He could hardly believe Charmaine would say something so blatantly disrespectful.
Jonah fixed Charmaine with a stern glare with the commanding presence of a seasoned CEO. “Enough, Charmaine. Apologize to Dad and Leah. Now.”
“Apologize for what? Didn’t your dear father just say you’ve all been indulging my tantrums? And here I am, throwing one, and you can’t even handle it?”
Her words were like daggers, each one aimed at piercing them where it hurt the most.
The entire Nelsons stood in shock. Had Charmaine truly lost her mind?
“Mom, Dad, Grandma, everyone … it’s not Charmaine’s fault, it’s mine!
“I was the one who grabbed her, If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have fallen, and the Skydance Bowl wouldn’t be broken. Please, don’t blame her for my mistake!” Leah finally spoke, stepping forward.
Her eyes were red-rimmed, and her slim knees were visibly bruised and swollen. Her expression was pitiful, pleading as she glanced at everyone.
What was Leah like before?
She had once been the cherished little princess of the Nelsons, spoiled and willful. There were few in the Eragos who dared to cross her, knowing she was the apple of the Nelsons.
But ever since Leah found out two years ago that she wasn’t the Nelsons’ biological daughter, she had become cautious, gentle, and compliant, afraid of being cast out of the family.
And now, despite her injuries and the destruction of the priceless antique, Leah was taking all the blame upon herself, kindly trying to shield Charmaine. Who in the Nelson family wouldn’t be moved by such a display? In contrast, Charmaine seemed even more like a senseless troublemaker, a parasite bent on stirring up turmoil and disrupting the family’s peace.
Finally, Alec, the second brother who had been silent until now, spoke up.””That bowl was something Leah went to great lengths to acquire. It’s worth 300 million dollars. Zayn isn’t going to make a fuss over the money. Charmaine, just apologize to Leah, and we’ll let tonight’s events go.”
The head of the family, Willard, added, “Charmaine, I know you’ve felt wronged tonight, but you can’t take it out on Leah. Apologize, and everyone will forgive you.”
His tone made it sound like he was already offering her the greatest of concessions.
even have to apologize….
“Leah, you’re too good to her! If you keep this up, she’ll just become more unreasonable!”
Milo huffed, clearly displeased, as if Charmaine was taking advantage of Leah’s endless kindness.
And wasn’t she? It’s a 300–million–dollar artifact, after all.
Charmaine wouldn’t earn that much even if she discovered a dragon’s hoard and sold it all! Watching the family unite in their defense of Leah, a chilling smile spread across Charmaine’s face.
“She fell on her own. I did nothing wrong. And as for this poorly made fake you’re calling an antique, worth 300 million? Please. Maybe you should all go build castles in the clouds instead of harassing me.”
Her words left everyone gasping in shock.
Leah’s eyes widened in disbelief, her pupils trembling as she struggled to contain her anger.
“Chara, say whatever you want about me, but how… how could you call it a fake?”
“Charmaine, that’s enough! Leah spent so much time pleading with the original owner for that piece, and they only agreed to sell it after much hesitation. Now you’re trying to deny your wrongdoing and call it a fake?” Milo roared.
Charmaine shrugged nonchalantly. “Sure, and that ‘hesitation’ was them painfully ripping you off.”
“Charmaine!”
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“This bowl’s famille rose enamel comes from royal courts. Unlike ordinary porcelain, the enameling process is extremely complex, involving a multitude of colors. The surface should have fine crackling and a glassy texture…
Charmaine casually reached into the box and picked up a shard. The fragment was sharp, and under the crystal chandelier’s light, the color of the porcelain was dull and murky, instantly revealing its falsehood.
But she didn’t need to look. She already knew it was a fake.
In her past life, after the Nelsons secured a partnership with the wonder doctor, they had sent this very bowl over as a gift.
She hadn’t cared much for it and had handed it over to Rex.
Rex had been over the moon until he opened it and nearly passed out from fury. He’d grabbed her and ranted, “The Nelsons have no shame! Sending me a fake!”
In her past life, she hadn’t caused trouble for the Nelson family, but this time. But now? Now, she was done playing nice. Who did they think they were, anyway?
Back to My Worst Birthday and Starting Anew
