Chapter 96 I Can Still Drink
+8 Pearls
“Someone like her, with such foolish, narrow–minded behavior, doesn’t deserve a place in the Nelson family,” Valda declared, her voice growing firmer with every word. “Since she’s cut ties with us, she’s not coming back.”
Olympia shot Leah a warning look. “Leah, just forget about her. Don’t feel guilty anymore.”
Leah lowered her gaze, speaking softly and obediently. “Okay, I’ll do as you say. I won’t bring it up again.”
“Good girl. We’re so lucky to have you, our precious Leah,” Valda said, lovingly patting Leah’s hand.
Leah felt a wave of warmth. She leaned in and wrapped her arms around Valda, pressing her cheek against Valda’s weathered one. “Don’t worry, Grandma. I’ll always be here for you, taking care of you for the rest of my life.”
“Good, good…”
The scene of a grandmother and granddaughter in such close harmony was a familiar one at their dinner table, one they had shared countless times before.
But this time, something inside Milo stirred.
In the past, he would have easily agreed with his family’s position.
He had always believed that Charmaine was the one who mistreated Leah, using the mix–up to her advantage and returning home with a sense of entitlement, as if the family owed her something.
But now…
Milo felt a shift.
Charmaine… hasn’t really done anything wrong.
He wasn’t sure where this thought came from. After the plagiarism incident, Milo began to feel more sympathy for Charmaine. Somehow, he started feeling sorry for her.
Looking at the situation now, he realized Charmaine hadn’t done anything to provoke anyone.
Yet, because Leah had mentioned her, allegedly because she was kind–hearted, Charmaine became the target of everyone’s anger.
This seemed to have always been the case.
Charmaine was blamed for no reason each time, and the family’s perception of her worsened. So, every time something bad happened, they always assumed it was her causing trouble.
But in reality, Charmaine wasn’t always the one at fault.
It almost felt like Leah was deliberately bringing Charmaine down, painting her as the villain to earn sympathy and win favor with the family.
Milo furrowed his brows, watching Leah smile as she massaged Valda’s shoulders. Suddenly, he realized the little sister he had cherished and protected for so many years seemed… like a stranger.
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Thu, 20 Feb
Chapter 96 I Can Still Drink
The Maybach glided smoothly along the road.
+8 Pearls
In the back seat, Charmaine sat perfectly still, her back straight, hands neatly folded in her lap, eyes fixed ahead.
Emyr glanced at her, then shifted his gaze to the window. After a while, he looked back, but Charmaine
remained motionless.
With a scoff, Emyr sneered, “You think that by flattering me and serving me, I’ll take it easy on you?”
Charmaine didn’t react, sitting there like a statue.
Emyr’s patience wore thin. His voice dropped to a dangerous tone, “Charmaine!”
The car filled with a cold, tense silence.
Tad, sitting in the passenger seat, was about to speak, intending to tell Charmaine to take a step back, but he froze when he saw her face.
“Mr. Emyr, Ms. Nelson … ”
“What? Are you going to beg for her too?”
“No, it’s just… Ms. Nelson seems drunk,” Tad stammered.
Drunk?
Emyr frowned and reached for her arm.
His fingers brushed her smooth skin, so soft it felt like touching an eggshell, yet the warmth from her skin was unmistakable. For a brief moment, Emyr was distracted by the sensation.
That night, when his illness had struck unexpectedly, he had woken to find Charmaine in his arms, her body burning against his skin. Every inch of her was warm and soft, as though she had absorbed all his
heat …
His eyes darkened, and with one swift motion, he yanked her into his arms. She slumped against him like a lifeless doll.
Charmaine blinked dazedly, her face flushed and her eyes unfocused.
Emyr recoiled with disgust. “One sip of alcohol and you’re already like this?”
Charmaine suddenly snapped back to life as if she had been jolted awake. She struggled in his grip. “I’m not drunk! I can still drink!”
Emyr grabbed her wrist and slammed it back down, grinding his teeth. “Not only are you a lightweight, but you also have a temper when you’re drunk!”
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