Novel 543
Chapter 544
Mandy watched the car disappear into the distance before retracting her lingering gaze and turning around. She opened the passenger
side door and slid into the seat.
Summer, who had been watching Mandy’s every expression from the driver’s side, clenched her fingers no tightly they nearly pierced her
sklo,
The irony of today’s scene was not lost on her. Her so–called loving mother had come to pick her up, only to have eyes for Mirabella. To Mandy, it seemed her own flesh and blood meant nothing at all.
Without the star–studded halo that brought prestige to the Gilberts, Summer realized she had lost her value in their eyes. That was the harsh reality of being part of the Gilbert family.
Mandy flicked her fingemail absently and glanced in the rearview mirror Coming “Did you get your league scores?”
her sense, she asked without much preamble,
“Yeah” Summer’s voice was distant as she turned her head to gaze out of the window, her emotions now firmly in check.
“How much did you score?” Mandy inquired casually.
If she hadn’t known Mirabella’s score, Summer might have proudly shared her score of 263, but now…
Closing her eyes briefly, Summer managed to suppress her frustration and revealed her score.
“2637 And your rank?” Mandy adjusted her hair and continued her inquiry.
“Citywide, I came 15th”
d she do?”
Mandy’s face remained unexcited upon hearing the score. After a brief pause, she probed further, “And Mimbella? How did
Summer had anticipated this question and couldn’t help but let a sarcastic smile flicker across her lips. “We’re not in the same class. How would I know her score?”
Mandy’s brows furrowed. “Shouldn’t the rankings be public by now? How could you not know?”
Summer raised a hand to her temple, leaning back in her seat with closed eyes. After a moment, she asked, “Mom, what are you getting at with all these questions about her?”
Mandy was taken aback by the question.
“Do you really need to hear that your own daughter is not as good as the girl you once fostered to feel satisfied?” Summer’s tone was tinged with sharpness. She had clearly reached her breaking point. Any normal person would be infuriated by a mother who continuously inquired about a foster child in the presence of her biological daughter, especially when that foster child had been neglected in the countryside
Mandy’s expression darkened “Summer, I’m very dissatisfied with your attitude.”
When Summer had first returned to the Gilbert family, she was sweet and empathetic, never showing any sign of defiance. Mandy’s friends had envied her, saying she was fortunate to have such a gentle© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.
and obedient daughter. Now, where was that docile girl? All that was left was a sullen, mouthy young woman.
Summer’s gaze stayed outside the window, devoid of warmth. It probably wasn’t the attitude that Mandy was dissatisfied with. It was Summer herself.
Summer remained silent, knowing that any further words would only stoke the flames of discontent.
Before long, they arrived back at the Gilbert family mansion. Summer got out of the car and headed straight inside without another glance at her mother.
Mandy watched her daughter’s retreating figure and vented to the housekeeper, “Look at that child! She’s growing more rebellious by the day.”
The housekeeper, who had watched Summer,disappear into the mansion, turned back to Mandy with a reassuring smile. “Madam, please don’t be too upset. Miss Summer has been through a lot with the online scandal. Understandably, she’s a bit on edge“: