Chapter 33
Helena could no longer hold back her emotions. Covering her mouth with her hand, she let out a muffled sob. “Julian, do you really hate me?”
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Her eyes, rimmed red, shimmered with unshed tears as she bit her lower lip, looking at Julian with a pitiful expression. Her voice was soft, trembling slightly, as if she had just been abandoned by a heartless lover.
Seated beside them, Rosalie watched the scene unfold in silence, but inwardly, she couldn’t help rolling her eyes.
Julian’s response was brief and cutting. “Sorry, but we’re not that close.” The meaning was clear–Helena wasn’t even worth his dislike.
Helena had always been sensitive since she was little, and there was no way she could miss the implication. The moment the words left Julian’s mouth, her body swayed unsteadily, as if the blow had drained all strength from her limbs.
She had foolishly assumed that since Julian was technically her father’s son–in–law, he would at least show some restraint, that he wouldn’t be too cruel with his words. Clearly, she had overestimated his emotional intelligence.
Helena clenched her jaw, forcibly swallowing down the burning resentment that threatened to consume her. Deep down, she wanted nothing more than to tear Rosalie apart, limb by limb. ‘If it weren’t for Rosalie, Julian would never treat me like this, she thought bitterly.
Her fingers curled into fists, her sharp nails digging so deep into her palms that they left crescent–shaped marks. Only when the sharp sting of pain registered did she snap back to reality, realizing that her face was already streaked with tears.
Claudia, ever the opportunist, had a keen sense of when to retreat. She could tell that their family wasn’t gaining any ground here–if anything, they were only making Julian more displeased. So, without hesitation, she reached out and gently grasped Helena’s hand in silent consolation.
But her voice remained smooth and composed, as if she were the perfect mediator. “Alright, Edward, it’s just a little misunderstanding between the kids. Helena isn’t even holding a grudge, so why are you still making such a fuss?”
Hearing that, Rosalie lifted her eyes, glancing at Claudia with a faint, amused smirk that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
15:14 Mon, 3 Mar
Chapter 34
