Chapter 21
'Damn you! You little fucker. Whom did you learn that from? Are you starting to take after your dead mother?!' Beatrice cursed inwardly in her mind feeling enraged. Contempt was written all over the faces of the ladies that followed Beatrice. No wonder people say it's rare that step-mothers love their step-children for real.
The reason why Beatrice was able to earn some respect in the society was because she had built her own reputation as a loving step-mother. She had also been telling everyone how much she loved her step-daughter. Now she had shot herself in the foot.
Seeing that her mother was starting to get backlash from the people present, Sophia tried to help and pinched Roseline at her arm secretly. "Sister, what do you mean? Don't be silly. You know, mom loves you very much. Why would she be angry with you?" She said smiling her best at Roseline.
Bestrice let out a sigh, noticing that her daughter was trying to help her out so she quickly seized the opportunity. "Poor child, you are thinking too much. I know we haven't spend quality time together but you do know I love you. It's not easy to be a step-mother, is it?" She remarked with a bitter smile on her face.
Without wasting time, Rose replied at once, "Mother, I've always seen you as my own mother. What do you mean by it's not easy to be a step-mother? Nothing like that at all, mother."
Tears started to fill Rose's eyes, and she felt unjust. "Or, is it that you have never seen me as your own daughter? Ouch, Sophia, why are you pinching me again. It hurts."
Rose put on a painful look and gently pushed Sophia away as she rolled up her sleeve to show a rather noticeable bruise on her porcelain-like arm. Thanks to her naturally pale skin, the bruise on her arm was so visible as she purposely turned her hand in the direction where people could get a better view.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
People shook their heads in shock and disapproval. This is outrageous. What are these two doing to such a lovely girl? Even in public! This is a small proof that they must be bullying her at home-poor thing.
Sophia's face froze instantly but she was able to still force an awkward smile. "No, sister, I didn't mean to..." She paused feeling to angry at the moment and couldn't comprehend what to say or do to defend herself. "Don't worry, Sophia, I understand. It's ok." Rose lifted her arm up to have a look before she continued, "I'm used to this kind of things anyways, and I know you never really mean to. I don't blame you."
That made the crowd even madder and pity Rose more. Despite the fact that they didn't know what she meant by 'she was used to it'. They all thought that it wasn't the first time Sophia had been doing such thing to her. At this point, Sophia's face turned red with anger, and she tried to justify herself, but no one was listening.
Beatrice was even more furious. You little evil vixen! How dare you! You will see it. I must defend my own daughter. I can't have people think of her as a bully to her sister. It will ruin her reputation.'
She was thinking fast and soon responded, "Geez! Are you playing around again, Sophia? Of course, it was just accidental. Sophia is just playful as always. I've told countless times to stop all those playful acts of yours, most especially with your sister. You know she just arrived." Beatrice scolded Sophia in front of everyone to make it seem like she was just playing around with Rose.
'What a smart move.' Rose chuckled in her mind.
Beatrice then turned to Rose and said softly, "My Roseline, you know I always love you like my own, even more than your sister and brother. You surely know that. Where's the manager or whoever is in charge here? We want the most expensive jewelry for Roseline. Our Roseline deserves the best in the world."
Beatrice demanded with a sweet smile on her face but deep down she was enraged and felt like breaking something. However, she knew she couldn't let her emotions out and had to play the role of a loving mother.
'Why has this brat turned into a totally different person? Is she playing games with us? If that is it, then she's playing well. Too well!' Beatrice thought.
Despite the uneasy atmosphere, and after hearing Beatrice's request, the section manager quickly opened the safe and brought out a green jade bracelet and lavender jade ring. Even amateurs could tell it was a fine
piece
e of jade, let alone those at present, all experienced and
professional jewelry shoppers.
Like they say, jade's priceless. So this two pieces of jade must be the most expensive item at the shop.
Beatrice was holding back her rage as she took a look at the price tag. The first jade bracelet cost seven billion dollars while the ring cost eight hundred and fifty million dollars.
'This is such an outrageous price!' Beatrice screamed in her head when she was handed the price.
However, there was no going back. She had to do what she said, at least with all these ladies watching.
Rose glanced at Beatrice and caught sight of the cold sweats on her forehead.
"Wow! what a pleasant scene! I can feel myself throwing a party already!' Her lips curled up slightly into a smirk, watching how Beatrice was shaken.
However, she wasn't done yet, as she said tenderly, "Mothe, this is way too expensive. Let's just leave it, and we can ask father to get it for me?"
'I say leave it, but these ladies here probably won't agree. Ha. Let's see how you'd go about this.' Rose was really having the best time of her life currently.
Beatrice eyes brightened when she
heard Rose. She saw hope and was about to catch her chance, but Mrs. Phillip was quicker. "Dear, don't
worry about the price and just
it? This two pieces of jadenet
beautiful on you just as its
placed beside you. I'm sure the Grays can easily afford that. Aren't I
right, Mrs. Gray?"
'Damn it! Don't you love going against me, Mrs. Phillip?! You've always been looking for a way to pull me down. Wouldn't I be a joke all around the town, if I let you win this time.'