Chapter 21 Coming–of–Age Ceremony
Chapter 21 Coming–of–Age Ceremony
Azalea reflected on her past.
In her previous life, Ivy was the mother she most yearned to connect with after returning to the Larks. Despite her efforts to win Ivy’s approval, she never seemed to measure up to Sydney in her mother’s eyes.
It was Bastian who had picked her up from the orphanage. On the drive home, he explained that the rest of the family was too busy to come–a polite way of saying they simply did not care enough to show up.
When they reached the Larks‘ residence, only Ivy was there, holding Sydney close. The look Ivy gave Azalea was not one of maternal warmth but rather one of cold estrangement.
Ivy set the ground rules immediately, “Even though you are our biological daughter, Sydney has been with us for ten years. You both share the same birthday, but you are the older sister. As the older sister, it’s your responsibility to look after her.”
Look after her…
That directive became the justification for all the punishments Azalea would endure.
From then on, whenever Sydney encountered any problem, Azalea was the one who faced punishment. Ivy would furiously demand, “Why didn’t you look after your sister?”
As these memories surfaced, a chilly smile spread across Azalea’s face. Where did Ivy get the audacity to make such demands of her now?
“May I ask, what right do you have to stand here and demand anything from me? Is it because you are my mother?”
Azalea produced a document from her bag, “Mrs. Lark, have you forgotten that your husband already signed this?”
Ivy was speechless, taken aback by Azalea’s defiance.
Azalea pressed on, “As a mother, did you ever consider the effects on your biological daughter when you consistently placed her below your adopted daughter and favored the latter?”
In her previous life, she had been relegated to Sydney’s shadow, losing opportunities and even being scapegoated when convenient.
She once had a chance to prove herself, but the Larks coerced her into publicly confessing to plagiarism, claiming she had copied Sydney all along!
Azalea felt a mix of unwillingness and anger swirling inside her, yet despite her resentment toward this family, she could not help but still feel affected by them.
Ivy’s expression darkened. “Haven’t you already switched to the academic class? Your talent in painting is excellent; it’s a waste not to utilize it. What’s wrong with helping Sydney?”
Azalea let out a laugh, exasperated.”
Ivy tried to appeal to familial bonds, “Sydney is your sister.”
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Chapter 21 Coming–of–Age Ceremony
Out of patience, Azalea retorted sharply, “Why should I help her? Should I die for her too?”
“You!” Ivy was infuriated, her anger nearly sending her blood pressure through the roof. How dare this child wish death upon Sydney?
In her rage, Ivy raised her hand to strike Azalea.
However, Azalea, anticipating this, quickly grabbed her wrist. With a swift twist, Ivy stumbled and fell, her high heels failing to stabilize her.
“You dare to strike me?” Ivy was in disbelief.
Azalea met her gaze coldly, “What’s wrong with defending myself? You hit me, but I can’t hit back?”
Ivy, stunned, could not reconcile this defiant version of Azalea with the girl she once knew.
Taking advantage of Ivy’s shock, Azalea walked past her, “Mrs. Lark, from the moment I left the family, I severed all ties with you and the family. I can’t return, nor will I help you again.”
With that, she flagged down a taxi.
The bodyguard moved to intervene, but Ivy waved him off.
“Let her go, I don’t believe she can really leave us,” Ivy stated coldly, her voice tinged with bitterness.
She was overwhelmed by anger right now.
She was confident. Azalea wouldn’t be able to cut ties so easily; she knew her daughter..
She knew.
It was nearing Azalea and Sydney’s 18th birthday, the coming–of–age ceremony. Ivy suspected that Azalea planned to use the occasion to her advantage.
Was Sydney supposed to renounce her inheritance? Or was Azalea plotting to become an official part of the Larks family?
Ivy believed any plan Azalea had would surely fail.
She boasted of indifference to all things Larks, but Ivy planned the grandest coming–of–age celebration for Sydney, curious to see if Azalea would regret her decisions.
“Where to, Miss?” asked the taxi driver as Azalea climbed in without giving a destination, asking instead to circle the neighborhood.
Where to?
“Ashbourne Villa,” Azalea decided, having no other refuge.
Upon her arrival, she saw Carla at the doorway, who rushed over, concerned. “It’s late, and you haven’t returned. I worried you were lost.”
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Chapter 21 Coming–of–Age Ceremony
“I’m sorry to have worried you,” Azalea replied, her encounter with Ivy souring her mood.
“Carla. I’m not hungry tonight; I think I’ll just study in my room, she said. Carla, who had long served Hubert, could read people well and immediately sensed Azalea’s troubled state.
Hubert, just out of a meeting, received Carla’s message. He strode through the corridor in his sleek silver- gray suit, exuding an air of authority.
His assistant, Levi, trailed behind, briefing him on business matters.
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