Chapter 21
The facade of sisterly affection was no longer worth maintaining. With a cold expression, she said sharply, “Rosalie, why are you looking at me like that?”
Rosalie smirked, “Oh, nothing. Just realizing you’ve somehow managed to look even uglier than the last time I was home. The moment the words left Rosalie’s mouth, Helena’s face was contorted furiously for a moment.
Hearing Rosalie speak so plainly and frankly felt far more cutting than any sarcastic tone she might have used. It was as if each word from Rosalie was a blunt reminder of an undeniable truth.
Her already pasty complexion turned an even ghastlier shade of pale, her entire body trembling with barely contained fury. Edward and Claudia, who had been silent until now, stiffened at Rosalie’s words. A flicker of anger flashed in their eyes.
“Rosalie, how can you talk like that? Helena isn’t in good health, and as her big sister, how can you say something so cruel?” Edward’s voice was stern, his expression cold as he looked at Rosalie. As her father, he clearly felt more entitled to lecture Rosalie than Claudia did.
But Rosalie, upon hearing his rebuke, showed not even the slightest trace of remorse. Instead, she blinked up at him with feigned innocence and said, “Dad, I was just telling the truth.
“How did that sound cruel to you? You know, they say once a man remarries, he stops being a real father to his own child. I never believed that before, but now I see they were absolutely right.”
She shifted her gaze to Claudia, whose expression had darkened considerably. Letting out a soft, mocking chuckle, Rosalie continued, “Ever since this stepmother of mine came into the picture, I can’t even speak the truth without being scolded.”
“Rosalie, how can you say that?” Claudia’s voice trembled with emotion, her eyes turning red with unshed tears. “Have I ever treated you badly? Have I ever deprived you of a comfortable life? Have I ever raised a hand against you?”
