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"Who are you to pity me?I'm not that rural kid anymore.I'm a top designer now,a socialite!"
I scoffed.Some socialite.
"If you love that life,stick with your great philanthropist."
The expression on her face froze,as if I'd exposed a secret.
"You just can't stand me outshining you!Hmph!"
Leaving that,she adopted a prim demeanor again,walking inside,with her every step I could see the shadow of standard training,she looked like a robotic shell.
Mom's face soured seeing Dad,but seeing Luna,she looked heartbroken.
"Luna,you're so thin.Is the food bad,or is your dad not..."
"No!"Luna cut her off.
"I'm fine.Don't worry.I eat gourmet,wear designer clothes,use limited editions.Worry about yourselves!"
She scanned the surroundings,rolling her eyes dramatically.
"If you're so happy,why leave your mansion and came to my thatched hut?"
Grandma emerged from the back room.
Was it my only imagination,or was she really exuding a different aura now,her voice commanding?
Seeing Grandma,Dad stated his purpose here.
"I'm here to take Stella back to live with me for a while."
"No!"Mom refused instantly.
Dad's face stiffened.Grandma gestured for him to continue.
"Summer break's near.Stella's on vacation.I want to take her to live with me for a few days,treat her to good food,improve her quality of life.She's my daughter after all—I care about her."
"My fault,I was too broke before,or else..."
His tone was most earnest,his expression most sincere.
Arrogant at the door,he now groveled before Mom and Grandma.I felt nauseated.
Mom and Grandma exchanged glances,softening slightly.
"Stella,you're almost a grown women.Decide for yourself.No one can force you,"Grandma said gently.
Mom looked at me with a soft expression in her eyes.
I pondered.I wanted to know Dad and Luna's game,but not to return.
If I resisted however,Dad might use force.
Mom's health was frail,and Grandma was old—I feared upsetting them.
I nodded."Okay,I'll go for a few days."
In their car,Dad dropped his smile,resuming his haughty air.
"Stella,we're taking you back for a charity gala.You'll attend with me and your sister."
"Back home,I'll give you instructions.About things you shouldn't say,you shut your mouth.Understood?"
So that was it.He didn’t come for me out of guilt,but to bolster his philanthropist image.If I didn't attend,rumors could tarnish his facade.
