Chapter 349: Are They Even a Family? (+5 Pearls)

David and Selena glanced sideways at Eric. "Work is important," David muttered, "but so is your children's education! And what about the bullying?"

David's family shuddered. Could Cecilia be manipulating people at school? Was Dylan condoning this behavior?

Janice's boyfriend, Cody Simmons, the campus heartthrob, was being bullied by other socialites. The school didn't know Janice's identity because her mother and Dylan forbade her from revealing it, fearing Cecilia would face discrimination. This logic was baffling. Had they mixed up Cecilia and Janice at birth?

David's family was equally perplexed. The Simmons family is prominent in Yrinas, as is the Quirk family. Cody's relationship with Janice made sense, but why would he contribute to her bullying? And what was Joanna doing?

If Janice didn't resemble Evian, Rosalie, and Felix's daughter, they'd have the same question as Isabella.

Isabella's thoughts spiraled: An absent father, an unloving mother, a neglectful brother, and a troubled relationship with her boyfriendno wonder she's so depressed and insecure. Now, the woman who tormented her is about to become family. Disgusting. Why did she agree? Because opposing it is useless. Her mother and brother prefer Cecilia; opposition would only bring blame.

My God, Isabella thought, what has she endured to become so pessimistic and powerless?

David's family frowned in unison. Dylan considered their reluctance petty.

Isabella's inner voice exploded: What the fck? Are they even a family?* Her expression darkened as she saw something else.

Recently, Cecilia had taken a dress Lionel gifted Janice. When Janice asked for it back, Cecilia faked a fall, tearing the dress. Dylan, enraged, forced Janice to kneel and apologize. When she refused, he slapped her.

Isabella clenched her fists; David's family glared at Dylan. The tense silence hung heavy in the air.

Joanna showed no concern for Janice's suffering, demanding an apology to Cecilia. Janice's refusal only drew Joanna's disappointment and anger, hurting her more than the slap. Numbly, Janice complied.

Damn it! Isabella thought. I'm furious! I won't agree! If that despicable woman joins the Quirk family, my husband's hard-earned money will go to her as dividends. No way!

Alexander, avoiding Dylan's gaze, silently held Isabella's hand, offering comfort.

(Second Part)

Eric felt as if he'd been hit by invisible arrows. He guessed his brother's family blamed him for not controlling Dylan, who was aggressively pressuring Alexander. He found it inappropriate.

"Unanimous family approval is the first step," Eric said. "I'll speak sternly to Dylan."

Dylan started to speak, but Selena interrupted, smiling, "Ah, Eric, you must cherish your daughter."

Eric was taken aback. Dylan frowned.

Selena, having heard Isabella's thoughts, spoke up for Janice. "No one neglects their daughter to hastily adopt and pamper an outsider, right? So, I imagine your family will dote on Janice, like we do Rosie, treating her like a princess."

This cleaned-up version addresses grammar, punctuation, and formatting issues, creating a more readable and coherent narrative. It also preserves the emotional intensity of the original.