Chapter 350: Love and Security

Selena spoke as Rosalie nestled against her mother. Selena radiated brightness and cheer, as if raised in a world overflowing with love. Rosalie, Evian (despite past marital difficulties), and even their cousin Sarah and Felix's daughter were all confident and energetic—typical Quirk family young ladies.

Janice, however, was strikingly different. Except for a family resemblance, she appeared thin, lost, and spiritless.

The onlookers' mouths twitched. A spoiled princess? Compared to the others, Janice wouldn't even qualify as a maid.

Smiling, Evian cooperated with her mother. "Uncle Eric and Aunt Joanna must have given Janice abundant love and security; that's why they decided to adopt another child."

Love? Security? The contrast was stark. Janice's quiet, unassuming nature had made her unnoticed until now. The elders gradually turned their gaze toward Eric, their expressions conveying disapproval: You have the nerve to adopt another daughter when your own is like this?

Eric finally understood the underlying tension. Adding a daughter would awkwardly displace the original unless she desired a sister. Otherwise, it was a delicate matter.

And my daughter… is she like this because we haven't raised her well?

Eric glanced at Janice, huddled pitifully in a sofa corner, then at the other girls. He, a man who usually left child-rearing to his wife, felt uncertain.

(Inner monologue): Wow, Mom and Evian are being sarcastic. Even without knowing the details, Janice's condition makes adopting another girl seem absurd. Looks like Uncle Eric is realizing this now. I wonder about that snake of a brother Dylan's unpleasant expression showed he understood something but glared at Janice instead.

(Inner monologue): Oh, look at that! He's blaming Janice, thinking she's pretending to ruin the adoption. Is this her real brother? How can he be so malicious?

David's family almost snorted in anger. David addressed Eric: "Eric, you should think this through." His disapproval was clear.

Eric took a deep breath. "Let's drop it. I think it's inappropriate."

Alexander remained silent, yet the mood had shifted. Furious, Dylan demanded, "Dad, our family has always repaid kindness. If others find out, they'll mock us."

Eric's face darkened. "Enough! There are many elders here. Have you had enough?" Dylan, intimidated by Eric's sternness, fell silent. His father's authority still held sway.

(Inner monologue): Hah, serves him right. Always bringing up that so-called kindness. Who knew such a despicable girl could be so selfless Wait, what?

David's family, relieved, tensed again.

(Inner monologue): Could there be more to this story? Spill it! Did Cecilia save Aunt Joanna and Dylan in her past life? Why did they go this far for her?

David's family: What? What exactly did she do?

Even Alexander was curious.

Isabella's (inner voice): Hah! A life-saving debt? What a joke. It turns out it was all staged. Aunt Joanna and Dylan faked a car accident, took photos and videos to make it look like Cecilia saved Aunt Joanna from a wrecked, smoking car. It was all a lie!