When Thalia saw Tiffany descending the stairs, she quickly rushed over. "Your foot hasn't healed yet! Why are you coming down alone?" she asked, her voice filled with concern and gentle reproach. She reached out to support Tiffany.

The Kelley family doted on their daughter immensely; to others, Tiffany was undoubtedly a pampered young lady.

Feeling overlooked, Sandra experienced a pang of dissatisfaction and jealousy. She believed she was as capable as Tiffany, but while Tiffany enjoyed privilege from birth, Sandra had to navigate a lesser status and constantly seek approval. "Why should it be this way?" Sandra fumed inwardly, though her smile never faltered. Stepping closer, she offered to help Tiffany to her seat and asked, with feigned concern, "How did you get hurt? Didn't Kenneth take care of you?"

Sandra's tone oozed feigned warmth, and her overly familiar mention of Kenneth underscored the simmering hostility beneath the surface. Knowing Kenneth had rejected Tiffany's confession earlier that day, Sandra's casual reference to him seemed a deliberate provocation.

In the past, Tiffany had foolishly considered Sandra a sister and confidante, sharing everything with her and even seeking advice on winning Kenneth's heart. Yet, the more she tried, the more Kenneth seemed to despise her. Reflecting now, Tiffany saw that the warning signs had always been present.

Casually sidestepping Sandra's offered help, Tiffany gracefully settled onto the sofa and replied coolly, "Oh? You like Kenneth? If that's the case, feel free to have him."

Tiffany's smile remained unchanged, her expression seemingly innocent and deceptive. But Sandra felt a shiver run down her spine.

"Tiffany, what are you saying? I've never had improper thoughts about Kenneth. I'm thrilled you're marrying the man you love!" Sandra replied smoothly.

Tiffany raised an eyebrow. Her voice, suddenly cold, cut through the air. "Sandra, do you know what your family's real talent is?"

"W-what do you mean?" Sandra stammered, caught off guard.

Tiffany's smile didn't reach her eyes as she continued, "Your father's shamelessness is almost admirable, your mother's greed knows no bounds, and you you've mastered the art of pretending to care so well that you've nearly fooled yourself." Her words were laced with venom.

No one could fathom the depth of Tiffany's loathing for the Olsons. "If I could, I'd destroy Sandra right here and now! Compared to what they did to my family, these harsh words are nothing," Tiffany thought, watching Sandra for her reaction.

Sandra stood frozen, her face a picture of hurt. "Tiffany! How could you say such things about my family?"

Tiffany remained unmoved. Her cold gaze swept over Sandra, taking in her expensive designer clothes. "Enough with the pretense. Are you really that clueless? When my father brought your family into our home, he didn't intend to keep you here forever. Now that you've made yourselves comfortable in Lovell City, isn't it time you packed up and left?" Her voice was firm, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

Due to family ties, Tiffany's parents had never been so direct. But today, Tiffany made her stance crystal clear, mocking the Olsons for overstaying their welcome.

Just then, Stan and Selena Olson, laden with shopping bags, entered the room, their expressions darkening as they heard Tiffany's words.

"Tiffany, are you suggesting we've taken advantage of your family?" Stan retorted, stepping forward with Selena, both ready for a confrontation.

Tiffany's smile widened, though it was anything but friendly. "Isn't that exactly what you've done?"

Tiffany thought, her disdain deepening, "People always say that when you accept kindness, you should feel both grateful and humbled, but this family not only lacks shame—they act like they have every right to impose!"

Sandra's eyes brimmed with tears as she hurried to intercept her parents, her voice trembling with feigned distress. "Mom, Dad, don't be upset. I'm sure Tiffany didn't mean it like that. It's our fault. Maybe we should leave…"

Sandra looked ready to burst into tears.

Tiffany mused, her gaze icy, "Of course. Sandra loves playing the victim. Who wouldn't feel sorry for her when she's like this?"

Sensing the escalating tension, Thalia quickly intervened. "No, it's not like that at all. Tiffany didn't mean it. You're welcome to stay—we're family."

Though they weren't ready to let the matter go, the Olsons' expressions softened slightly after Thalia's words.

"Still," Stan remarked, his tone tinged with bitterness, "it seems Tiffany doesn't see us as part of the family anymore. It's disappointing. We cared for her so much when she was little, and now that she's grown up, she's learned to turn her back on us."

The sarcasm grated on Thalia's ears. "Enough of this! You must be exhausted from shopping all day. Go and rest," Thalia snapped, her usual warmth replaced by a rare sharpness.

Tiffany nearly laughed. Thalia had always been gentle and warm-hearted, but even the kindest person has limits. Thalia's breaking point was her children; her protective instincts were unmistakable.

Thalia's sharp retort left the Olsons speechless. Their anger simmered, but they hesitated to push further.

Just then, a car pulled up outside. A helper announced, "Mr. Kelley is back."

Charlie Kelley entered with confidence.

Seizing the opportunity, Stan immediately launched into his grievance. "Charlie, look at how your daughter is behaving! She's trying to drive us out!"

Selena added, "It's clear we're nothing but outsiders here. It's a pity our parents aren't around to see how their granddaughter treats us so ungratefully."

With a practiced look of innocence, Sandra sobbed, "Uncle Charlie, I must have done something to upset Tiffany. That's why she's treating us this way." She exaggerated the situation.

Hearing the commotion, Charlie frowned. He valued family ties and believed that a few extra mouths to feed weren't worth quarreling over, especially family. But catching sight of Tiffany's tear-streaked face, his heart sank. "Who made my daughter cry? I'll deal with them myself!" he declared.

Outside, Charlie was a prominent, successful businessman. Yet his greatest flaw, and strength, was his fear of his wife and his doting on his children. No matter the issue, it paled compared to a single tear from his daughter.

Stan, surprised, muttered, "It's just a few tears, Charlie. You're overreacting."

Charlie shot him a sharp look. "Tears? My daughter's tears aren't just tears—they're as precious as pearls and diamonds!"

Tiffany could no longer hold back her tears. She remembered her father's prematurely gray hair, a testament to the stress and turmoil of their family's crises. Her naivety and poor decisions had added to his burdens. The weight of their tragedies had overwhelmed Charlie, leading to his collapse, and Sandra's betrayal ultimately led to his death.

But now, witnessing him vibrant and full of life, Tiffany was engulfed by love and regret. Without a second thought, she rushed into his arms, clinging to him tightly. "Dad, I missed you so much…" she sobbed.

(Note: I removed the advertising link.)