Chapter 650
Part 1
Jeffrey was furious, not because of Daisy's drunken habit, but because she had offended Tiffany.
โYou ingrate!โ he roared. โTiffany helped you, yet you blamed her for everything? Go to her house tomorrow and apologize. If she doesn't forgive you, keep begging until she does!โ
Daisy covered her mouth in disbelief. โDad? Why? Iโm the one whoโs hurt. Why should I apologize to her?โ
โDo you know how influential she is? Even I can't offend her, let alone you!โ
The Zhao familyโs business thrived thanks to Tiffanyโs family. Jeffrey was grateful, but greedy. He knew his path to success was long, so heโd do anything to climb higher. His current goal was currying favor with the Hampton family, led by Richard, who could single-handedly shake the global economy.
Clinging to Richard Hampton wasn't easy, but Tiffany offered a chanceโa golden opportunity he wouldn't let slip.
โIโll take you to her tomorrow, like it or not,โ Jeffrey roared. โBe sincere. Do you hear me?โ He raised his hand threateningly.
Afraid of another beating, Daisy sniffled and nodded. โYes, Dad.โ
Molly sighed in relief. This was the outcome she'd wanted for Daisy. But in the car, she heard their father pat Daisyโs shoulder and say, โCalm down. I never meant to slap you.โ
โBut you did!โ Daisy sobbed.
โAlright, alright. Iโm sorry for slapping you too hard. But think about our family. Weโve just entered upper-class circles; our foundation is unstable. If we rise further, the Kelleys wonโt bother us.โ
โWhat does that have to do with me?โ Daisy turned away angrily.
Jeffrey comforted her again. โDonโt you hate Tiffany? Sheโll fear you eventually. And when weโre prosperous, perhaps I can let you sit on the family throne.โ His voice softened.
Daisyโs eyes lit up. โReally?โ
โOf course.โ
โAlright, Dad. Iโll listen to you!โ Daisy stopped crying, a sincere smile replacing her fury.
Jeffrey and Daisy exchanged knowing smiles. The atmosphere warmed, as if their desires had become reality.
Molly felt a chill run down her spine. Since childhood, everyone claimed her parents favored their eldest daughter, praising her sensibility and kindness. Molly knew it was a lie; Daisy was the true favorite.
Part 2
Daisy, a master of tantrums and whining, always received comforting coddling after any discipline. Molly was heartbroken, however, because this latest incident was serious: Daisy nearly caused her to be molested by five men, and Jeffrey dismissed it casually. Worse, he conspired with Daisy to covet those they shouldn't.
A chill spread through Molly. She tugged at Jeffreyโs sleeve. โDad, Daisy almost got me raped today,โ she said heavily, terrified even to mention it.
Jeffrey glanced at her disapprovingly. โArenโt you fine now? And Daisy is your sister!โ
โSister?โ Molly raged. โSheโs not! I donโt have a despicable sister like her!โ
Daisy's childishness had worn Molly down. This argument only earned her a slap from Jeffrey. โIf you spout nonsense, Iโll smash your mouth!โ he snarled.
The slap stung. Molly couldn't win against her father. From the corner of her eye, she saw Daisy gloating.
"No, I don't deserve this," Molly muttered, then calmly said, โStop the car!โ
The driver hesitated, but Molly repeated her command. He sped up, but Jeffrey, his authority challenged, shouted, โStop! Let her leave. This kid needs a lesson.โ
โSir, itโs late. Itโs unsafe for her to go home alone,โ the driver warned.
โDo I have to repeat myself?โ
The car stopped. Molly got out without looking back. The car sped away, leaving her alone on the empty midnight street. Leaving the car out of spite, she realized she was expendable.
Tears streamed down her face. She noticed her disheveled clothesโtorn by the men in the alley.
She sat on a bench, trying to contact someone, but hesitated before calling Tiffany. Sheโd troubled her enough, and Tiffany was likely asleep. As she scrolled through her phone, she smelled a stench. A homeless man, carrying a burlap bag, approached.
โAh!โ Molly screamed, jumping away.
The homeless man waved his hands, protesting his innocence, but Molly remained terrified. No one was around to help. She regretted her outburst. They remained in a tense stalemate for a while, until the man threw down his bag and removed his coat.
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