Chapter 237

Rachel and Cynthia turned to the doorway. Shirley leaned against the frame, holding a Hermès bag, her eyes filled with sarcasm and disdain.

Rachel, surprised, stood up, excitement barely contained. "You're here, Shirley," she exclaimed.

Seeing Shirley brought Rachel joy. She had deep feelings for her daughter, whom she'd raised alone for over twenty years, enduring hardship and sacrifice. Unfortunately, poverty had prevented her from providing a better life. Dennis's drinking and gambling had left Rachel with significant psychological trauma. Over the years, she and Shirley had constantly moved, facing numerous struggles.

Rachel felt sorry for Shirley, believing their estrangement stemmed from her own shortcomings as a mother. Her limited education had hindered her ability to guide Shirley properly. She felt like a complete failure, yet she deeply loved Shirley, even though they weren't related by blood.

With concern, Rachel asked, "Have you had lunch, Shirley?"

Shirley entered, looking arrogant. "I've been tied up and haven't had time to eat," she said.

"Then join us," Rachel replied quickly. "Come and sit down."

Standing by the dining table, Shirley glanced condescendingly at the food. "No thanks," she said. "I don't want to eat this awful stuff. I'm going to a fancy restaurant later. It's a place you could never afford, but for me, it's just my regular cafeteria."

Embarrassment and helplessness washed over Rachel. She stood unsure whether to leave or stay.

Cynthia remained calm, her gaze steady and chilling. "If you're not going to eat, Shirley, then leave. Don't come here acting like a spoiled princess."

Shirley laughed defiantly and took a seat. "This is my home, where I've lived for twenty years. How dare you tell me to leave? You should go."

Cynthia retorted, "Oh, you know this is your home, right? When was the last time you came back after reuniting with the Jones family? Since you've forgotten your roots and have no fondness for this place, then you shouldn't come back."

Shirley sneered. "Are you lecturing me, Cynthia? Look at this dump! Even if you begged me to come back, I wouldn't. Only a bumpkin like you would still think this place is nice. Sure, it's your home, and you should enjoy living here."

Rachel stood nearby, each word piercing her heart like a knife. Turning away, she wiped her tears and went to the kitchen.

Cynthia glared at Shirley, unwilling to engage. "What are you doing here, Shirley?"

Shirley fixed her gaze on Cynthia. "Where's the pendant? The pink lucky charm pendant from the Yates family?"

Cynthia frowned. "Why would you care?"

Shirley acted as if it were obvious. "You know that pendant was meant for the daughter of the Jones family, Cynthia, and it should have been mine. You've been living my life for years, but you're not taking my pendant. Give it back to me now."

Cynthia leaned back, casually flipping her hair. "What if I refuse?"

Shirley yelled, "You're so shameless, Cynthia! That pendant belongs to the Jones family. How dare you keep it? Mom and Dad sent me to get it, and if you don't hand it over, you won't be allowed back to the Jones residence!"

Cynthia smiled. "Sounds good to me. Please tell them to take care"

Shirley was furious and surprised by Cynthia's unfazed reaction. It made sense; Cynthia was Jonathan's fiancée and didn't need to care about the Jones family.

Frustrated, Shirley retorted, "I'm going to sue you, Cynthia. This is extortion!"

Cynthia chuckled. "Bring it on. I'll be waiting for your lawsuit."

Cynthia's nonchalant attitude fueled Shirley's rage. If Shirley hadn't known Cynthia's strength, she would have slapped her. Instead, she felt utterly powerless, trembling with anger.

Rachel stepped out. Although she didn't know what they were arguing about, she understood they were fighting over something. "That belongs to Cynthia, Shirley. You shouldn't covet it. If you really like it, I can buy you one."

Rachel knew Shirley well. As a child, she'd always demanded what others had. Rachel had tried to satisfy her, but it only fueled Shirley's desires.

Shirley spun around. "You know nothing. Can you even afford a pendant worth millions of dollars?"

Before Shirley finished, Cynthia raised her hand threateningly. Shirley, instinctively fearing a blow, covered her head. Cynthia didn't hit her.

Cynthia said indifferently, "Aren't you going to leave? Or do you want me to slap you?"

Furious, but knowing she was no match for Cynthia, Shirley grabbed her bag and sprinted to the door.

As she reached the entrance, she overheard Cynthia and Rachel and slowed her pace.

"I should be going. Remember to lock my room. Make sure Shirley doesn't go in there," Cynthia said.

Rachel nodded. "Okay, be careful on your way."

Cynthia left quickly, but Shirley lingered. Doubts swirled in her mind. Why lock the door? What was Cynthia hiding?

Hiding on the balcony, Shirley watched Cynthia leave. Then, she sneaked into Cynthia's room.

Rachel was washing dishes, unaware of Shirley's presence. She hadn't locked Cynthia's bedroom, so Shirley slipped in easily.

Shirley began rummaging. What could be in Cynthia's room that I'm not allowed to see?

She found a delicate wooden box at the bottom of Cynthia's dressing table. Exquisitely crafted, it clearly held something valuable.

Unable to contain her excitement, Shirley opened the box. Inside lay the pendant—the pink lucky charm pendant she'd been coveting.

It felt like a stroke of luck. Shirley couldn't believe it. She burst into laughter.

Chapter 238