Chapter 19 No Help
+8 Pearls
After managing the issues with the Larks, Wylie took the team out for a celebratory dinner, welcoming a new member to the squad.
While Azalea enjoyed herself, the mood among the Larks was decidedly less cheerful.
With Skyler off in another city for a filming project and unable to join, the rest of the family gathered.
Cassius shared recent events concerning Azalea,
Ivy’s anger flared, “Azalea really is getting out of line, daring to argue with you?”
Her concern was not for her daughter’s well–being or her homelessness.
confronting her eldest brother.
instead, she was upset about Azalea’s boldness in
Wesley, visibly irritated, scoffed, “She’s become very bold, even sending a letter to sever ties with me in the hospital”
He had expected her to return home within a few days, but Azalea continued to defy expectations.
Wesley clenched his teeth in frustration, “Since when did she become so defiant?”
As Bastian listened to his family’s harsh words and criticism, he was at a loss for words. He found himself wondering, what exactly had Azalea done wrong?
What had she done wrong?
He felt the family atmosphere was overwhelmingly oppressive. If he were in Azalea’s shoes, he doubted he could last even a day, yet she had endured such conditions for three years!
Matthias, who was particularly fond of Sydney among the siblings, was furious upon hearing that Azalea had refused to be Sydney’s stand–in. He wished he could instantly appear by Azalea’s side to give her a stern reprimand.
Cassius expressed his frustration, “It’s because you all secretly gave her pocket money. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to afford rent after leaving home and would’ve returned much sooner.”
It was later revealed by his assistant that after leaving, Azalea had rented a small place in the run–down neighborhood. The supplementary card she had was already blocked, so the money she used must have been the pocket money the family Dccasionally gave her.
Hearing this, Ivy was taken aback, “But your father and I have never given Azalea money, except for the initial welcome home gift. After that, we were worried she’d spend it unwisely, so we didn’t give her more than that.”
Matthias added, “How could I have given her money?” His expression showed genuine surprise.
Skyler was not there, but even if he were, he was the busiest in the family. If he did not regularly ask for pocket money himself, it was unlikely he would think to give any to his sister, let alone to Azalea.
All eyes turned to Bastian, who responded with a bitter smile, “I haven’t given her any either.”
He had not previously cared as Azalea had always seemed to have everything she needed at home, including access to a supplementary card. The thought had never crossed his mind.
Yet, before all of them had established their own careers, the family had provided each sibling a seven–figure monthly allowance. Now, even though they were financially independent, Sydney’s private account never dipped below eight figures.
Ivy.
now puzzled, asked, “How did she manage to rent a place with no money?”
Sydney chimed in, “Did she take things from home to sell when she left?”
“She stole!” Wesley exclaimed in anger. He knew this biological daughter, who had recently returned, was not as genuine as Sydney, but he did not expect her to stoop to theft.
Bastian felt wearied, ‘Dad, if something was missing, the housekeeper would’ve noticed immediately.”
Matthias scoffed, “One can never be too vigilant, even at home.
Chapter 19 No Help
+8 Pearls
The housekeeper, Harper, finally spoke up, unable to stay silent any longer. “Ms. Azalea had a sponsor named Mr. Quinn while she was in the welfare home. This sponsor continued to support her monthly even after her return, so she likely used that money”
This revelation surprised everyone, revealing how little they truly knew about Azalea’s life before she rejoined the Larks
They hardly knew anything about Azalea’s life before her return.
“And when she left, I saw everything. She only took what she had brought with her, and even the clothes she left in were the same ones she wore when she arrived,” Harper clarified.
Everyone was taken aback, Azalea had left without taking anything from the house–not even a change of clothes.
Harper’s words made Bastian question whether he could ever truly gain Azalea’s forgiveness.
Recalling how Azalea had decisively dropped the sapphire crown back at the GOD base, Bastian felt a coldness inside.
“Discussing this doesn’t solve our current issues. We need to focus on how to handle Sydney’s situation. We can’t let her be expelled by Jubilee, Matthias redirected the conversation.
Or perhaps, his concern was more about resolving Sydney’s problem than Azalea’s well–being.
Cassius remembered his past instructions to the family about not being lenient with Azalea and wondered if his advice was necessary. He now realized no one in the family truly cared for her.
This realization unsettled him.
Pushing aside these uncomfortable thoughts, Cassius spoke firmly, “First, we need to find someone who can ensure Sydney stays in Jubilee. But we can’t control what outsiders might say, so it’s crucial to get Azalea on our side.”
“I’ll go see Azalea myself tomorrow. I don’t believe she can just dismiss her own parents!” Ivy said indignantly, clutching Sydney for support..
Back at Ashbourne Villa, Azalea received a transfer notification from Hubert.
Mr. Lennox texted, “Today’s tutoring fee.”
Azalea stared at the amount transferred- one thousand per hour, Was Hubert calculating it from the time she met Wylie until she returned to Ailbourne Villa?
She immediately initiated a refund.
Azalea replied, “Mr. Lennox, I didn’t teach Wylie anything today. I can’t accept this tutoring fee.
Mr. Lennox texted back, “It doesn’t matter what you taught. If Wylie says it’s fine, then you inust accept it”
Was it a hobby for the wealthy to insist on giving away money?
Azalea was both puzzled and shocked.
She had not agreed to fator Wylie solely for the money. She definitely could not accept this fee, especially since she was still hoping for him to invest in her project.
“Perhaps I can consider this as rent since I’m staying at your place,” she suggested.
Realizing she truly did not intend to keep the money, and considering the upcoming competition was just a week away with. its own substantial prize money. Hubert conceded since she was living under his roof.
After ending the conversation with Hubert, Azalea got ready for bed and then switched her study materials from the first to
he second semester of high school.
She could not afford to waste any time now. She has training at GOD tomorrow and the competition next Saturday. Winning washer only option!
Chapter 19 No Help
++8 Pearls
Meanwhile, at the Larks‘ residence.
Sydney knocked on Bastian’s door.
“Bastian, have I done something to upset you? It seems like you’ve been distant lately, Sydney asked cautiously, her eyes filled with confusion.
Bastian looked at his adopted sister, his feelings conflicted.
Although he was starting to see that Sydney might not be as innocent as she seemed, he found himself unable to be harsh. with her.
Sighing. Bastian gently patted her head, attempting to reassure her, “Sydney, you’re overthinking things. How could I possibly dislike you? I’m just preoccupied with concerns about Azalea. He paused, his expression distant, Tm just struggling with how to interact with you lately..
Unbeknownst to Bastian, a flicker of resentment briefly crossed Sydney’s face.
She was painfully aware that as long as Azalea remained involved, she posed a constant threat.
With a calculated smile, Sydney shifted the conversation, “Bastian, don’t worry too much. Azalea is just having a moment. Mom plans to talk to her tomorrow, and I’m sure she’ll come back home.”
“I hope so,” Bastian muttered, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
“Oh, Bastian, do you think I could join your team for the upcoming competition? I’d love to experience the esports atmosphere firsthand, Sydney asked, her tone tentative.
Previously, she would have expected an immediate yes, but now she sensed hesitation.
Bastian paused, taken aback by the request.
This was the first time he had not instantly agreed to Sydney’s requests.
