Chapter 18%
Just a few words were enough to enrage Esther.
She grabbed Iris‘ shoulder, her voice filled with hatred. “Who do you think you are to act so arrogantly in front of me? Let me tell you, a lowly life will always be a lowly life! Do you really think you can climb your way up and become a phoenix?“?
ins was not one to be easily bullied. She grabbed Esther’s clothes in return, her voice cold and sharp. “Then let’s take a good look at ourselves now–who’s the real phoenix?
That sentence cut deep into Esther’s heart X
She and Wendel had just arrived in Nashville with barely any money. Even her clothes were tattered and worn. Meanwhile, Iris stood before her in a crisp, well–fitted school uniform, a leather backpack slung over her shoulders.
Saying she wasn’t jealous would be a lie.X
Esther seethed with anger, but Iris‘ grip was so o tight that she couldn’t even move.
For the first time, fear crept into her heart
The Inis standing before her now was nothing like the submissive girl she once knew
Iris tightened her grip, making Esther wince in pain, tears welling up in her eyes. “I’m warning you. I have nothing to do with the Lancaster family anymore. Stay away from me
With that, Inis forcefully shoved her away.”
Esther staggered and fell to the ground.
A crowd had gathered around them, watching the commotion unfold. Seizing the moment, Esther burst into loud sobs. “Look at this, everyone is this how a student is supposed to behave? Bullying a defenseless woman like me!“!!
Whispers and murmurs filled the air, but Iris ignored them all.
She pointed at Esther, her voice unwavering. “I’ll never forget how you used to torment me. If you dare come after me again, I’ll make sure you regret it
With that, she turned to leave–only to feel a hand clamp around her wrist
She looked up and met Wendel’s gaze.
It had been six months since she last saw him!
He looked thinner, his features were more haggard. Working in the factory had worn him down, wiping away any trace of his scholarly vibe and leaving him nothing but exhaustion
Ins‘ voice turned frigid. “Let go…
Wendel hesitated for a moment before finally releasing his grip. Then, he turned around and helped the tearful Esther to her feet, pulling her into his embrace.
“Tris His voice camed a note of disappointment. “Even after leaving the Lancaster family, I always believed you were a kind person. But today, seeing you bully Esther like this… Iris, I’m truly disappointed in you.”
Ins almost laughed out loud. The one who had signed the separation agreement was Wendel. The one who had sworn they would never have anything to do with each other again was also him. And now, he had the audacity to turn around and lecture her?
Even if she was in the wrong today, what right did Wendel have to judge her?
Inis met his gaze, her expression indifferent. “Then be disappointed. It’s not like I’ll lose a piece of flesh over it. Just stay out of my life–we have nothing to do with each other anymore.”
Without another glance, she turned and disappeared into the crowd.
That night, Iris lay in bed, unable to fall asleep. A sense of unease gnawed at her.
il Esther had been reborn too, there was no doubt she would go to great lengths to make her life miserable. She couldn’t just sit back and do nothing.
But for now, her only option was to focus on her studies and ensure she got accepted into a university abroad.!!
The next morning, Margaret noticed her lack of energy and asked gently, “Iris, is something wrong?”
Iris shook her head, deciding to keep everything to herself. Pretending as if nothing had happened, she left for school.
To her surprise, days passed without any sign of trouble from Esther. Only then did she finally breathe a sigh of relief.3
