Chapter 6: Big Brother Returns

Winnesa was becoming increasingly frustrated with Caro's incessant crying, losing her patience. “Caro, Caro!” she called several times, but Caro pretended not to hear, continuing to cry. Finally, Winnesa, fed up, grabbed Caro by the arm and looked at her angrily. “Caro, now is not the time for your tantrums. Sit down and eat properly, understand?” It was the first time Winnesa had raised her voice like this. Caro, taken aback, could only nod through her sniffles. Just then, a familiar figure appeared at the door. Seeing him, Caro felt as if she had found a lifeline. She ran over and clung to his waist. “Brother, you're finally here. Do you know how much Wendy has bullied me while you were away? She even hit me!” Hearing this, Claire, their eldest brother, trembled slightly and looked at Wendy. Wendy, meeting his gaze, couldn’t help but shiver. In her past life, Claire had been very protective of Caro. Now that he knew Wendy had hit Caro, he surely wouldn’t let her off easily. Preparing herself for a scolding, Wendy took a deep breath. But to her surprise, Claire pushed Caro away and, with teary eyes, approached Wendy. He gently touched Wendy’s face to make sure she was real, then hugged her tightly. “Wendy, it’s so good that you’re okay!” Claire’s choked voice left Wendy bewildered. What was going on? As she tried to understand, Claire pulled her hand to check for injuries. “Did you hurt your hand while hitting her?” Caro, dumbfounded, expected Claire to scold Wendy. But instead, Claire seemed protective of her. “Claire, I’m the one who got hit!” she protested. “That means you must have done something wrong. Wendy wouldn’t hit someone without reason!” Claire’s disgusted look at Caro was unmistakable. After seating Wendy, Claire ignored Caro’s bewilderment. Once her beloved by her elder brother, Caro was now completely ignored. Wendy noticed all of this but didn’t understand why Claire was suddenly so protective. Nevertheless, she felt a sense of relief and gratitude. At the table, Baron’s family commented, “Mr. Claire seems very fond of his sister.” Claire looked up, smiling slightly. “I owe Wendy. I want to make it up to her now.” Wendy's hand trembled at his words. In her past life, they indeed owed her a lot. But why the sudden realization now? Claire, puzzled, asked the Baron family, “Are you here to discuss business?” The Baron patriarch chuckled, stroking his beard. “Mr. Claire, it seems you’re unaware. Your sister is engaged to my grandson. We’re here to discuss the wedding.” Claire stood up in shock. “You mean my sister is to marry him?” Winnesa and her husband, fearing an outburst, quickly intervened. “Claire, this is an agreement between our families. It cannot be undone.” But Claire, refusing to accept it, argued, “Wendy is too young to get married now!” Winnesa’s husband insisted, “It’s a settled matter. We can’t go back on our word.” Claire, though unwilling, reluctantly sat down. “Have you asked Wendy’s opinion?” Wendy, suddenly the center of attention, hesitated. “I... I don’t know.” Saying she didn't want to marry would upset the family dynamics. She needed them to break the engagement first to keep the family’s honor intact. Claire, seeing her indecision, reluctantly agreed. “Wendy hasn’t finished her studies. I think she should complete her education before marrying.” Kairia, raising an eyebrow, glanced at Wendy, who continued eating as if unconcerned. The Baron patriarch, eager for the marriage, countered, “She can continue her studies even after marriage.” Claire vehemently opposed. “No! Returning to school after marriage would be detrimental to her. It’s better to wait.” Kairia, unexpectedly supportive, said, “Mr. Claire is right. Let’s wait until she finishes her education.” Wendy, surprised, looked up at Kairia, relieved that he agreed so easily. Claire added, “Wendy should attend a noble school with Caro. The environment is better there.” Wendy nodded in agreement. Caro, however, was displeased. Why should Wendy attend the same school as her? But with everyone siding with Wendy, Caro remained silent.