Chapter 15

Michelle scoffed, her laughter filled with anger and disdain. "You can keep dreaming, Lisa. Even if you’re married into the Parker family, your family will never benefit from us." Lisa frowned in response. "Well then, is the fact that my family earns money on our own a problem for you? We do indeed ask for help, but who can run a business without seeking assistance these days? “Unfortunately, not everyone has the privilege of being a Parker. You've been disconnected from reality for far too long." "How dare you lecture me?!" Michelle snapped, rising angrily from her seat as if she wanted to teach Lisa a lesson. Lisa held her ground and looked at Michelle calmly. "I'm simply speaking the truth. Most people are from ordinary families who must sacrifice their dignity for food and clothing. They work hard, suck up to their superiors, and start small businesses to make ends meet." She never forgot her childhood, when clothes and food were scarce. That was why she felt so insulted by Michelle's condescending attitude. ‘Who cares if I didn’t come from money like Michelle? I never begged her for anything.’ Lisa's repeated opposition to Michelle in front of Stephanie only fueled Michelle's anger, causing Michelle to reach her boiling point. "Why, you little—" She was about to continue, but Stephanie quickly grabbed her hand. "Michelle, she's still young, and her speech may lack maturity. Don't get angry with the kid." Michelle took a deep breath. She held Stephanie’s hand and felt a sense of superiority over Lisa. ‘I must find a way to kick Lisa out of this family!’ "Michelle, you haven't introduced us yet," Stephanie changed the subject. Michelle dismissively rolled her eyes and took a deep breath. Then, with an abrupt change in demeanor, she smiled and uttered, "This is the one Leonard was forced to marry." After a brief pause, Michelle turned to Lisa and said, "Allow me to introduce you. This is Stephanie, the daughter of the Cooper family and Leonard's ex-girlfriend. Leonard got into a car accident the same day he sent her abroad. “Initially, we approached Stephanie to marry Leonard, but she was touring abroad. Stephanie's parents hid the news of Leonard's car accident from her. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have stood a chance to marry him.” Lisa was stunned. It sounded like a fairytale. However, she could not believe Stephanie knew nothing about Leonard's accident. It seemed more like a wealthy daughter's unwillingness to become a widow to Lisa. She could not help but wonder if Stephanie's sudden interest in Leonard was because he had regained consciousness, and she wanted to reconnect with him. "Oh, okay.” Lisa nodded slowly but refrained from commenting. Michelle and Stephanie waited as Lisa remained silent after hearing the revelation. Lisa's sweet face was calm. It made them feel uneasy. Michelle impatiently continued, "Stephanie is a world-renowned performer. Can you even compare to her? I’d step aside if I were you." "Sure, okay," Lisa responded calmly, standing up from the sofa. "Stephanie, please take my seat." Stephanie remained silent. She sensed Lisa appeared vulnerable yet possessed a brutal temper. "Lisa, are you trying to piss me off? Do you think that’s what I was talking about?" Michelle's anger, which she had struggled to contain, burst forth again. Lisa softly sighed. "Michelle, if you believe Stephanie is exceptional, perhaps you should also step aside. Unfortunately, her remarkable qualities make her too qualified to be Leonard’s wife. After all, Jeffrey is the eldest, and Stephanie would be a better match for him." "Lisa, you’re courting death!" Michelle's anger erupted uncontrollably. She grabbed a cup from the table and hurled it at Lisa. Lisa leaned her body in the opposite direction, dodging the projectile. Infuriated, Michelle started to rush over, but Stephanie grabbed her again. "Michelle, stop this argument. Getting angry won't solve anything. It's my fault for being here today. I should leave now. We can discuss things another time." Stephanie had achieved her objective and did not need to stay any longer. If she did, she would appear to be intentionally sowing discord in the household. "Steph, I'll send you off." Michelle hurried after her. ‘Stephanie’s a sly woman.’ “Tsk.” Lisa sipped her tea and shifted her gaze to the two exquisite boxes nearby. They piqued her curiosity, but she hesitated to touch them. If she did, she might end up creating more trouble. … Michelle escorted Stephanie to her car in the parking lot. "Stephanie, it was so embarrassing for you to witness that. My blood pressure has increased since Lisa came into the picture. Can you believe she dared to call me 'aunt' before? Unfortunately, my father-in-law seems to have taken a liking to her." "Michelle, it seems Lisa doesn't have the best personality. You might have to learn to deal with her," Stephanie said sympathetically, "You should find ways to relax and not let her get to you. Excessive anger can severely affect your health." "I swear, living with her might give me a heart attack sooner or later," Michelle agreed. Stephanie leaned closer and lowered her voice, "You should be careful. I'm afraid she'll become even more dominant and try to outshine you. You know what they say. The worse the family background, the greater the ambition.” "She wouldn't dare," Michelle responded, but her heart pounded. "Steph, it would be amazing if you were my sister-in-law. I know we’d get along swimmingly." Stephanie's eyes welled with tears. "I feel the same way, but fate isn’t on our side. I doubt I'll ever love anyone else but Leonard." Michelle felt a pang of sympathy. "Steph, don't worry. Leonard will eventually divorce Lisa. Please let me know how much the necklace and watch cost. I'll wire the money to you. It's too expensive of a gift, and I can't accept it. I truly appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness." After finally sending Stephanie off, Michelle carefully considered Stephanie’s words. It was evident Lisa did not take her seriously, and things would only escalate. ‘I must drive Lisa away.’ Michelle returned to the living room and realized Lisa was no longer present. In addition, one of the boxes on the coffee table had disappeared. Curiosity got the best of Michelle as she opened the remaining box, only to discover that the one containing her diamond necklace was missing. Her eyes widened in shock, and she called for the maid who was in the kitchen. "Alice, have you seen the necklace on the table?" "No," Alice replied anxiously, not wanting to be mistaken for a thief. "After I served tea to Ms. Stephanie, I stayed in the kitchen and didn't leave." Michelle remembered Lisa was still downstairs when she sent Stephanie to her car. ‘Could it be? It has to be her.’ Michelle rushed upstairs immediately. "Lisa, get out here!" Meanwhile, Lisa was preparing to complete her summer papers. Michelle stormed into the room before she could settle comfortably at her desk. "Michelle, what's the matter with you?" Lisa asked, taken aback. However, before she could finish speaking, Michelle cut her off abruptly, "Lisa, where’s my necklace?" Michelle demanded.