Chapter 567: Piercing the Hypocritical Face
"What I mean is, since the engagement is set, she’ll naturally have to learn how to be a wife. Kelley’s been so busy with school all these years that I haven’t taught her any of the household chores. I was thinking I’d give her some proper lessons now that she’s engaged!" the stepmother said, smiling.
Kelley Xavier bit her lip, her fists clenched tightly. Howard Thorne whispered, "Don’t worry. My mom won’t agree to that. I already cleared it with her a long time ago."
"Thank you..."
Kelley Xavier looked at Howard Thorne with gratitude. She had said "thank you" so many times in the last few days, but it was never enough to express her gratitude. ’I will spend the rest of my life repaying the Thorne family,’ she vowed to herself.
Phoebe Huxley, in fact, couldn’t hold it in any longer. After the stepmother’s repeated provocations, she finally exploded, scoffing, "You talk as if you’re some expert on being a wife. Isn’t needlework one of the most important skills? Kelley is a grown woman, and she doesn’t even have a single decent outfit. You’ve done a pathetic job as a mother. I wouldn’t trust you to teach Kelley anything. What, do you want my future grandchildren to wear rags, too?"
All eyes immediately turned to Kelley Xavier. Today was the day her future mother-in-law came to formally propose the engagement—such a momentous occasion—yet Kelley was only wearing clothes covered in patches. Times were much better than they used to be. Even the poorest of families would make a new outfit for their daughters, especially one about to be formally engaged. No one had paid it much mind until Phoebe Huxley spoke up, but now that they were looking, it was truly disgraceful.
The stepmother’s expression flickered. She quickly forced a smile and explained, "Things have been so busy lately, I just haven’t been able to find the time to make her a new outfit..."
"But you’re wearing a new outfit yourself, with your hair all combed slick and shiny. Do you really take us all for fools? You talk a prettier game than an opera singer, but your actions are crueler than a butcher’s. If you truly cared, how could you not find the time to make a single set of clothes?
Hmph. Everyone knows how you’ve treated Kelley and her brother all these years. A real wolf in sheep’s clothing, always two-faced. So don’t you dare put on this grand performance for me. From now on, Kelley is family, and she’s no longer your concern. We’ll provide for her food and clothes; it has nothing to do with you."
Phoebe Huxley cut off the stepmother and let loose a torrent of words. It had been a great strain on her explosive temper to hold back this long before finally erupting. In the past, Rosalind Green had been irritating, but this stepmother was utterly revolting. ’I really wish I could just take a knife to her,’ she thought.
Phoebe’s maternal grandmother shot her a meaningful look, but Phoebe Huxley acted as if she hadn’t seen it. The stepmother’s face went rigid. It was the first time anyone had ever dared to say such outrageous things to her face. ’Phoebe Huxley was always domineering and unreasonable when she was a girl, but now she’s no better than a common bandit.’
"As long as the engagement is settled, that’s what matters. We’re all busy people, so let’s wrap this up. Shane, from now on, you need to pay more attention to matters at home. Don’t be so oblivious and neglect everything. Kelley has a family to look after her now, but Mark is your biological son. Just look how skinny the boy is! Meanwhile, I see Zhi Xi and Zhi Qing are rather plump."
The granduncle had spoken again, his gaze sharp. He might be old, but he was far from foolish. He knew exactly what kind of person the stepmother was. However, family affairs were the most difficult to interfere in; sticking his nose in would likely just stir up more trouble. But today, he would seize this opportunity to set things straight.
Shane Xavier agreed meekly. Only he knew what he was truly thinking. In any case, Kelley and her brother had already lost all hope in him.
"And another thing—that fifty yuan from the man at the distillery. Shane, you give it back. The engagement wasn’t even settled, yet the money was pocketed. What kind of mess have you made, Shane? You’ve brought shame upon the entire Xavier family!" the granduncle said, glaring at Shane Xavier with deep disappointment.
Shane Xavier shook his head, stunned. "I didn’t take any money. The only thing I accepted was two bottles of liquor he brought on his first visit. Third Uncle, who told you that?"
The granduncle sneered, turning his gaze to the stepmother, whose expression had soured. "Ask her!"