The Ending She Read (And the One He Rewrote) novel Chapter 27

"Serena, in this house, Harriet is your older sister. Outside of it, she is Mrs. Whitaker. No matter what tone or stance she takes with you, you should stand there and listen..."

As soon as Audrey spoke, Serena froze. "Mom..."

Her face was a mask of utter disbelief.

Audrey looked at Serena's red eyes and falling tears, frowning as she scolded her. "Your sister rarely comes home. Throwing a crying tantrum like this—who exactly are you trying to upset?"

She wasn't, she didn't.

And who was throwing a tantrum?

Serena hastily wiped her tears, trying to explain.

But Audrey had no intention of listening.

While it was true she loved both girls, Harriet was her own flesh and blood.

Serena had taken Harriet's place, enjoying a life of luxury for years, and now she was crying and trying to compete for affection the one time Harriet actually came home? Did she not understand her place?

Her Harriet was much sweeter!

"Harriet, Mommy has a gift for you. Come on, I'll go get it!"

Turning to Harriet, Audrey plastered on a gentle, loving smile.

The mother and daughter walked off hand in hand.

Serena ground her teeth, stomping her feet before storming out.

"Miss Serena, dinner is almost ready, you..."

The maid's words were cut off by the slamming door.

Standing on the front steps, Serena's eyes were venomous.

Miss Serena? Second Miss?

Before Harriet came back, she was the only heiress in this house.

Why did she have to bow down the second Harriet returned?

Why did she even come back?

She was never meant to be the Sargent heiress. She should have died out there!

An image of a refined, handsome face flashed through her mind. The man's voice was warm and indulgent. *'Whatever Serena wants, Caleb will get it for you!'*

"Your father prepared a gift too, but it's not for you!"

Audrey secretly spilled the beans.

Harriet looked suspicious. "Mom, what are you guys doing?"

She had just come home for a visit, but it felt like the traditional post-wedding visit. It was as if they were sending her off for good, saying she belonged to her husband's family now.

She was planning to move back home and be a spoiled daughter once the divorce went through.

"Mom, don't think you can get rid of me just by giving me a gift..." Harriet hugged Audrey's arm. It was the first time she had ever acted so affectionate with her mother, but it felt incredibly natural. "I'm going to be coming back here all the time. You better guard your safe, or I'm going to clear it out!"

All the time?

Audrey looked at Harriet, absolutely overjoyed. "As long as you come home, your father and I won't care if you empty the whole house!"

"Ma'am, Harriet, dinner is ready!"

"Harriet, let's go eat!"

The dining room at the Sargent estate was filled with laughter and warmth.

Meanwhile, in the dining room of the Whitaker Manor on the east side of the city, there was only dead silence, punctuated by the clinking of silverware.