The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 2160

“Not only that, Dad, but you also had designs on Aunt Jennifer and broke Mom’s heart. If you didn’t love my mom back then, you didn’t have to marry her. Now you’re married yet failed to take responsibility. You were like eyeing the next best thing while you’ve got a full plate—completely outrageous!” Cathy fumed.

She had lashed out at her father, then turned to her mother, “And you, knowing full well he didn’t care for you, you wasted so much time on him. You’re the prestigious girl, for heaven’s sake, raised with such care. Your grandparents held you in the palm of their hands and cared for you meticulously all those years—not to be trampled on by someone who doesn’t appreciate you!”

Her mother, Donna, was stunned by her daughter’s words.

“Ever since we were kids, we were always compared to Uncle George and his family. Everyone believed we were not doing as good as they did. At every social event, if they were present, guests would flock to them. Even in their absence, those people would still question us about them.”

Cathy’s outburst had stunned everyone present.

“For example, ‘Is Mr. George McMillian coming to the birthday party?’ or ‘What’s their next move on that big project?’ or ‘Will they attend the charity gala?’ or ‘Are they going to clinch that real estate deal?’.”

Cathy took a deep breath, “No one ever cared to ask how we were doing. Growing up in such an environment, feeling the difference in how others treat us—it would be a lie to say that we don’t feel anything! However, they have never looked down on us for their success. On the contrary, Uncle George and Jennifer have been very loving, and even though Romeo is strict, our siblings have always been close!”

When Cathy said this, her eyes welled up with tears, “Do you know? I’ve always been proud of the bond between our two families.  When my classmates’ families fall into infighting, after having witnessed so many power struggles, I’ve always been grateful to be part of such a loving and happy big family. I thought we were different from other families, but today.”

Her tears began to flow, “Today, I’ve realized that our family is even more ruthless and terrifying than others when it comes to power struggles! My own father, for the sake of that bit of family business, actually contemplated harming his own younger brother! And my mother, unable to win my father’s heart, turned her anger towards his beloved. What twisted values are these?!”

Perhaps Cathy’s emotion got a bit too overwhelming, and Jeffery was moved to step forward and gently embrace her.