Chapter 44
“She’s always flunked her tests. How could I affect her grades?” Gresham was infuriated.
“Do me a favor, Dad. Please stop being mad, okay? She’s been alone out there for a few days now. She must have had a hard time. Now that she’s finally back home, you’re going to hit her. What’s the public going to say about us?”
And just like that, tears started rolling down Trina’s face. Gresham’s heart broke at the sight and he threw the broom aside.
“Oh, Trina. You’re softhearted and way too kind. You defend Bonnie every time she makes a mistake, but she’s never appreciated it.”
“I don’t mind. We’re family, and she’s my sister. I have to help her. It’s the right thing to do.”
Vera hugged Trina, her eyes filled with love. “My dear Trina… You’re so thoughtful that you break my heart.”
“I know you and Dad love me with all your heart, Mom. I’m just sorry I’m not your flesh and blood.” Trina sounded a little dejected and distressed.
It was nauseating.
Bonnie was well–versed in human psychology. She could tell at a glance that Trina wasn’t the least bit depressed or upset. Her eyes were shifty and her lips were stiff. She’d also touch her nose from time to time. All those microexpressions were clear indicators that she was just putting up an act.
It was too bad that Ver they favored Trina!
and Gresham were eating it all up. They couldn’t have made it clearer that
“My wonderful child. We might not have given birth to you, but you are closer to us than anyone else could ever be, even our own daughter.”
That brought more tears to Trina’s eyes.
“That’s right, Trina. I’ll fight anyone who says you’re not my child. Here. Take my credit card and stop crying.” Gresham even comforted her by giving her his card.
“Heh heh…” Bonnie’s abrupt sneer spoiled their touching family moment.
“I told you. You have a favorite. You just won’t admit it. You said so yourself. She’s closer to you than your own daughter could ever be. You’re lucky I’m tough. Anyone else would have had a meltdown, or be so depressed they’d take the easy way out.”
Vera and Gresham were displeased. They couldn’t deny that they had said that, so they couldn’t think of anything to say to Bonnie.
But Trina refused to let her gain the upper hand. “Don’t blame Mom and Dad, Bonnie. They didn’t
mean that. They were just…”
Chapter 44
3/2
“Shut your trap!” Bonnie said disdainfully
“Bonnic…”
“I’ll cut out your tongue if you so much as say another word.” Bonnie made a snipping gesture with her hands.
Vera couldn’t stand it anymore. “You’re being mean to Trina again, Bonnie! I’ll…
“Did you ask me to come home just so you can bite my head off? Are you trying to make me flunk the SAT’s tomorrow? Alright, then. You’ll regret it if anything goes wrong with my grades.”
Vera was stumped. She couldn’t think of a single thing to say to Bonnie. Gresham decided it wasn’t a good idea to speak too.
Vera suppressed her anger and said, “Your grandparents are going to celebrate their seventieth birthday. Like I said before, you need to get their presents ready. Don’t embarrass us and make us the laughing stock of our relatives.” Then, she transferred five hundred dollars to Bonnie.
How ridiculous, Bonnie thought. Vera said she didn’t want to be the laughing stock, but she had only given her five hundred dollars. She looked at her mother coldly and said lightly, “I’m curious about something. How much did you give Trina to buy a present?”
“So you’re jealous of Trina, as always. She’s way more mature than you are. I tried to give her some
money,
but she refused. She’s saved up enough to buy a present herself. She’s a good girl. You can learn something from her.”
Bonnie quickly understood what was going on. Her lips curled into a smile and she transferred the money back to Vera.
“What’s the meaning of this? Wasn’t that enough?” Vera gave her a sidelong glance. She was about to yell at Bonnie when she saw the money. It was fifty thousand dollars.
“Will you look at that? I refused your money, and I’ve given you fifty thousand dollars. You can go ahead and buy a present on my behalf. What do you think? Am I better than Trina? Am I more mature than her too?” Bonnie raised her eyes and looked at Vera.
Vera’s eyes widened, “Where did you get this money? Be honest with me, Bonnie. Have you done something illegal? Please don’t tell me you’ve become someone’s mistress….
