Chapter 445 The Proposition of a Transfer
Winston posed his question, his gaze lifting to meet Maria's. "Would you, if given the choice, keep a threat in your immediate vicinity?" Maria found herself at a loss for words. Indeed, if she were in such a position, she wouldn't tolerate a threat vying for attention and causing her unnecessary distress...Winston pressed on, "Lola is currently adorned in the latest designs and accessories of the month. This clearly indicates that, at least on a material level, this family has not shortchanged her.""You're suggesting...?""Emotionally speaking," Winston continued, "my parents often bring up Lola in their conversations. They reminisce about the times Lola won awards, the day she was accepted into Stanford University. They've expressed their desire to take Lola out for dinner, to visit her at school. It doesn't appear as though they've neglected her."Maria had already lowered her gaze, too afraid to utter a word..."With Abella's return, they can't simply cast her aside and continue to shower Lola with the same level of attention as before. That would be unjust to Abella.""Consider this," Winston proposed, "if the love the Medici couple can offer amounts to a hundred points, even if they were to allocate sixty points to Abella, Lola would still receive forty. You must understand, for the first eighteen years, Abella didn't receive a single point. All that love was exclusively bestowed upon Lola.""As the person closest to Lola, it's your responsibility to guide her, to teach her gratitude, rather than harboring such strong prejudices against Abella. Your every word and action will undoubtedly influence Lola."Maria felt a deep sense of shame. "You're right.""I'm not reprimanding you," Winston corrected gently. "I'm merely stating facts. It's clear to me that you harbor ill feelings towards Abella. It seems Abella isn't having an easy time in this family either, and you've certainly contributed to her troubles.""Winston..." Maria stammered, flustered."She could have used her current status to expel you, but she chose not to. Learn to be grateful. You're able to speak ill of her here because she's allowed you this opportunity. Otherwise, you would have been gone long ago."Maria bowed her head in submission. "I'm sorry, Winston. I promise to adjust my attitude from now on.""Winston, I've brought you some delicious food!"At that moment, Lola arrived carrying a large plate of delectable dishes. "These were just prepared by the chef. I've taken a bit of everything. Taste them, and if it's not enough, I'll fetch more."Winston sampled a few pieces before suggesting, "Come, join me for a stroll in the garden."He had no desire to remain in Maria's presence any longer.Lola made to pick up the plate of food, but Winston chuckled and dismissed her, "No need for more food, let's walk."
Maria watched their retreating figures with a nervous gaze, torn between wanting to follow and eavesdrop, and fearing being caught by Winston..."Winston, what did you want to discuss?" Lola trailed behind Winston, stealing glances at his profile with a hint of unease.
"Don't be anxious, we're just catching up." Winston reassured her with a smile, "Am I really that intimidating?"
"No...," Lola quickly matched his pace, walking alongside him.
"What's been happening between you and Abella?" Winston queried.
Upon hearing this, Lola's expression soured. "Did Maria say something to you?"
"She didn't say anything."
"Then why is Winston asking like this?"
"I'm just trying to understand..." Winston's smile deepened at her defensive reaction. "It seems you two really don't get along."
Lola lowered her gaze, taking a moment to choose honesty. "Initially, our parents brought her back without any prior notice, I was completely unprepared...that day, they had prepared a grand surprise for her, I thought it was for me and ended up embarrassing myself..."
Lola's eyes dimmed. "Later, I discovered that she is the biological daughter, and I am the adopted one... Her arrival shifted our parents' attention away from me, and even Phillipe started favoring her... So, to say I have no grievances against her would be untrue..."
Lola's gaze remained downcast for a moment before she continued, "Later, I realized that I wanted to befriend her, but she seems to have enough sisters already..."
"What do you mean?" Winston seemed slightly confused.
"It appears she's not concerned with such trivial matters."
In Lola's perception, Abella was a woman of science, forever immersed in her laboratory experiments or relentlessly chasing her career across the country. It seemed as though sisterly affection held no place in her heart."What is her character like?" Winston probed further.Lola paused before responding, "She's perpetually serene, treating everyone with the same level of detachment. It's not just me she's indifferent towards."Winston was taken aback by Lola's response. He had anticipated that Lola would seize the opportunity to disparage Abella, much like Maria had done. However, Lola had chosen to provide a balanced and fair assessment."And what about other aspects of her personality?" Winston asked."Other aspects?" Lola pondered for a moment before replying, "She's quite exceptional... You'll understand once you meet her, Winston."It was clear that Lola held no ill will towards Abella."You've matured, capable of forming your own opinions. I'm proud of you," Winston said, patting her shoulder. "You're eighteen now and living on campus. I don't believe you need Maria to look after you anymore. Perhaps she could assist me instead?""Winston, are you suggesting that Maria should move in with you?" Lola asked, clutching his sleeve anxiously. "Couldn't you find someone else? I've grown accustomed to having Maria by my side over the years...""Habits can be altered," Winston replied."Winston..." Lola began, realization dawning on her. "Did Maria upset you earlier? I apologize on her behalf... Please, don't take her away from me."Winston, unable to resist Lola's earnest plea, finally conceded, "If you wish for her to stay, so be it. But you must learn to rely on your own judgment and come to me with any issues, not her.""I promise!" Lola quickly agreed."Furthermore," Winston continued, "our parents feel a profound sense of guilt towards Abella, having been unable to provide for her over the past eighteen years... As her brother, I share this sentiment and feel a responsibility to make amends. However, this does not diminish your importance within our family, do you understand?"Lola hesitated for a moment before nodding."You are still a valued member of this family, Lola. We've simply gained an additional member. We should welcome and accept her, not ostracize or harbor resentment towards her.""I understand, Winston.""You're a good girl, Lola. Remember, if we didn't care for you, you would have been asked to leave a long time ago," Winston reassured her, patting her shoulder. He was concerned that Maria's influence might adversely affect Lola. It seemed he would need to keep a closer eye on Maria's actions.For now, Lola remained a kind and innocent child. However, Maria's prejudice against Abella ran deep...Hopefully, Maria would change her attitude. If she didn't…
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