Chapter 178 Natalie's Stubborn Temper
"I am aware that Scarlett suggested Kevin accompany you, right? Mom doesn't seem to comprehend fully. It might be beneficial for your brother-in-law to go instead, as he can provide you with valuable insights. Also, concerning the recent incident, the school teachers also intend to consult Kevin for details." Lillian glanced at Natalie with a hint of puzzlement, observing Natalie's stony expression. She immediately furrowed her brow and spoke with a touch of displeasure.
The family was in high spirits, but Natalie's current demeanor was somewhat dampening. Not only did it unsettle Lillian, but Scarlett and Sofia also held their reservations.
Previously, Natalie could get away with her spoiled antics, leveraging Lillian's indulgence. However, it appeared that Lillian's patience with Natalie was wearing thin.
"Natalie, Mom has work obligations. She took a day off yesterday and now another day today. How can we accommodate another absence? Can't Kevin accompany you? You are being overly dramatic," Sofia reprimanded Natalie with a direct gaze, her tone tinged with disapproval.
"I simply wish for Mom to accompany me; I prefer not to have my brother-in-law join." Natalie persisted with stubbornness. Her face clouded with determination as she hesitated in her speech.
"Natalie, what's the matter with you? Why so sullen early in the morning? The rest of the family is in high spirits, yet you remain gloomy. I've mentioned I'm occupied. There are plenty of matters at the hospital—I've taken consecutive days off, and there's no one to cover for me. Wouldn't it be better for your brother-in-law to go?" Lillian scolded Natalie sternly, her voice heavy with reproach.
"I simply do not wish for my brother-in-law to accompany me. I want you to go with me. The school's notice stipulates parental accompaniment, and he is not my parent." Natalie stood up, visibly angry and resolute. "He buys you a car, and suddenly, he's your favorite son. And what about me, your actual daughter? Am I being overlooked? Such individuals who go out of their way surely harbor ulterior motives. By treating him like a treasure now, you might come to regret it later."
In a fit of anger, Natalie, somewhat losing her composure, directed a gaze filled with jealousy and wary hostility toward Kevin.
Witnessing Natalie's reaction, Kevin was immediately startled. Hadn't Natalie already reconciled with him yesterday? Why was she inexplicably targeting him today? Could it be that she couldn't come to terms with something and was now set on exposing his true self today?
These thoughts raced through Kevin's mind, causing him to break into a cold sweat, his hands trembling involuntarily, and he was unsure of how to respond at that moment.
Natalie's words quickly enraged Lillian. With a sudden slam of her palm on the table, Lillian rose in agitation, glaring at Natalie as she sternly demanded, "Natalie! How dare you speak like that? I will not tolerate such words towards your brother-in-law. You will apologize to him immediately! Right now!"
"Natalie! How could you speak ill of your brother-in-law like that? What has he done to deserve this? Why is your temper so peculiar?" Scarlett, also visibly angered, furrowed her brow as she reprimanded Natalie.
"Natalie, that is enough. Cool yourself down. What did your brother-in-law do to offend you? Why must you target him every time he is here? In the past, Mom may have shielded you, but she won't do so now. Stop this behavior," Sofia sarcastically remarked to Natalie with a tinge of reproach.
"I simply do not like him! I just do not wish to go with him! Who knows what sinister thoughts may lurk in his mind!" Natalie glared hatefully at Kevin, attempting to verbalize her thoughts but stopping short, ultimately failing to articulate her concerns.
This time, Lillian, unable to contain her fury, delivered a resounding slap to Natalie's face, pointing at her with uncontrollable anger. "Enough! Natalie! I will give you one last chance. Apologize to your brother-in-law immediately, or you can march out with me! I will consider you no longer my daughter!"
"Mom, please do not be angry! After all, I have only been here for a short while, and understandably, Natalie and I are not familiar with each other. It's normal if she doesn’t like me; I completely understand," Kevin interjected, witnessing Lillian striking Natalie directly and feeling a sense of urgency creeping in. He was afraid of provoking Natalie further, especially given her unfiltered outburst. Quickly rising, Kevin reached out to mediate the situation, saying, "Natalie, if you do not wish for me to accompany you, then let your sister take the day off and accompany you instead. It's okay."
"Previously, I did not live up to expectations. I appeared feeble, which understandably led to your disdain. I acknowledge this. Moving forward, I assure you that I will improve and strive to meet everyone's expectations," Kevin expressed earnestly, even a bit ingratiatingly. Lillian, Scarlett, and the others, unaware of the full context, found Kevin's behavior increasingly uncomfortable, feeling a mix of pity and frustration for him, especially witnessing Natalie's escalating anger.
"Mom, did you hit me for him?" Natalie, incredulous, covered her face, tears welling up in her eyes as she stared fiercely at Lillian. She then cried out in a hysterical rage, "You actually hit me for a stranger? Hit me for this kind of person!"
Natalie had yet to adapt to the new family dynamics. In the past, she would have taken advantage of her mother's affection by publicly humiliating, mocking, and belittling Kevin without anyone coming to his defense. However, now, her mother, Lillian, not only shielded Kevin at every turn but also physically admonished Natalie on his behalf.
This left Natalie feeling incredulous, aggrieved, and unsupported, perceiving a profound lack of allies.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
