Chapter 3 What A Jerk!

What a jerk!

Externally, Charles seemed respectable, but internally, he was devoid of shame.

Sabrina's fragmented memories of the previous night haunted her. She had been at the mercy of Charles, pleading for release. She yearned for a place to hide her embarrassment.

After exiting the hotel, Sabrina hailed a cab home, her expression betraying her inner turmoil.

Her visit to the bar had been an attempt to escape her sorrows, yet despite her inebriation, her problems persisted.

The White family's residence was nestled on Rainbow Bay's hillside, in an affluent neighborhood.

By the time Sabrina arrived home, it was midday, and she felt utterly drained. A servant halted her at the entrance. "Sabrina, your mother and sister await you."

Sabrina glanced at the servant, her gaze cool.

The staff's disrespectful attitude reflected her lowly status within the family.

Sabrina had spent twenty years in the countryside, sent away due to superstitious beliefs. Her grandmother had been her only companion.

Without her grandmother's health issues, her parents probably wouldn't have allowed her return.

Meanwhile, Rylie, the adopted girl, had been lavished with all the privileges and affection rightfully belonging to Sabrina.

"Understood," Sabrina responded, heading towards the living room with indifference.

Sabrina's only concern was her grandmother, now in intensive care.

If it weren't for her...

Sabrina sighed. As soon as she entered the living room, her mother's sharp, scornful voice pierced the air. "Staying out all night, Sabrina? You've got some nerve! Your antics in the countryside may have been overlooked, but here, your behavior reflects on the White family. Any shame you bring upon us will be unforgivable."

Millie White's gaze was filled with hostility, as if Sabrina were an adversary, not her daughter.

Sabrina had harbored doubts about her own identity. However, her grandmother had assured her, claiming to have been the one to carry her from the delivery room, confirming her true lineage.

"Mom," Rylie interjected, seizing the moment to appear sympathetic. Taking Millie's hand, she defended Sabrina. "Sabrina's just returned. It's natural she has habits from the countryside that need time to adjust."

Then, with a heavy heart, she murmured, "It's all my fault. If not for me, she wouldn't have had such a tough life."

"What does that have to do with you?" Millie consoled Rylie, her tone sympathetic. "When we brought you from the orphanage, you were just an infant. You've been a source of joy for us ever since. Unlike some, you've always been a good girl."

Sabrina scoffed internally.

Was she not a good girl?

She never had the opportunity.

She kept her face expressionless, finding it pointless to argue with Millie.

Her parents had been distant for as long as she could remember, their involvement limited to a monthly allowance. They were like strangers to her.

Why waste energy arguing over strangers' favoritism?

"Sabrina." Rylie took Sabrina's hand, masking her satisfaction with feigned innocence. "Don't be upset with Mom. She's just worried about your safety. Staying out late could tarnish our family's reputation. Minor scandals might not hurt us much, but think of how Mom and Dad would feel. I know I've had many privileges growing up, and they've treated me like their own. But you're their real daughter, and now that you're back..."

Rylie's voice trailed off, feigning emotional distress.

Sabrina watched Rylie's performance, both impressed and incredulous.

"What are you doing?" Millie scolded Sabrina sharply. "She's your younger sister. I won't tolerate any arrogance or unruliness you might have picked up in the countryside. If you cause her even a slight bit of distress, I'll not let it slide."

Millie handed Rylie a credit card. "Aren't you going shopping with friends? Have fun. Buy whatever you like. Now, I need to speak with Sabrina."

"But, Mom..." Rylie hesitated, then left with a final note of feigned concern. "Sabrina, please be gentle with Mom. She's not in the best health."

Sabrina let out a bitter laugh.

She had barely spoken since her return, yet now faced accusations of mistreating her sister, disrespecting her parents, and being arrogant and unruly.

Okay, then!

Fantastic!