Chapter 6 The Arrogant Fool

"Is that so?" Madisyn retorted with a measured calmness that belied her rising anger. "Mrs. Chapman, let's not rewrite history. You have been extremely harsh on me since I was a child. At the slightest dissatisfaction, you would beat and kick me. Later, Grandma intervened, unable to watch you abuse me any longer. She took me away to the countryside to live with her, where we relied solely on each other. It was only after Grandma passed that I returned to your house. I even financed my own education. Tell me, what financial support did you actually provide over those years?"

These were truths Madisyn seldom aired, but the confrontation stirred a need to lay bare the past grievances.

Celia Chapman, her grandmother, hailed from a family of scholars, in stark contrast to Phyllis, who hailed from a less cultured family.

This disparity often subjected Phyllis to derision for her lack of refinement, driving her to place high expectations on her daughter. She subjected Madisyn to grueling schedules with less than six hours of sleep and excessive study.

Then, Celia, driven by compassion, decisively removed Madisyn from Phyllis's rigorous demands, taking her to a more nurturing environment in the countryside.

During those years, Phyllis didn't contact Madisyn even once.

It was only after Celia's death that she brought Madisyn back, treating her with a chilly detachment.

As Madisyn recounted these truths, Phyllis displayed no remorse, her arrogance intensifying. "Who would believe your story? I paid for your high tuition fees for university every year. How else could a girl like you have managed to earn so much?"

She scoffed, adamant about discrediting Madisyn.

Phyllis's strategy was clear: by tarnishing Madisyn's reputation, any future difficulties she faced would not reflect back on the Chapmans.

Typically, people would believe Phyllis's words.

After all, why would adoptive parents tarnish their own child's reputation?

However, Elaine's expression darkened with each passing moment of the confrontation.

Her brief time with Madisyn had shown her a young woman of integrity and kindness, starkly contrasting with Phyllis's behavior.

What kind of parent would publicly disparage their own child?

Elaine's belief in Madisyn only solidified.

She was shocked to learn of the hardships Madisyn had faced with the Chapmans, relieved only by the kindness Madisyn had received from Celia during her formative years.

Elaine pondered the stark contrast between the luxurious life Madisyn should have led within her own home and the harsh reality she had endured.

This realization weighed heavily on her heart.

"Madam, I would advise you to keep your distance from her, lest you invite trouble upon yourself," Phyllis said, trying to sway Elaine further.

Unable to contain her indignation any longer, Elaine brushed Phyllis aside with a determined motion.

"You're draped in fineries, yet where are hers? Does she possess even a single luxury?" Elaine's voice rose in fury. "You treat your child with nothing but cruelty and spite, and then malign her in public. How can you be so utterly devoid of compassion?"

Phyllis, taken aback by Elaine's scolding, struggled to formulate a response.

Meanwhile, Jenna's expression darkened ominously, her eyes flickering with malice.

Who did this woman think she was, talking to them in such a manner?

How could anyone still treat her so harshly after she returned to the embrace of the Chapman family?

The Chapman family held a place among the top ten noble families of Gemond!

The tension escalated as Jenna, with a mocking softness, challenged Elaine's stance. "And who might you be, madam? You seem to be doing quite well for yourself. Are you really so naive to be taken in by Madisyn's tales?"

"How dare you!" Elaine snapped. She bristled with anger. The implication that she lacked intelligence was infuriating.

Phyllis nodded in agreement with Jenna, adding, "Exactly. It's not easy to amass wealth, and if you trust Madisyn, she'll swindle you out of all your riches!"

Madisyn, unfazed and sharp, retorted with a frosty look, "You're mistaken. If there's any swindling to be wary of, it's in your family."

Phyllis scoffed at Madisyn's defense. "What do you mean by that, Madisyn? What have you ever brought to our family? Nothing! But Jenna-she's been with us just a few days and already the Johns Group has expressed interest in a partnership. Jenna is truly a blessing."

Phyllis looked at Jenna with satisfaction.

This was her real daughter; even though she had been raised by a poor family, she was proficient in almost everything and was a bearer of luck.

The Johns Group?

Elaine's mind raced to the collaboration with the Chapman family that Glenn had mentioned.

"The Johns Group will never collaborate with you!" she declared firmly.

Phyllis erupted into laughter. "You think your words hold sway? That's simply amusing! You must be green with envy. Once we secure a partnership with the Johns Group, we'll ascend into the top five powerhouses in Gemond! That's the influence of the Johns Group, and all you can do is look on with jealousy."

Jenna pulled gently at Phyllis's arm, urging, "Mom, let's not squander our breath on them."

"True, engaging with them is pointless!" Phyllis agreed, casting a disdainful look towards Madisyn and Elaine before addressing the shop assistant with a sneer. "What's going on with your store, allowing just anyone to enter? Honestly, I've lost all desire to shop here."

Jenna glanced at Madisyn with a smug expression. In her eyes, even if Madisyn had secured a wealthy benefactor, it wouldn't matter. With one word from Phyllis, she would be removed from the store.

The shop assistant, caught in an awkward position, responded cautiously, "Ma'am, these ladies are valued customers just like yourselves."

Phyllis scoffed. "Oh, please! We're about to strike a deal with the Johns Group. Doesn't this mall belong to them? I'd prefer to shop without disturbances, if you don't mind," she said, implying a threat.

She assumed that whoever sided with Madisyn couldn't be anyone of importance.

Originally, she had used a tactful approach with Elaine to expose what she perceived as Madisyn's deceitful nature. However, Elaine's biting retort had pushed Phyllis towards a more confrontational tactic-she was now determined to teach them a lesson.

The shop assistant's face contorted with confusion and disbelief.

Phyllis must be out of her mind.

Didn't she recognize the stature of the woman she was challenging?

The shop assistant turned to Elaine, displaying deep respect and silently seeking her direction.

Elaine's response was frigid, her authority unwavering. "Since you desire to shop without disturbances, I suggest you leave. And refrain from visiting Moonshine Mall in the future!"

"You want me to leave? Huh, how absurd!" Phyllis scoffed in disbelief, her arrogance undiminished.

However, the shop assistant told Phyllis, "I'm sorry, ma'am, but you must leave now. You've been blacklisted by our store."