Chastising the Sister

Fiona glanced towards George, her little face scrunched up, visibly upset.

But I didn't stop there, "You comfortably share the fruits of my labor, spending our money without a second thought. What contributions have you made? So, who really has the right? You?"

My eyes were colder than ever, staring down at Fiona.

"Fiona, if you still intend to ask us for money with your palms up, you better learn to behave. Don't speak like this in front of me again. Your brother may indulge you, but I am under no obligation."

"…You!"

"Overbearing? When you find someone you love, then come and discuss this topic with me!" I scoffed dismissively at the flustered Fiona, then turned to George, "You can't always pamper your sister like this. She needs to be taught how to show respect."

"Grace, you…" Fiona slammed the table with a slap, startling Angel, who immediately began to cry.

George roared, "Enough! Let's eat and stop this nonsense!"

His shout was directed at Fiona, and I felt a bit more at ease. I took Angel into my arms, comforting her.

The meal finally came to a quiet end, and as we were about to leave, we were informed that Sam had already settled the bill.

Leaving the restaurant, Fiona, still sulking, refused to get into our car. I glanced at George, "Aren't you going to call her?"

George's face was stern, "Let her be. She can't always get her way."

I said no more. I had little fondness for this sister-in-law, but it wasn't my place to say more, having already said enough today.

On the drive home, I seized the opportunity to speak up, "Once Angel returns to kindergarten, I think I'll go back to work too. It's better than feeling like I'm freeloading, with everyone looking down on me."

"Honey, what are you talking about? I don't want you to overexert yourself. You've suffered enough for the company already; it's only right that you enjoy yourself now. Fiona is just immature, don't be too hard on her. Besides, the company has been restructured; the management is tightly scheduled, and it wouldn't be easy to fit you in," George said as he drove.

I remained silent, finding the situation ironically amusing. After all, I was the one who founded ElevateBuild, my own creation, yet now there seemed to be no suitable role for me. How ironic!

Seeing that I was quiet, George took my hand and reassured me, "Don't be upset. Actually, if you really want to come back, it's not impossible. After all, you're the primary contributor to what we have today, the chief architect of our success, a fact that will never be erased."

I inwardly scoffed at his flattering words, probably just meant to appease me.

I looked out the car window at the bustling city streets, feeling profoundly alone. Where was my haven now?

With the betrayal of the man beside me, it felt as though I had fallen into an abyss. I involuntarily clutched at my aching heart, my nose tingling.

In that moment, I silently resolved that once Angel returned to kindergarten, I would go back to work.

Before we even reached home, Angel had fallen asleep. After parking the car, George took our daughter and carried her to her little room. Once I had seen to the child, I prepared to take a shower.

George's phone buzzed intermittently, each glance followed by a quick hang-up; he seemed restless, and I knew he wouldn't answer it in front of me. Grabbing a nightgown and the phone, I entered the bathroom, turned on the water, and left the door slightly ajar to eavesdrop. Sure enough, I heard George whispering into the phone.

I tried calling Monica but got a busy signal. Obviously, George was on the phone with her. Anger made my hands tremble.

I hastily showered and stepped out of the bathroom. Hearing me, George quickly ended the call and returned from the balcony, feigning nonchalance.

"Finished showering, honey?" He forced a smile, taking the towel from my hands and started to dry my hair, his mind clearly elsewhere.

"Whose call was that?" I asked calmly.