Patricia said, "Mom's feeling a bit off; can you go upstairs and check on her?"
McNeil frowned, "If she's not well, someone should take her to the hospital. I'm no doctor."
Patricia was taken aback. Her father's response was almost identical to Theo’s.
Did all men treat women they didn't love this way?
Ever since her mom married McNeil, she did everything she could to please him and his parents. But she had never been able to earn their respect or McNeil's love.
Even after all these years, it was only because of her and Byran that her mother’s position in the Howard family had remained stable.
She really couldn't wrap her head around what these men were thinking. Her dad had been obsessing over his good-for-nothing ex-wife and her daughter for years, completely neglecting her mother.
As for Theo, he was smitten with that crafty country girl, Ellinor, and couldn't care less about her.
Patricia wasn't going to let this slide. She tried again, "Dad, can you please go check on Mom? I heard that Grandma and Grandpa have an important guest at home today. If Mom gets sick and has to go to the hospital, they'll be upset!"
McNeil rubbed his forehead, "Go back and stay with your mom. I'll check on her later."
Pretending to be distressed, Patricia said, "I wish I could stay with Mom, but I have to look after Baber. Dad, please go to Mom quickly!"
With a sigh, McNeil got up.
...
Byran took Ellinor to his room, afraid that if they spoke outside, the elders would see and scold him.
Carlos, who was being forced to help with Byran’s homework, was stunned when he saw Byran bring Ellinor back.
Byran ordered, "Carlos, get out!"
Ellinor yawned with boredom, "Did you bring me here just to say that?"
Although it was irritating, Byran had become accustomed to Ellinor's casual attitude.
"Can you give Theo back to my sister?"
Ellinor answered directly, "No!"
Byran was clearly not satisfied, "Why? Going back on your word, are you?"
Ellinor smiled, casually resting her elbow on the armrest, "There was a misunderstanding between Theo and me because of your sister, which left me disappointed in him. Now that we've cleared things up, Theo likes me, and I like him. Why should I give him up for your sister?”
“Ellinor, quit making excuses! You just don't keep your word!"
"Even if I were willing to give him up, would he even accept your sister? Before I came along, didn't your sister spend all those years failing to win Theo's heart?"
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