Chapter 33

Helena could no longer hold back her emotions. Covering her mouth, she let out a muffled sob. "Julian, do you really hate me?"

Her eyes, rimmed red, shimmered with unshed tears as she bit her lip, looking at Julian with a pitiful expression. Her voice was soft, trembling slightly, as if she had just been abandoned.

Seated beside them, Rosalie silently watched, but inwardly rolled her eyes.

Julian's response was brief and cutting. "Sorry, but we're not that close." The meaning was clear—Helena wasn't even worth his dislike.

Helena, always sensitive, immediately understood. The moment the words left Julian's mouth, her body swayed, as if the blow had drained her strength.

She had foolishly assumed that, as her father's son-in-law, he would show restraint. Clearly, she had overestimated his emotional intelligence.

Helena clenched her jaw, forcibly swallowing her burning resentment. Deep down, she wanted to tear Rosalie apart. "If it weren't for Rosalie," she thought bitterly, "Julian would never treat me like this."

Her fingers curled into fists, her nails digging into her palms, leaving crescent-shaped marks. Only the sharp sting of pain brought her back to reality, revealing her tear-streaked face.

Claudia, ever the opportunist, sensed the need to retreat. Their family was only displeasing Julian further. Without hesitation, she gently grasped Helena's hand in silent consolation.

Her voice remained smooth and composed, like a perfect mediator. "Alright, Edward, it's just a misunderstanding between the kids. Helena isn't even holding a grudge, so why are you still making such a fuss?"

Hearing this, Rosalie glanced at Claudia with a faint, amused smirk that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Chapter 34