Reborn, She's Back for Revenge novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Edith’s expression stayed sharp. With Hallie always stirring the pot, Edith and her brothers would never get along. She could either move out with them, or kick Karen and Hallie out of the Lovett Manor altogether.

Shoving the thought aside, Edith snapped, “Joseph, get over here!”

Hallie stepped in front of Joseph, looking protective. “Edith, it’s late. Let him rest.”

“I’m saying this one last time. Come here, Joseph.” Edith’s voice was calm, the kind of calm that screamed she was about to lose it.

‘What do you want?” Joseph pressed his lips tight and reluctantly stepped out from behind Hallie.

Edith grabbed his arm and hauled him into her room.

‘Hey! Edith, what are you doing?” Hallie chased after them but hit a closed door. She stamped her foot, fuming, but there was nothing she could do.

Edith tugged Joseph over to the closet. “Open it,” she said slowly.

oseph huffed and shoved the closet door open with a forceful push. There was almost nothing inside: just three outfits, one of them a school uniform.

Edith sat on the edge of the bed and spoke softly, “I’ve had these two outfits for almost four years now. Look at the sneakers on my feet–I bought them about a year ago for fifteen bucks, and that wiped out my entire savings.

I didn’t have money for new clothes or shoes, so how do you think I could’ve afforded a ticket back to Sunspire?”

oseph stared, stunned. He was the Lovetts‘ third son–he’d never gone without. He didn’t carry cash, but he never wanted for anything. Whatever he asked for, his stepmom got it for him right away.

Edith let

throu

tter laugh. “Look at you, Mr. High and Mighty Lovett from Sunspire. You have no clue what I’ve been mad I never came back? Well, I’m furious Dad never once bothered to visit me.

Six years go by, and I finally make it home. But I feel like a total stranger. You, my brother, call some random girl sister and

another woman ‘mom.

“I bet you’ve probably forgotten what Mom even looked like, haven’t you? But you’re her spitting image, especially those eyes. Take care of them, so I can at least hold onto her memory.”

Joseph’s eyes stung. Their mother had left when he was three. He didn’t remember much, but the pain was bone–deep–like reliving the day he’d lost everything that mattered.

“I’m your sister, and I only want what’s best for you,” Edith said, gripping his shoulders. “If you were three, I could teach you slowly until you grow up. But you’re almost ten, and I’m worried I won’t be here the day it finally clicks.”

She was terrified of history repeating itself, of falling into Karen’s traps again. She feared she wouldn’t have enough time to set her brothers straight before Karen found a way to get rid of her. That was why she was rushing and being so harsh.

“I’m sorry.” Joseph lowered his head. “I shouldn’t have blamed you without knowing the full story.”

Edith cracked a small smile, ruffling his hair. “Learning to apologize is the first sign of growing up, Joseph. You’re moving

fast.”

Joseph hunched his shoulders, feeling like a kitten getting petted. Weirdly, it didn’t feel bad.

1/3

8:18 pm DD.

pm;

Chapter 19

I owe you an apology too. I won’t break your stuff on purpose again Edith took his hand and pulled him toward the door ‘C’mon. We’ve got things to take care of

Feeling the light calluses on her palms, Joseph found his mind drifting ‘She must have worked herself to the bone out in the country. That’s where the calluses came from, and that strength, he thought.

Hallie had been lingering by the door. When it opened, she saw them holding hands tightly, and it hit her like a punch to the

RUL

But the two didn’t even glance her way. They walked straight back to Joseph’s room.

Edith pulled out the literature textbook. “Three poems. Memorize them in an hour. No sleep till you’re done?

Joseph went quiet. Just moments ago, things had felt warm. Edith had apologized, and he’d thought maybe the poem thing was off the table. Now, he figured he was just too young to see the trap.

“Besides…” Edith paused. “Finals are in three months. Aim for the top ten in your class. Miss that, and there’s more punishment.”

Joseph froze. He’d started to soften toward her, but this “top ten” nonsense just killed any goodwill he was feeling

Edith ruffled his hair, softening her tone. “Well, I’ll cut you some slack. Just aim to be in the top twenty. If you do well. I’ll make you some pasta for breakfast tomorrow. Good luck.”

Joseph hunched his shoulders, thinking, ‘Edith’s so nice. I didn’t even speak, and she’s already melting, even ruffling my hair and promising to make me pasta. Bet her pasta’s amazing!

[Host’s received sincere gratitude from family. Reward: Leadership +1.]

Edith pulled out a test paper and sat with Joseph, going over it while he studied.

nt and Karen, who had been meeting with an overseas client that night, rolled in past midnight.

By when they got home this late, every light in the house was off except for the little nightlight in the living room. But w the whole villa was lit up bright as day.

kallas stepped forward. “Welcome home, Mr. and Mrs. Lovett. Hallie’s downstairs practicing piano. Edith and Joseph are doing homework on the third floor

Vincent’s eyebrows shot up. Joseph’s doing homework? I gotta go check if that’s for real

His youngest was a total troublemaker who skipped class half the time. His expectations were pretty low as long as the kid stayed out of serious trouble, he didn’t care about his grades.

Vincent started toward the stairs, but Hallie grabbed his arm, smiling sweetly. ‘Dad, June said I played well today. Wanna hear me play and give me some feedback?”

Karen chimed in, Hallie’s got her heart set on this. Just sit down and listen

Vincent glanced at the closed door on the third floor, sighed, and settled in to listen to the piano performance.

The piece hadn’t even finished when the third–floor door opened. Edith stepped out, holding her finished test paper. As she headed back to her room, she glanced downstairs.

Vincent and Karen were on the couch, with Hallie playing the piano–looking for all the world like one happy family. Edith

2/3

Ch 20

AN AY ANG Next Recursiers in this home

750 Zone Chaway ANCY Cson Mom designed this villa This is my home my father home. We’re

sex gx Ahih thought mb

AD