Chapter 5 A Bunch Of Ingrates

• Skylar ran away as if she had just seen a ghost.
• After making sure that she was hidden from Tobias’ sight, she breathed a sigh of relief.
• At the door to the private room, an inhospitable female voice sounded from behind her. “What’s up with the shades? You’re just an extra. Do you really think you’re some kind of a big shot?”
• Skylar turned around when she heard the voice and saw her half-sister, Avery Jones.
• Avery’s lips twitched slightly. “Long time no see, Skylar. Why are you dressed so shabbily?”
• “I’d rather we never see each other again.” Skylar broke into a lazy smile.
• Avery raised her brows haughtily. “I’m afraid that will be a problem. You see, Jeremy invited me over for dinner, so there will be many more chances for us to meet in the future.”
• Skylar’s face instantly darkened. Since when did Jeremy and Avery know each other?
• Why didn’t I know about this?
• Pauline and Jeremy came over together just then, the former’s face instantly lighting up with a broad smile upon seeing Avery.
• I’ve never seen Mrs. Lane beamed so brightly before. Indeed, Skylar was right; she was never lucky enough to be at the receiving end of this smile.
• Within a split second, Avery’s initially sardonic smile softened into a cajoling one, and her voice turned especially honey-laced. “Jeremy, I was talking to my sister. She doesn’t seem too happy that I’m here. Should I go back? I wouldn’t want to impose.”
• Jeremy’s gaze on Avery was impossibly gentle; he was basically putty in her hands. “Of course you’re not imposing. Today’s celebration is also to introduce you to the family. They’re definitely gonna like you.”
• At the same time, Skylar’s face paled, and she angrily confronted him. “Jeremy, do you know what you’re doing? Since when were you this close to her, and why didn’t I know anything about it?”
• Jeremy was well aware that she had a taboo against the Joneses, and could not stand the mere mention of them.
• Thus, he explained with indifference, “Your sister is my sister. Is there a problem? All my relatives are here today, so don’t kick up a fuss with me, Skylar.”
• “You-! Jeremy Lane!!”
• He then gave Skylar a look of impatience and threatened. “Let’s eat first. My body isn’t all recovered yet. If I fall ill again because of you, you’ll have to bear the consequences.”
• Following that, he opened the door to the private room for them to enter.
• However, a mocking smile played on Avery’s lips.
• After they went in, Avery leaned toward Skylar and whispered into her ear, “Sorry for stealing your belongings again. Honestly, Skylar, what a pathetic life you have, always having to live in my shadow. I’m not interested in your boyfriend, by the way. I just thought I’d have a little fun.”
• Skylar’s entire body trembled as she glared daggers at Avery.
• Her mind had gone blank, and she could no longer think straight.
• “You found trash and treated it as treasure, so you have only yourself to blame for this. Did you see how your boyfriend was fawning over me? Tsk-tsk. Even I feel embarrassed for you.” Avery pursed her lips and clicked her tongue.
• “You...” Red with fury, Skylar was so furious words failed her.
• Once Avery entered the room, the Lanes naturally flocked over and nudged her toward the center seat.
• All of them knew Avery was the apple of the millionaire, Thomas Jones’ eye.
• Upholding her image, she pretended to be gentle and meek as she greeted the Lanes politely.
• On the contrary, Skylar remained standing by the door, without anyone inviting her to join them.
• “Skylar, why won’t you have a seat?” Avery beckoned Skylar over and pointed at the vacant seat next to hers.
• Jeremy shot a vexed look at Skylar. “She’s just a bumpkin who has hardly seen the world. This is her first time eating in such a high-class hotel, so I bet she’s embarrassed to come in.”
• Turning her head over to look at her so-called boyfriend, Skylar saw the distasteful look on Jeremy’s face, still unable to believe that all of this was real.
• She pulled herself back from the brink of having an emotional meltdown, not wanting to make a fool out of herself.
• Then she walked through the door and sat beside Avery.
• “Avery is such a beautiful girl.” Pauline liked Avery the more she looked at her.
• Indeed, as expected of the daughter of a wealthy family.
• Skylar, on the other hand, has the face of a jinx. No wonder my son fell ill. It was because she hoodooed him.
• The Lanes’ relatives were also very hospitable toward Avery, ceaselessly showering her with praises.
• They had completely forgotten about Skylar’s existence, treating her like an outsider.
• Right across them, Jeremy’s younger sister was staring at Avery’s bracelet with envy. “Avery, your bracelet is so pretty. It probably cost a fortune, right?”
• Avery took off her bracelet and generously put it on for Jeremy’s sister.
• His sister was absolutely delighted, but did not forget to pass a contemptuous remark. “Skylar, that hair tie on your wrist is about to snap. You should buy yourself a new one.”
• Cupping her chin, Skylar shot her a cursory glance and said with a small smile, “And where would I get this extra money? I spent it all on your brother’s treatment.”
• As soon as she said that, the entire room grew silent.
• Jeremy’s face turned several shades darker.
• But Pauline came to her son’s aid instantly as she countered, “What? Do you feel victimized? With your background, do you think anyone else besides our family would want you? My son actually pities you... It’s not like we forced you to help us; you did it willingly.”
• Avery gave a leering look at Skylar, but the smile on her face remained charming.
• Seeing how the Lanes were treating her, especially after Pauline’s comment, Skylar felt a stab of pain in her heart.
• They want to get rid of me because I’ve outlived my usefulness.
• Her eyes reddened, but she blinked back her tears and controlled her emotions.
• A short laugh escaped her before she said, “Yes, it’s because I have a sh*tty background and no family to rely on that I’m being bullied by all of you. As if that isn’t bad enough, you’re even biting the hand that fed you.”
• The moment those words escaped her lips, Jeremy’s dignity was trampled to dust.
• It was as though she constantly reminded him that she was his savior.
• Yet Jeremy sneered. “Skylar, do you have to make us lose our appetites? Your pettiness is off-putting.”
• “Yeah. It’s not like she paid for Jeremy’s surgery. How shameless of her to make all those claims.”
• “Jeremy already treats her so well, but she’s still as unappreciative as ever.”
• “Some people are just worlds apart. Just look at Avery. How did the two sisters end up being so different from each other?”
• The Lanes vehemently criticized Skylar, not holding back.
• At that time, Skylar already had the strong urge to flip the table and create a scene. She had nothing to lose, anyway. Alas, it was too big for her to lift.
• Hence, she decided to slap Jeremy. But the moment she raised her hand, he splashed wine all over her. “Wake up already and stop making a scene.”
• Avery enjoyed the entertaining events that unfurled then, but was somewhat losing interest.
• Stealing her boyfriend isn’t challenging at all.
• All of a sudden, the door opened from the outside, and a young waiter came in with a tray balanced on one hand.
• When Jeremy saw the exclusive wine on the tray, he gulped nervously and declared, “We didn’t order this wine.”
• This bottle of wine cost tens of thousands, which wasn’t a luxury he could afford.
• The waiter smiled courteously and replied, “Good evening, sir. This wine is a gift from Mr. Ford to Ms. Skylar.”
• Tobias Ford? Skylar was shocked when she heard that.
• After the waiter placed the wine down, he continued, “Mr. Ford has already footed the bill for the entire table. Enjoy your meal, Ms. Skylar.”