Chapter 4

However, Elizabeth seemed totally uninterested, which made Linda feel choked up inside.

Linda thought to herself, “Why did it feel like I was putting on a show for nobody?”

Linda couldn’t believe that Elizabeth was indifferent. After all, who wouldn’t be upset after being missing for so many years and coming home to find their place taken?

She must be pretending to be calm; maybe she’s boiling with rage inside.

“Linda, this is Elizabeth, your sister,” Sophia gently explained.

Sophia explained to Elizabeth gently, “Linda’s parents were friends with your dad and me. They passed away in an accident, so we adopted her. She is a month younger than you, so she is essentially your younger sister now.”

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Sophia explained the adoption, worried that Elizabeth might take issue with Linda’s presence.

“From now on, you two are family. Try to get along well with each other.”

Linda felt a pang of discomfort at Sophia’s words as if she were the outsider intruding on their family.

Linda had been adopted six months after Elizabeth went missing. She had no memories of her biological parents; to her, the Wilsons were her real family.

But now that Elizabeth had returned, the family’s attention and affection toward her seemed divided.

What did this mean? Was she just a stand-in for Elizabeth all along?

Hiding her discomfort, Linda said sweetly, “Hello, Elizabeth. I’m Linda.”

Elizabeth looked at her with clear and indifferent eyes. After a long pause, she finally nodded and said, “Hi.”

Linda bit her lip, feeling guilty, and said, “Are you angry with me, Elizabeth? I’m sorry; it’s my fault for not taking care of myself and falling sick. Mom and Dad couldn’t pick you up because they were worried about me. Can you please not be mad?”

Her tone was apologetic, but the underlying boast about the family’s affection for her was almost palpable.

The expressions of Sir and Lady Wilson turned awkward for a moment.

Yesterday, Linda had been quite feverish and would cry and fuss the moment they left her side. It had been Lady Williams who’d kindly offered to pick up Elizabeth, thinking they would be too busy to do so.

But in the end, it was their oversight.

Linda had always been spoiled growing up. Seeing her act so meek and apologetic now made Jack frown, and he quickly reassured her.

“Linda, stop overthinking. Falling ill isn’t something you can control. It’s normal for someone who’s sick to want company. Elizabeth will surely understand.”

Elizabeth ignored Linda and turned to Sophia, “I’m hungry.”

Elizabeth thought that Linda was so noisy, going on and on without stopping.

Seeing that Elizabeth remained indifferent, Linda felt inexplicably stifled. Why hadn’t she managed to infuriate Elizabeth? Instead, she ended up upsetting herself.

Ray Wilson, who had wanted to speak but hadn’t found the right moment, immediately said, “Let’s head back. Dinner is ready.”

Linda cautiously took a step forward, “Let me help with your luggage.”

Elizabeth glanced at Linda’s petite figure, thinking of the delicate instruments inside the suitcase, and declined, “No need. It might be too heavy for you.”

With that, she effortlessly picked up her suitcase and left.

Linda stared in surprise at the small 14-inch suitcase, feeling as if Elizabeth was mocking her for being weak.

How ironic!

She was pretending all along.

Linda clenched her fists and watched as Sophia and Ray surrounded Elizabeth, moving toward the villa, leaving her behind. Her expressions changed greatly, looking exceptionally striking.

Jack noticed she hadn’t moved and called out, “Linda, let’s go.”

With a wronged expression, Linda looked up at Jack and hesitated before asking, “Jack, am I disliked?”

Meeting Linda’s apprehensive gaze, Jack choked up for a moment before vaguely saying, “Why are you overthinking? Aren’t you still feeling bad? Elizabeth was just concerned about your health, which is why she didn’t want you to help.”

Relieved, Linda jokingly said, “I see. For a moment, I thought she was trying to show off her authority.”

Hearing this, Jack frowned, recalling Elizabeth’s attitude, feeling a hint of suspicion. However, Elizabeth was his blood sister, and he didn’t want to think the worst of her.

He looked at Linda’s innocent and understanding demeanor, saying seriously, “Linda, whether you’re my biological sister or not, I’ll always be good to you. I won’t favor Elizabeth over you. I’ll care for and love both of you equally, so you don’t need to tread on eggshells here.”

Jack definitely cared about and was wary of Elizabeth’s feelings, but Linda was his sister too.

He wouldn’t play favorites.

The Wilsons were self-made, so even though they had some capital, they didn’t live extravagantly. They resided in a three-story villa which, considering the high land prices in Metro City, was quite valuable.

Now they were at the dining table.

Elizabeth’s eating habits were impeccable. She sat upright, and her manners were refined, clearly showing her upbringing.

Sophia observed Elizabeth’s demeanor, sensing a slight discord but didn’t dwell on it. She kept serving Elizabeth dishes.

Jealousy nearly seeped out of Linda’s eyes. Pretending to be casual, she curiously asked, “Elizabeth, you’ll be starting your freshman year in high school, right?”

Elizabeth looked up and nonchalantly asked, “Which grade are you in?”

A bit surprised by the attention, Linda thought to herself, “Wasn’t she ignoring me?” Internally sneering, she beamed, “I’ll be in my final year in senior high school. If there are some questions you don’t understand, just ask me for the solutions. I remember freshman year topics.”

Sir. Wilson, always looking for conversation, proudly chimed in, “If you have any difficulties, ask Linda. She’s among the top ten in her school. Don’t hesitate; you’re sisters.”

Elizabeth, instead of continuing the topic, asked Linda, “How old are you?”

Caught off guard, Linda responded, “I’m eighteen.”

Setting down her fork, Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, “So am I. Hence, I’ll be in the final year too.”

Everyone at the table stared at her in surprise, not expecting this decision.

To Linda, Elizabeth now seemed like a walking joke.

Skipping straight to the final year? Wasn’t she afraid she wouldn’t keep up and would be forcibly demoted, becoming the talk of the school?

Though Linda was unaware of Elizabeth’s academic achievements, she was sure rural education couldn’t compare to Metro City’s. They were worlds apart.

If Elizabeth ranked last in class, it would highlight Linda’s intelligence.

Jack felt that Elizabeth might be overreaching. He cleared his throat, “Elizabeth, which grade did you reach in the village?”

Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled clearly, “I was home-schooled.”

Jack looked surprised. Was she kidding him?