Chapter 5

Emily's eyes glistened with tears. "But Mom, giving Jocelyn 6,500 dollars monthly seems excessive. She never spends much, and our family's finances—"

Emily couldn't finish before Millicent interrupted her.

She said, "My daughter spending my money is natural. You get 6,500 dollars monthly, though you're adopted. If you truly care about our family, I'll freeze your account starting today."

True to her decisive nature, Millicent immediately froze Emily's account using her phone.

Emily sat frozen, completely speechless.

Brogan and Milo continued eating silently, neither speaking up for Emily.

Emily looked utterly bewildered, yet she remained uncertain how to respond.

Staring at the bank card in my hand, I felt warmth seeping into my palm.

After dinner, Millicent instructed Sharon to move me into the third-floor princess room.

She also had Sharon purchase new bedding sets and a study desk.

Everything was arranged for me according to Emily's room standards.

As I sat in the family's Rolls-Royce, I was still in a daze, scarcely able to believe Millicent's sudden change.

The car began moving.

Emily glared at me with venomous eyes.

Through gritted teeth, she demanded, "Did you say something to Dad and Mom?"

I turned my head to look out the window, refusing to answer her.

She snapped viciously, "Whatever you did to Dad and Mom, I warn you that the Sharpe family can only have one young lady. If you don't leave voluntarily, you'll regret it!"

In the past, her threats would have frightened me.

But now, I felt strangely calm because I realized everyone could hear Emily's thoughts. Brogan, Millicent, and Milo could hear them. Sharon could hear them. Even Connor Zimmerman, who was driving us to school, could hear them.

A foul odor suddenly filled the car.

All three of us wrinkled our noses.

I remained silent, and Connor tried to endure it, but Emily suddenly pointed at me. "Jocelyn! Couldn't you hold in your gas? Disgusting. Connor, open the windows now."

Connor quickly rolled down the windows.

Then we both clearly heard Emily's mental voice again.

She mumbled inwardly, "Lucky I was quick-witted, or Connor would've realized I was the one farting. How could I maintain my pure image then?

"Ugh, what's wrong with my stomach? I need to fart again.

"Must be that blue cheese takeout last night ruining my stomach.

"The stinky blue cheese made my farts reek. Annoying, but at least I can pin it on Jocelyn."

I clearly saw Connor's stunned expression in the rearview mirror.

Emily threw another insult. "Disgusting fart monster."

I coughed softly and stayed silent.

Connor quietly activated the car's air purification system.

Then Emily said inwardly, "Oh, God. I think I accidentally leaked some poop.

"Endless stinky farts! I hope I didn't soil the car seat.

"When I come home from school this afternoon, I'll sit in the front on the way back. If there really is poop, I'll say Jocelyn did it. Everyone will believe whatever I say anyway."

Emily's inner voice repeatedly reached my ears and Connor's.

We maintained a silent understanding.

But after getting out of the car, I still saw Connor looking troubled as he checked the leather seats in the back.

I guessed he would probably take the car to the car wash later for a thorough cleaning.

When we reached the school gate, Emily was immediately linked with her close female friends, arm in arm.

They chatted, laughed, and then unanimously turned their gaze toward me, who was nearby.

Mandy Herrington asked, "Emily, why did you get out of the same car as Jocelyn?"

Irena Schneider said, "Just seeing that filthy woman makes me nauseous. What were you thinking?"

Emily sighed sadly and said, "It's my mom. She felt sorry for Jocelyn and made me give her a ride. But she didn't even say thanks when she got out. So heartless."

Mandy gasped, "Ugh, how shameless. Someone offered her a polite gesture, and she actually dared to sit down. This is a Rolls-Royce car. What if she ruins it?"

Irena chimed in regretfully, "Emily, you're too kind-hearted. That's why people like her keep bullying you."

I listened nearby, waiting for the drama to unfold.

Emily gently clasped her classmates' hands and said softly, "Let's stop talking about her. Those gifts you asked me to get through overseas buyers last time have arrived. Here they are."