Hackett smiled, finally satisfied. Suddenly remembering something, he asked, “By the way, didn’t Milford say he’d come back with you?”
Tamara shook her head, her expression dimming as she lowered her voice. “He went to see Yvonne.”
Since waking up, Yvonne’s attitude toward Tamara had been poor. Hackett was aware of this. He frowned, clearly displeased with Yvonne’s behavior toward his favorite daughter.
“Ever since Yvonne woke up, she hasn’t given you a single pleasant look. I wonder if she’s been corrupted by Leilani!”
Tamara forced a smile, defending Yvonne. “She is still young; she doesn’t know any better. I don’t blame her. Maybe it’ll get better after Milford and I get married.”
Hackett snorted, frustrated by her passiveness. “You are just too kind. That’s why people keep walking all over you.”
Tamara lowered her gaze as if embarrassed, hiding the cold calculation in her eyes.
While Hackett and Tamara spoke, Josiah had been standing in the corner of the study. His gaze rested on Tamara’s soft profile. She had been speaking in a gentle whisper, comforting their father, her brows knit with concern and care, appearing to think only of the family’s well-being.
But for some reason, a memory flashed through Josiah’s mind. That day at the Sloan house, when he had felt a twinge of guilt about Leilani’s years in prison, Tamara had caught it instantly. Her eyes had reddened, she had bitten her lip in grievance, and her trembling voice had washed away his hesitation with tears. Between the obedient Tamara and the rebellious, isolated Leilani, Josiah had naturally chosen to believe Tamara.
But lately, when he was alone, those scenes kept replaying in his head. Why was it that every time Tamara “accidentally” mentioned Leilani to their parents, it seemed like she was defending her, but in reality, it only deepened Hackett and Zadie’s loathing of Leilani? Was he overthinking it?
Josiah closed his eyes, his chest feeling heavy, as if crushed by a stone. He suddenly realized he might never have truly seen this “well-behaved” sister clearly. And now, what was she planning?
“Josiah?”
Tamara suddenly turned. Seeing him standing silently in the corner, she looked at him with confusion. “Why aren’t you saying anything? Are you feeling okay?”
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