From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent ( Anthea )
Chapter 312

The maid spoke up, "Miss Ellie said she went back to her room to read."

Edna frowned, "I'm here, that's enough. You can leave now! Oh, and call Darleen for me, will you?"

The maid nodded and then left the kitchen.

Soon, Darleen arrived, clearly annoyed, "Mom, what do you want? The SATs are coming up, and I need to study..."

"Smack!"

Before Darleen could finish her sentence, Edna had slapped her hard across the face.

It all happened so fast.

Darleen was stunned.

Her cheek stung fiercely as she looked at Edna in disbelief, "Mom! Why did you hit me? What did I do wrong?"

Edna's expression was stormy, "Who gave you permission to leave? Didn't I tell you to keep an eye on the stew?"

"I only stepped away for a moment!" Darleen felt wronged, "Is that really necessary? I'm your own daughter! You hit me over some stew? What's the use of being so good to that old lady? She still hasn't accepted you into the family!"

Darleen was gearing up for her SATS.

Determined to make Edna proud, Darleen was aiming for a spot at Harvard University.

Even if she couldn't be the national topper, she had to be among the top three in the city!

With the SATs not far off, she couldn't afford to slack.

Edna could disappear to the bathroom for what seemed like ages, and Darleen, anxious not to waste precious study time, had asked one of the servants to watch the stove instead. She hadn't expected Edna to react so violently.

"Smack!"

Edna raised her hand again, delivering another slap!

"Mom!" Darleen cried, looking up at Edna, her voice loud with indignation, "Just because you couldn't marry into the Lindsay family, you're taking it out on me? I'm your daughter! I'm not your punching bag!" Edna, trembling with anger, pointed to the door, "Go to your room and think about what you've done!"

Darleen covered her face with her hands, crying as she left the kitchen.

Edna watched Darleen's retreating figure.

She sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and helplessness.

Darleen was a good kid, really.

Just too naïve and impulsive sometimes.

After a moment, Edna poured the health stew into a thermos, planning to bring it to Janet. Just as she stepped out, she turned back and headed to the third floor, to Darleen's room, and knocked on the door. Through the door, she could hear Darleen's sobs.

She was clearly inside, but wouldn't open the door.

Edna frowned, "There's a limit to patience! I'm counting to three, and if you don't open this door, I'll have someone break it down!"

"3, 2..."

Just as she was about to say '1', the door opened.

Darleen looked miserable.

Her eyes were swollen.

So was her face.

Edna stepped in, placed the thermos on the desk, and locked the door behind her.

"Darleen, are you still mad at Mom?"

Darleen remained silent.

How could she not be?

Though Edna was usually strict, slapping her across the face was a first.

She was a girl, after all.

Edna's actions had completely disregarded her dignity.

Edna sighed, "Darleen, in this family, it's just us. We're the only true family we have. So, besides you, there's no one else I can truly rely on."

She paused, "Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"It's just some stew. Was it worth slapping me twice? Am I less important to you than that old lady of the Lindsay family?" Darleen continued, "I could charm that old lady with a ten-dollar pair of socks, making her smile from ear to ear. Does it really matter if the stew was personally watched by you or a maid?"

Darleen couldn't understand Edna's logic.

She thought Edna was making a mountain out of a molehill.

There was absolutely no need for it!

Darleen also couldn't comprehend why Edna insisted on personally preparing Janet's stew for ten years.

Edna simply looked at Darleen, "Darleen, there's a reason for everything I do. One day, you'll understand my intentions."

"I don't understand!"

"You may not understand now," Edna sighed, "but one day you will. For now, just know that everything I do is for your sake, for your future. Only if I manage to marry into the Lindsay family, as their granddaughter, will you stand a chance to marry Mr. Christensen!"