The Day I Kissed An Older Man
Chapter 2576

Indeed, whenever Thalia wanted to do something, Henry and Claudia never supported her. In their eyes, she was just a stubborn person. The more Henry and Claudia tried to stop her, the farther Thalia ran away.

She no longer wanted to stay in this family. She truly wished she had followed her mother and left this world with her so she would not have to endure these kinds of humiliation. Thalia had thought many times that her life would always be like this-living in comparison with Claudia, always inferior, gradually aging.

However, everything changed after she met Lucas. Perhaps that chance encounter had left no trace in Lucas' memory, but in her world, it caused earth-shattering changes. She never thought she would fall for a boy she barely knew.

After choosing to stay at the dormitory, Thalia's grades did not improve. Instead, she spent her days with troublemakers at school, which led her to neglect her studies. Ironically, she felt much better than before. After all, no matter how much she studied before, it was never good enough in her father's eyes.

However, she did not expect her father to replace out about it. When she returned home, Henry had a cold expression, and even Thalia looked serious. As soon as she put down her backpack, her father rushed over and slapped her.

"I paid for your education so you can learn something, yet you spend your days hanging out with those troublemakers? Do you even know what you're doing? Do you realize you're regressing? Do you know what your teacher just told me? How could you smoke on the rooftop with those hooligans? I thought you chose to stay at the dorm to save time, but instead, you're hanging out with those worthless individuals I've really misjudged you!"

Thalia silently clenched her fists and gritted her teeth.

Claudia sighed. "Dad, hold off on scolding her for now. Maybe there's a reason she's doing all that. Why don't you go sit on the sofa first, and let me talk to her."

Claudia turned to Thalia, placed a hand on her shoulder, and asked, "Thalia, is there something you're not telling us? I know there are many unsavory students at school who specifically target students who used to excel in their studies. They may force you to do bad things with them, and if you refuse, they might threaten you. Have you been bullied? Dad and I will always be on your side. You must tell us if you're in any sort of trouble, okay?"

'Here she goes again,' thought Thalia with disgust.

She disdainfully brushed off Claudia's hand. "Oh, stop pretending. I know you're secretly pleased about the whole thing, aren't you? You

must be happy to see Dad punishing me. But you know what? I don' mind admitting to smoking on the rooftop. Nobody forced me, nor am I being falsely accused. So what if I smoke? It's not like I'll achieve stellar grades like you no matter how hard I study.

"Dad doesn't care if I stay up until two or three in the morning. I'll always be the stupid one in his eyes, so why bother trying so hard? I've come to accept that this is just who I am. I replace it comfortable to hang out with them. They don't look down on me because of my grades, and they definitely don't pretend to care while secretly mocking me behind my back like you do. I don't need a sister like you. I'd rather hang out with those troublemakers!"

Claudia recoiled, deeply hurt by her words. "Thalia, do you even realize what you're saying? When have I ever pretended to care while mocking you behind your back? I've never done such a thing. How could you say that?"