The Mysterious Billionaire and His Substitute Bride (Ethan and Janet)
Chapter 488 Charis's Suggestion

"Can you believe it? I've been my mother's favorite. She has spoiled me all my life. But she doesn't give a damn about me anymore. It looks like I never cross her mind. Now she is always thinking and talking about Janet." Lila poured her heart out to Charis, making sure not to miss a single detail.

She didn't bother withholding herself. After all, Charis was a stranger to her -- a stranger whom she could share anything with without any burden.

Charis patiently sat beside Lila, listening to her laments. "Calm down. I know how you feel," she comforted her. "I have a sister myself."

Hearing that, Lila's eyes lit up. The new piece of information seemed to bring her closer to Charis. She had found a confidant. "Then, I'm sure you'll understand my feelings. But Janet was never a part of our life before. She just barged in and now she's like a barrier between me and my parents. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have ended up like this."

"Well, it seems like your sister couldn't stand sharing her mother with you. Don't get angry and lose your mental peace because of her. She will be punished for it someday," Charis comforted Lila. "I know she will be punished sooner or later. But

I can't stand another day with her! She has become a total bitch!" Tears welled up in Lila's eyes. She hugged Charis and sobbed uncontrollably. "She is a bumpkin. How could she do this to me?"

"I don't like people like that either. They are ill-bred. You must have been too tolerant toward her. That's why she is treating you like this." Charis sounded kind and empathetic.

Lila sniffed loudly. She had found someone who understood her well.

She hated herself for yielding to Janet for everything.

"But what can I do now?" Lila felt cornered.

"You've got to calm down first. Don't let your emotions control you. You have to think with a clear mind. Only then can we figure out a way together." Charis could tell that Lila was on the verge of breaking down Lila wiped her tears, took a deep breath, and eventually calmed down.

Charis thought for a while and said, "From what you've told me, I feel Janet hates you because she thinks you've been living the life that belonged to her. That's why she is trying to portray herself as a good person. She wants to get in their good books. You've got to be careful."

Lila pursed her lips and nodded in agreement.

Janet pretended to be a talented designer, which made Johanna think she was dedicated and hard-working. But who would enjoy working in this world?

She used to think Janet seemed like a nice person even though she didn't really like her. But after listening to Charis, Lila concluded it was all a facade.

None of it was her fault. After all, she was just a newborn baby when she "stole" Janet's life. To be fair, she was also a victim here!

Seeing Lila gnashing her teeth, Charis understood she couldn't instigate her to harm Janet right away. All she could do now was pretend to offer advice. "Well, you've got to try and have a good relationship with her so that your parents don't alienate you. And don't try separating her from your parents. After all, they are related by blood."

Although Lila was still treated as a daughter of the White family, everyone knew she was a mere outsider now.

Charis had wanted to say something more to stir things up but gave up the idea after seeing how fragile and vulnerable Lila was. "They are bonded by blood. Moreover, your parents must be feeling guilty for Janet now. No matter how hard you try, you'll never be able to separate them."

Lila sighed helplessly. "So do I have to live all my life this way as the second important person in the family?"

Charis pursed her lips and fell silent.

Her job was done. She had planted a seed of hatred in Lila's heart. It would soon sprout in the future.

"All right. You better go back and think about it. It's getting late. I'll drive you home." Then, Charis drove Lila home.

When Lila was about to get out of the car, she turned to Charis and said, "Hey, sorry I've never got to ask. What's your name? Can I have your phone number? It was nice chatting with you. Well, if I get upset or feel like talking to someone, can I call you?"

Almost all of Lila's rich friends cut her loose now. She needed a friend like Charis who understood her well.

"My name is Zoe Brooks. You can just call me Zoe. I will be staying in Barnes for a few days. Call me whenever you feel like talking to someone." Charis handed Lila a business card with a smile.