"Why should I defend you? As far as I'm concerned, Leena is right," Kevin answered coolly. He pressed the pause button on the elevator's control panel and allowed Claire to come inside.
"I see. You were pretending to be well-behaved and nice to fool Dad and Mom. As soon as you came back to your own house, you just couldn't wait to show your true self," Claire huffed in irritation. She glared at Leena accusingly and in disbelief, not quite registering the fact that the weak and soft Leena had the nerve to stand up to her. She seemed so different.
"I'm sorry, Claire. But you are right. If you are offended, just let it be and don't say another word," Leena retorted sharply. Her response shocked Claire once again and was a huge blow to her ego. Leena smiled sweetly. As Kevin's wife, she was determined to convince Claire, one way or another, to get rid of her bad habits of being wild, self-willed and ungrateful. She had been spoiled by her family since she was born. If Claire didn't change, she was doomed and wouldn't find herself a suitable husband. No matter how kind and tolerant men were these days, they wouldn't accept such an uncontrollable wife.
Kevin zipped up his mouth and decided to let Claire have a taste of her own medicine. Truthfully, he would feel delighted to see it happen.
"I know women can be erratic, but I never thought you were the worst of the lot. I really underestimated you," Claire voiced out in a mocking voice. Her mouth twisted in a contemptuous sneer. She realized suddenly that she had been fooled by Leena. She had tried desperately to uncover Leena's true side, but had failed to do so. There is an old saying that goes, 'People shouldn't be judged by their looks.' Claire finally knew what that meant, now that she had seen Leena for who she was.
"Claire, let me give you a piece of advice. Despite their superficial resemblances, things can be very different in their essence. Just take human beings as an example. People can be really evil, although sometimes they seem to be amiable and kind." Leena wanted her to realize that Louisa wasn't as much of a friend to her as she pretended to be.
What do you mean? Are you accusing me of something?" Claire had intended to squeeze in between Leena and Kevin. It was in vain, since Kevin chose to stand close to Leena, forcing Claire to step aside.
"If you think so, sure. I have got nothing else to say," Leena answered. She decided to adopt a neutral position. As far as she was concerned, Claire wasn't a bad woman. To tell the truth, she was just a spoiled rich girl. If Claire was guided properly, she would be lovely and charming, rather than mean and repulsive.
"Kevin, what's wrong with her? Shouldn't you discipline your wife?" Claire wasn't brave enough to be arrogant when her parents weren't with her. So she asked her brother for help.
Listen to Leena. Although she is younger than you, she is smarter and more thoughtful. I know you have always been a spoiled girl, but you really get carried away sometimes. It's time that Leena taught you a lesson and showed you how to be a decent lady." Kevin was impressed with Leena. Claire was his beloved sister and he hoped she could live a better life. If Leena could transform Claire, it would be a real blessing to Kevin's family.
"Why should I listen to her?" Claire pressed her lips together. A look of pure hatred flashed in her eyes. However, she couldn't confront Leena directly since Kevin had decided to side with his wife.
"Leena is my wife and your sister-in-law. Isn't that good enough for you to show her some respect?" As they reached the parking lot, Kevin pressed a button on his car keys. They walked in the direction of the car.
"I have never considered her my sister-in-law," Claire said haughtily. Although she had spoken in a small voice, Kevin heard her anyway. His trainings as a soldier had made him extremely sensitive to faint noises. However, Kevin chose to remain silent. He didn't intend to embarrass Claire in front of Leena.
"Wow! Bro, it's Bugatti. Since when have you become so rich? This is very strange. Wait a minute, tell me the truth. Are you taking bribes?" Claire should have cheered up seeing her brother's luxury car. However, as she stopped to think about it, she wondered how her brother got his hands on that kind of money. A luxurious house and luxurious cars. It was more likely that Kevin was taking bribes, because as far as she knew, he had never asked their parents for money. He was old enough to be earning quite enough on his own.
"Sis, what are you thinking about? I won't do anything that violates the law and order. Dad would surely skin me alive," Kevin said, struck at her words. He hit Claire's head softly, annoyed that his sister would consider him to be a dirty soldier. Kevin was a man of strict moral principles. He would never allow himself to smear his reputation and ruin his own career.
"In that case, how did you get so much money? Did you get it from Mom?" Claire massaged her head. Although Kevin hadn't hit her too hard, she didn't like him doing it.
"I'm a grown man and won't ask Mom for money. Please set your mind at rest. I'm earning money legally. There's no way that I will be court martialled." Kevin opened the car door, ushering Leena into the passenger seat. He wouldn't be out of money even if he was denied his income from the bar. After all, he rendered outstanding services every year, and was awarded with a great deal of money and rewards. Of course, all this was restrictive. He wasn't as rich as Leena's brothers.