Guy chuckled. He remarked quite indulgently, "Mischievous."
Ruby snorted. She ignorantly chomped on the snacks then threw a look at Blake.
Although Blake and Catherine were immensely dissatisfied, they didn't have the desire to scold Ruby. Unless she went overboard, they would turn a blind eye to whatever she did.
It was what they unanimously decided to do after some consideration.
Somewhere within them, there was a fear that if they grazed another wound to this child, she might really fly away from their home.
Ruby unknowingly lessened the tense atmosphere. She glossed over the fact that she was nothing once stepped out of Heather's fence. She hadn't found a place where she belong yet, and couldn't support herself without the allowance from Blake.
Therefore, she didn't treat the family harshly when she acted out before. It was merely a naughty little revenge.
The two sides quickly reached a consensus. They stay quiet about what happened a while ago.
However, when they were about to resume their conversation the outside began to get noisy. Ruby heard a lot of exclamation and commotion in front of the door.
Though curious, she was too lazy to care.
Guy imperceptibly frowned. He swept his gaze to Ruby and suggested, "Why don't you go back first? I'll let my secretary come pick you up tomorrow for further discussion?"
"No. It's a bother."
It's not like she has something to be discussed. She was just here out of formality, as thanks for their helping hands. What they wanted to talk about, was out of her concern.
Since her objective to show her face had been fulfilled, Ruby was going to get her ass back.
Out of a sudden, slender, thin, white hands pushed the door wide open. Followed by a gorgeous long sky blue dress that wrapped the thin waist so perfectly, came into view.
The girl's black hair was tied into a bun which magnified her youthful appearance, the plump red lips curled happily.
She went forward without minding the surrounding with hastened footsteps.
"Mom, Dad!"
Crystal jumped to her father's embrace and stared at Catherine with a sparkling gaze.
"Mom, I-"
"Cough!"
Guy coughed twice. He covered his face with both palms before putting it down, showing a completely stern expression.
"Eldest Brother? What's wrong?"
"You can't act so spoiled anymore. You're not a child."
Crystal tilted her head in wonder, "Eldest Brother, you are weird. Haven't I always done this before?"
"That was before, now is different."
Blake awkwardly laughed, he then patted Crystal's shoulder and said, "Your brother is right."
Crystal pouted. She turned to Catherine looking for a backup. However, Catherine hesitated for a few minutes first before she could only blurt out, "...Listen to your brother."
Crystal was surprised. She didn't expect Catherine to side with Guy.
An unknown bad premonition brewed inside her heart. When Crystal looked sideways to search for Zin and Zayn, her eyes collided with Ruby's.
"Ruby?!"
"..."
Ruby heaved a sigh of relief. She's glad she didn't forced the twins to come.
She hummed and nonchalantly continued to eat. She didn't want to deal with the female lead.
But it seemed like Crystal was hell-bent on annoying her.
Crystal went over to Ruby and grasped both her hands that were holding on a piece of pastry.
Worry was written all over her face, "Are you okay?"
Ruby glimpsed lightly to her and answered, "Yeah. Fortunately, I'm as strong as a bull."
Crystal: "..."
She was a little dumbfounded by the unexpected answer. She didn't know how to react.
"Pfft--.. kegkk!"
"Cough cough!"
Zayn almost burst out laughing. He desperately pretended to cough like a critically ill patient. While Zin had already bowed in defeat, holding his stomach and covering his mouth to laugh.
Blake and Catherine gave her an eye roll.
Blake amusedly reprimanded her, "You still dare to brag?"
Ruby shrugged her shoulders, "I have to. Since it's the truth anyway."
All the uncomfortable feelings in Catherine's heart disappeared from Ruby's 'modest self-appreciation'. She muttered besides Blake's ear, "This child is helpless."
Ruby caught it. She put on a very serious expression, "What helpless? I was being honest."
Catherine waved her hands, "Yes, yes. I know."
"Pfftt- Hahahahaha.."
Shameless!
Their sister's face was like an impenetrable wall, she didn't feel ashamed at all when bragging.
Both Zayn and Zin couldn't handle it anymore and their laughter rang so loud it could even stab Crystal's heart.
Guy also had a rare smile on. He actually wanted to laugh but seeing Ruby growing peeved from the twins, Guy restrained himself.
He pushed a chocolate cake in front of Ruby.
Patiently coaxing Ruby, Guy said, "Here, eat this. Don't mind them, okay?"
Although Ruby wanted to devour all the sweets, she still remember her stepsons.
"I want to bring this cake home."
"Sure. I will let them know. How many do you want?"
"A whole cake."
"Alright."
They casually chatted without paying attention to Crystal. Ruby really didn't put the female lead in her eyes.
Crystal didn't participate in the conversation, however, sometimes she would also laugh along with them.
Her sharp nails cut through the skin, turning the hidden palm wet from blood.
Behind Crystal's smile were clenching teeth that wanted to viciously bite the girl sitting next to her.