Valerie and her father came to a conclusion that she would come over to the Watson's Residence for dinner together with her family.
Mr. Edmond had specially informed the cook in the Watson's Residence to prepare dinner for Valerie's arrival. Luckily, Valerie was off work, so she went to the mall to get gifts for her father. But Claudia made sure that the cook prepared only her daughter's favorite dishes. Not sparing the thought of Valerie at all. Soon, the cook came over and asked, "Ma'am, Master Edmond said rice cakes are Young Ms. Valerie's favorite, which is why he asked me to buy them. Are you sure you really don't want it to be cooked?"
"No. You can go ahead and buy them. Cook them, but make sure it's tasteless such that the little witch Valerie would wish she never ate it at all" Claudia said in between her gritted teeth. Immediately the cook left to do as she ordered, Claudia fumed with anger. Her resentment for Valerie was growing even more. The fact that Valerie was going to step her foot into the Watson's Residence made her so uncomfortable.
Deep down, she couldn't help but think that Valerie came back to her a share from the family business, as the family finance has been flourishing ever since. "As long as I'm in this family, Valerie can forget getting any share from the family's business".
"Mom, do you know that Valerie is coming over to the house for dinner?" Patricia walked through the door in frustration.
Claudia nodded sadly and said, "Your Dad insisted on inviting her over to have dinner with us together as family. I couldn't stop him".
"It's been six years. What gave her the guts to think of coming back to this house? I wonder what she's up to" Patricia bit her lower lip.
"What else do you think she's up to? Of course, life will be so tough for her. Have you forgotten that she wasn't able to go to the university? She was barely 20 years old when she left. She's obviously coming back because she wants a piece from the pie. Likewise, she just wants her share from the family's business" Claudia snorted.
"No way. Mom, you mustn't let her take away what is mine. Everything that Dad has all is mine" Patricia said audaciously, as if she was the rightful heir of her father's wealth.
"You're my daughter, Pat. I assure you, she has absolutely nothing to do with your inheritance. Every single thing that Edmond Watson has all is yours, Patricia" Claudia smirked mischievously.
"Thank you, mom" Patricia chuckled.
"Good girl! We should all get prepared to see the long-lost witch who has returned" Claudia firmly said.
"Alright. I need to put on my new dress and apply some makeup" Patricia headed upstairs. She thought, "I have to show her that is nothing to this family, and that I'm the irreplaceable heir to the Watson's wealth".
Meanwhile, Valerie took a cab heading straight to the East at the Watson's Residence. For some reason, she felt really uneasy each time she thought of her family.
On the other hand, Mr. Edmond stood at his doorstep. He had left the office earlier than he used to because he couldn't wait to see his daughter, who he had not set his eyes on for the past six years. Soon, he sighted a cab coming in his direction and he walked closer to it just when it stopped. Then, a lady with a slim figure stepped out of the vehicle, she turned out to be Valerie, his daughter. Valerie looked at her father, realizing how he has aged in the past six years. She quickly regretted why she never kept in touch with him all these while.
"I'm back, Dad" She smiled at him, and he widened his arms. She rushed into his welcoming arms, as he hugged her tightly. Edmond's eyes were filled with tears, his little daughter had grown so big that she was even taller than him.
"I'm sorry, child. I'm sorry I didn't search for you after you left the house" He sobbed. Actually, it was tears of joy. The thought that he reunited with his daughter was fulfilling.
Valerie arched her eyebrows, and thought within herself, "I left the house? Or he meant I was thrown out of the house?"
"Come on in, child. I made sure they could prepare your favorite rice cakes. I'm sure you're going to love it" Mr. Edmond said, and Valerie nodded her head. As soon as Valerie stepped into the sitting room, Claudia glared at her, trying hard to conceal her resentment.
"Oh, look who we have here. Valerie, my daughter! How have you been?" She faked a smile at her. Of course, Valerie knew those were fake, but she just had to play along.
"Mom!" Valerie called with sarcasm, and snorted.
Claudia rushed to her, hugged her and said, "Oh, dear. We've missed you so much. You look really malnourished. If you had been here with us, I would have made sure you're well-fed".
"Yes sister. I never knew you would still come back to the house. I've missed you so much. You don't know how lonely it feels to live without a sister" Patricia sniffed hard.
"Will you both quit the sarcasm? I already know that you both are wonderful actresses. Why do you still want to showcase your talent?" Valerie scoffed.
"You little…" Claudia cursed under her breath.
Patricia bit her lips pitifully and said, "How could you say that? You're simply so ungrateful. You really think we're making this up. After you left the house on your own?"
"What?"
Knowing the strained history between the ladies, Edmond glared at Claudia and lectured her. "Valerie just arrived. She came back after such a long time. There's no need for you to be sarcastic. Get along with her, will you?"
"But Dad, we've been so nice to her. She's the one who is being mean, can't you see that?" Patricia feigned tears.
"I'm being mean? Why should I be nice to you both in the first place? Should I really be nice to the people who drove me out of my father's house?" Valerie cried out.
"I beg your pardon?" Edmond freaked out.