At the street corner, a black sedan parked by the roadside. Inside, a couple watched the siblings standing outside the hotel.
Dalia's eyes were full of pity as she tugged on her husband's sleeve, speaking softly, "Honey, can you really bear to see them sleeping on the streets? This punishment has lasted long enough. Surely, they realize their mistakes by now."
Aaron snorted. "If they knew they were wrong, they would have called home."
"You know Christian's personality is just like yours—stubborn and unwilling to admit fault," Dalia said with a gentle smile.
Aaron remained displeased. "Am I supposed to be the one to humble myself as their father?"
"You might be able to watch them suffer, but I can't. They're the children we've loved and cherished for over a decade."
Seeing them being thrown out of the hotel had broken her heart. Her children had never endured such humiliation. It was all Zuri's fault! If it weren't for her adding fuel to the fire, he wouldn't have been so harsh.
Dalia knew that his anger had cooled over time. He hadn't gone to speak on their behalf or look for them because he was furious, but now enough time had passed.
This time, Dalia didn't hold back. She got out of the car and walked towards the siblings.
Aaron opened his mouth to stop her but ultimately said nothing.
In the front seat, their driver, Uncle Wang, watched and understood. The chairman also couldn't bear it and wanted them back, but his pride was in the way.
Miss Zuri's good intentions would probably be in vain. Having worked for the Lin family for decades, he could see that the chairman's excessive indulgence towards the eldest son wasn't a good thing.
Five minutes later, Dalia returned with Christian and Saira in tow.
At the Lin Residence
Zuri got out of the car and watched it drive away until it disappeared from view. Then she turned and went inside. As soon as she entered, she heard familiar laughter from the direction of the living room.
A maid whispered, "Second Miss, Chairman Lin and Madam brought the eldest young master and young miss home today."
Zuri's expression didn't change much as she changed her shoes and walked in. The moment she stepped into the living room, she saw the Lin family, all four of them, laughing and chatting. Even Aaron, who was usually stern, had a smile on his face, creating a picture of warmth and harmony.
Unfortunately, this warmth didn't belong to Zuri. She stood behind them, feeling like an outsider to the joy and laughter.
In the past, seeing such a scene would have made her feel sad, hurt, and jealous, but now all she felt was hatred. Laugh while you can, she thought. There won't be many chances to do so in the future.
Saira spotted Zuri and waved enthusiastically. "Zuri, you're back. I made some pastries today. Come and try them."
This recent experience had taught her a valuable lesson. She would cling to her status as the Lin family's eldest young miss no matter what. Without it, she was nothing.
"No, thanks," Zuri said, carrying her handbag as she headed upstairs.
Seeing her refusal, Christian felt bad for Saira. "Ignore her. I'll have some."
As Zuri climbed the stairs, a cold smile played on her lips. The lively laughter resumed below, making the house feel bustling again.
After returning home, Saira became particularly obedient, making a noticeable effort to please Aaron and Dalia. She even showed concern for Zuri, acting like a thoughtful older sister. To outsiders, their relationship might have seemed close.
"Zuri, I made some cookies last night," Saira said, offering a box.
Zuri didn't move, her smiling eyes silently watching Saira. She didn't say a word, but her gaze spoke volumes.
Saira felt a surge of anger under Zuri's disdainful stare, which made her feel like a clown, detestable enough to be eliminated.
"If you don't like them, then never mind," Saira said, withdrawing the box.
Just as she was about to pull back, Zuri took the box from her and walked away.
Seeing her leave with the box, Saira's lips curled into a sinister smile.
"Zuri, what delicious treats do you have today?" Farida asked curiously.
"These aren't mine."
As they walked forward, Zuri's attention was caught by the sight of a fit young man sweating it out on the basketball court.
The boys on the court noticed Zuri's presence, many glancing her way.
Colin nudged Eduardo with his elbow. "Zuri seems to be looking at Arthur."
Following Zuri's gaze, Eduardo's eyes landed on Arthur. "What do these girls see in Arthur? He's such a sissy."
"Shh, lower your voice. Don't let him hear you," Colin warned softly.
"Pfft," Eduardo scoffed.
"She's coming this way," Colin said.
As Zuri approached the basketball court, Farida was surprised. "Zuri, what are you doing?"
Could it be what she thought?
Zuri walked straight up to Arthur and handed him the box of cookies.
Arthur was stunned, as were all the students around, their eyes wide with gossip.
He had received public confessions and gifts from girls many times before and was used to it. But this time, the pressure came from the girl in front of him.
The envious and admiring glances from around him deeply satisfied Arthur's vanity. It was a feeling he had never gotten from other girls, not even the school beauty's confession had made him feel this good.
His family had long suggested that he build a good relationship with her, preferably win her over. He had been resistant, but his vanity swayed him now. If she became his girlfriend, it would be quite impressive.
On the neighboring court, people noticed the commotion. Normally, seeing girls give Arthur gifts wasn't surprising, but this time was different.
"Holy crap! Boss, look, your desk mate is giving Arthur a gift."
"Second Miss Lin likes Arthur too? My boss is way better looking than that guy. Are these girls blind?"
The underlings were abuzz with discussion.
Kaden's sharp eyes zeroed in on Zuri through the crowd, his gaze narrowing slightly.