Chapter 67
Chapter 67 Hidden Malice Beneath Fragility
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+5 Pears
Tessa took another look and saw nothing but a pale, fragile face. She hurried forward two steps and wrapped her arms around Jolie.
She shook her head, forcing disturbing thoughts out of her mind. Jolie was the kindest person ever-how could she even think Jolie seemed terrifying?
She had just flown back that very day. As soon as she landed, she saw the drama blowing up on the campus forum and rushed the driver straight to school.
Seeing Jolie sitting alone in the empty classroom, Tessa felt nothing but heartache.
She refused to believe Jolie could be capable of such things.
Jolie had always been so wonderful. The people online were nothing but ungrateful fair- weather friends. They’d gush about adoring Jolie and swear they’d do anything for her, yet now that trouble had come for her, none of them dared to say a word.
Jolie buried her face in Tessa’s arms. Her delicate fingers clutched tightly at the hem of Tessa’s top, masking the dark glint in her expression and hiding the ruthless fury flickering in her
There was no trace of gentleness left at all.
An inexplicable chill crept over Tessa.
It was the middle of summer-why did she feel so cold all of a sudden?
Something about the moment felt deeply off to her.
eyes.
“Tessa… I didn’t mean to do it,” Jolie said, her voice hoarse and weak, letting out quiet, shaky sobs. “I was just so scared. I was terrified Mom and Dad would love their biological daughter more and stop caring about me. I only wanted to test if they still cared about me. I never meant to drive Zora away.
“I really didn’t…
“Do you believe me, Tessa p>
“You’re so silly, Jolie,” Tessa sighed softly, stroking her back gently. “Mr. and Mrs. Knox raised you for over a decade-they definitely have deep feelings for you. Zora only just came back to them, and of course they care about her too; she’s their biological daughter, blood ties run deep. But why would you do something this reckless just to test their love?
“Now that Zora’s home, your parents haven’t grown distant from you at all. There are only two girls in the Knox family; there is no real conflict of interest between you two. Zora doesn’t even seem like the scheming type. Why can’t you just get along peacefully? By doing this, everyone’s blaming you now, and you’ve only broken your parents’ hearts. It’s such a foolish thing to do p>
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Chapter 67 Hidden Malice Beneath Fragility
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45 Pearts
Thinking about the posts all over the campus forum, Tessa felt a mix of frustration and pity for Jolie.
The whole mess was completely unnecessary.
Jolie’s parents were such kind people-they would never cast her aside just because Zora was their biological child.
She had watched the video circulating online. Zora came across as simple and unassuming, never one to fight or chase after anything. Tessa couldn’t fathom why Jolie had acted so impetuously.
“Tessa… I’m just so afraid,” Jolie whispered, eyes glistening red with sorrow and raw fear lacing her tone. “I’m scared Mom and Dad will favor their real daughter over me… I’m sure my sister resents me for taking her place. She’ll never want me staying in the Knox family p>
“I truly don’t think Zora is that kind of person,” Tessa reassured her. “She was able to leave just like that, so she clearly doesn’t care much about the Knox family. Think about it—you were raised by the Knoxes, and Zora is their biological daughter. You’re both equally precious to them. They’d never want the two of you to turn against each other p>
Tessa kept soothing her back, trying to lay out a sensible way to fix things.
The Marlow family had already turned cold toward Jolie after this falling-out. If more trouble broke out between her and Zora later on, there was no telling what the Marlows might do next.
The best solution right now was for Jolie to apologize to Zora, at the very least to smooth over the rift between them publicly.
“Tessa… you don’t believe me, do you p>
At Tessa’s words, Jolie suddenly lifted her head, eyes red-rimmed, unbridled malice and sharp hostility plain to see in her gaze.
The idea of apologizing to that lowlife Zora infuriated her. She wanted nothing more than to tear Zora apart right now-apologizing was the last thing she’d ever do.
Tessa’s heart skipped a beat under that piercing stare.
There was something utterly terrifying in Jolie’s eyes.
Her hold on Jolie loosened almost imperceptibly.
“J-Jolie…” Tessa pressed her lips together hesitantly.
“I’m sorry, Tessa. I’m just so upset right now.” Jolie bit her lower lip, tears welling up in her eyes, her expression wrought with hurt and grievance as she noticed Tessa’s uneasy look. “I thought
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Chapter 67 Hidden Malice Beneath Fragility
we were best friends. I thought you’d stand by me no matter what p>
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“I do believe you, Jolie,” Tessa hurried to say, softening her tone. “I’ll always remember how you gave me healing ointment when I was hurt before-I know how kind you truly are.
“But even if I believe you, no one else does. If you keep this feud going, you’ll only end up being the one getting hurt. You’ll wear away all the love your parents have for you, and blood will always bind them to Zora.
“Here’s what we’ll do. After school this afternoon, I’ll go with you to pick out a gift for Zora. We’ll talk things through properly, clear up the misunderstanding, and make peace. That way, your parents won’t stay heartbroken either.
“If you’re too nervous to face her alone, I can go speak to her on your behalf p>
Tessa patted Jolie’s back gently, her voice warm and comforting.
Jolie fell silent and said nothing.
Yet Tessa knew well enough—she had agreed.
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