Chapter 629: Resembling a Mushroom
Tina paused, "Stephanie? Who is that?"
In Tina's mind, the name Stephanie had long been flushed down the drain like toilet water.
It wasn't just Stephanie, the entire Lyon family seemed to have vanished from the world of Tina and Jared.
Originally, the Lyon family had as much to do with them as fish with bicycles-nothing at all!
Sophia nodded emphatically, "Yes, Stephanie, your mother's niece, you've met her."
Tina still looked confused, while Jared on the other hand recalled, "Lyon family."
"Huh?" Tina blinked, confused.
Jared couldn't help but chuckle, flicking Tina's forehead gently, "The one you thought had a nose like a mushroom."
"Ah~" Tina suddenly realized, "Didn't she go abroad? How come she's back?"
What Tina didn't voice was, how could she have the face to return?
But Sophia was present, and it was not suitable for children to hear swear words.
The two went inside with Sophia, finding Marie already seated in the living room, looking somewhat apologetic.
"Mom, why is she here? Did something happen?" Jared asked.
He knew his mother well; although occasionally scatterbrained, she was clear-headed about major issues.
The Lyon family had been terrible, and Stephanie had once even tried to break him and Tina up; Marie would certainly not forgive her.
If Stephanie had settled into the Farrell family, it must be due to some difficult circumstances that Marie found hard to accept, softening her heart.
Marie recounted Stephanie's ordeal, "I never expected things to turn out this way. I thought we had parted ways for good, but then this happened." Marie glanced at Tina guiltily as she spoke, feeling ashamed.
She felt she had no face to face Tina.
For Tina, Stephanie was not a significant figure, and whether Marie showed compassion was of no concern to Tina.
The issues between aunt and niece were not Tina's to meddle in.
"Marie, make your own decision, don't worry about my opinion," Tina said with a gentle smile, looking at Marie.
Marie bit her lip, "Tina, Auntie also..."
"Marie, Stephanie is still your niece, the only kin from your parental home, and she has been close to you over the years. Whatever you choose, I will not object. Follow your heart."
Hearing Tina's words, Marie's eyes filled with tears, "Tina, rest assured, I won't let Stephanie bother you again. If she causes you any trouble, I will definitely teach her a lesson! Thank you, Tina." "There's no need to thank me."
This matter really had nothing to do with me.
The last phrase, Tina said silently in her heart, considering Marie's dignity.
Having expressed her stance, Jared naturally had no objections, but he grimly added, "She can stay, but she's not allowed to live here. She must not show her face where Tina is, it's bad luck." Allowing Stephanie some assistance was already Jared's biggest concession.
"I know, I've already had someone look for a house outside, why are you so harsh on your mom! Harsh man."
Marie was less negotiable with Jared, originally wanting to keep Tina comfortable, what did it have to do with him!
Jared: "Mom, am I not a member of your family?"
Marie: "No, you're not!"
Upstairs in the guest room, Stephanie quietly stood by the door, clenching her fists as she listened to the conversation below. Those who knew understood that this was the Farrell family home, and Marie was truly the lady of the house.
To outsiders, it might seem like Tina was the true head of the Reed family.
Stephanie hadn't expected that even her decision to stay would depend on Tina's mood.
Tina slowly lifted her head, her gaze seemingly casually sweeping over the slightly ajar door of the upstairs guest room.
Startled, Stephanie quickly shut the door tightly.
She wasn't sure if it was her imagination, but for a moment, it seemed as if she had made eye contact with Tina, causing her fingertips to tremble.
Tina curved her lips into a smirk, a hint of mockery in her eyes.
"By the way, Jared, when you have time, could you have someone look for Eric? I heard from Stephanie that they got separated during a layover. Check if Eric is still there, it's quite worrying," Marie sighed.
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Jared nodded in agreement, finding Eric would be good, it would relieve the Farrell family of having to deal with Stephanie.
Soon, Marie had found a place for Stephanie to stay; the Farrell family had plenty of houses to choose from.
"Stephanie, this place is close to the university. You can continue your graduate studies here. I will arrange a nanny to take care of your daily needs. Take this credit card, the PIN is your birthday. I'll visit you once a week. Call me if you have any problems, okay?"
After arranging everything for Stephanie, including a new phone and new clothes, Marie was ready.
Holding the credit card, Stephanie choked up, "Aunt Marie, is it that Jared and... Tina still can't forgive me? Is my coming to you causing you trouble?"
Marie took a deep breath, gently touched Stephanie's hair, and said, "Stephanie, you know what happened before. Some things aren't easily forgiven. Since we've made mistakes, we truly repent and believe that one day your cousin and Tina will forgive you. Just focus on your studies and don't neglect them like before, okay?"
"I understand, thank you, Aunt Marie." Stephanie nodded, her fingers brushing her cheek, a trace of insecurity in her eyes, "My face, can I still go to school?"
"What are you afraid of? I will arrange for the best plastic surgeons to see you. The doctors say you can't have surgery now, but after some recuperation, we'll proceed slowly, okay?"
Marie knew that a girl's appearance was of utmost importance.
Especially Stephanie, who had always been meticulous about her appearance, undergoing various cosmetic procedures.
Now, unable to accept her current state, Stephanie pressed her lips together, "Aunt Marie, that... will Tina help?"
Marie paused, her gaze turning slightly cold, "Stephanie, you know it's not easy for Tina to intervene. It's not just you; even a stranger wouldn't easily get her help. Spectre isn't someone who heals just because she's asked, and besides, your injury isn't life-threatening. Just bear with it a little longer."
"Okay, I understand, thank you, Aunt Marie." Stephanie didn't ask further, her eyes downcast, suppressing the resentment within.
Marie sighed softly, stroked Stephanie's hair, "Alright, you rest well now. You have to report to school tomorrow. You know the place well, so I won't take you."
"Okay, goodbye." Stephanie smiled as she saw off Marie, and her smile slowly faded as Marie's car disappeared.
She touched the scar on her face, the hatred in her eyes deepening.