Chapter 44: The Difference in Treatment

Emerald’s POV

The moment I stepped into my bedroom, I quietly shut the door behind me.

It had only been a month since I left for Boston, yet being back in this room felt strangely unfamiliar.

Perhaps it was because so much had happened within such a short time.

I placed my handbag on the bed before taking out my phone. The first thing I did was open the group chat I shared with Claire and Laura.

"I’m back home."

The message had barely been delivered when I smiled to myself and put my phone down. There was something else I wanted to do first.

I gathered a change of clothes and headed into the bathroom.

The warm shower washed away the fatigue from travelling. By the time I finished freshening up and returned to my room, I already felt much lighter.

I reached for my phone again. The group chat was overflowing with messages.

Laura had sent several voice notes.

Claire had already asked whether I had eaten, whether I had met Grandfather safely and whether my mother had already started complaining about something.

I couldn’t help smiling as I scrolled through everything. Those two never changed.

Finally, I replied.

"Everything went well.I met my Grandfather already."

Then another thought crossed my mind. I switched to Claire’s private chat.

"Are you free this evening?"

Almost immediately, she replied.

"Always."

A grin found its way onto my face. I typed again.

"Can you fit me into your schedule? I need a facial... and probably everything else."

Less than ten seconds later, another message appeared. She had sent a laughing-crying emoji with it.

"I will do anything for you, my darling. My spa is open for you."

I smiled and set my phone aside. One more thing sorted.

Not long afterwards, a gentle knock sounded on my bedroom door.

"Miss Emerald?"

"Come in."

One of the maids stepped inside. "Lunch is ready," she announced.

"I will be down in a minute."

She nodded politely before leaving.

I took one last glance at myself in the mirror before heading downstairs.

---

Lunch had already been served.

Father was seated at the dining table, while Mother occupied her usual chair opposite him.

The dining table was large enough to seat more than ten people comfortably, but today only the three of us sat there.

"Come." Father smiled warmly. "You must be hungry."

"I am." I couldn’t deny it.

Since the day broke, I’ve only had a yoghurt parfait with lots of nuts and fruits. And that was this morning before I left my dorm for the airport to catch my flight.

I took my seat, and lunch began.

For a while, only the sounds of cutlery against porcelain could be heard. Then Father looked at me.

"How’s the MBA programme?"

I swallowed the bite in my mouth before answering. "It’s going well."

"No difficulties settling in?"

"None."

He nodded thoughtfully. "And your accommodation?"

"It’s comfortable."

"You know..." He set his fork down. "If you’d prefer living in an apartment instead of the campus dormitory, I can speak to your grandfather. I don’t mind arranging one for you."

The suggestion sounded strangely appetising, but of course, I wasn’t foolish enough to do anything that would jeopardise my aim.

"Thank you, Dad." I smiled faintly. "But I would rather remain in the dorm. It will help me focus better. And I think it will be easier to get the results Grandfather expects from me."

He looked pleased with my answer. Before he could say anything else, Mother spoke. "Then make sure you do."

She didn’t even look at me. "Perhaps this time you will finally make the old man proud enough to remember you’re part of this family."

Her tone was casual, almost lazy, yet every word carried its own sting.

I quietly continued eating. There was no point responding. If I acknowledged the remark, this peaceful lunch would disappear almost immediately.

Father chose not to continue the subject either. He just smiled at me. "I almost forgot, I bought you a car."

My gaze widened. "You did?"

He nodded. "It will be delivered to Boston next weekend. You’ve been relying on taxis. I don’t want you going through that stress anymore."

I was quiet for a moment. I truly didn’t know what to say. Dad always had his own quiet way of taking care of me.

"Thank you, Dad."

He smiled. "You’re welcome."

I couldn’t help thinking that shopping trips would certainly become much easier.

At least I wouldn’t have to keep worrying about finding a taxi whenever I needed groceries or other supplies.

The thought made me smile inwardly.

As lunch continued, another question came to mind. Then I turned towards Mother. "Mum..."

She glanced at me.

"The twins didn’t come back for Vera’s wedding?" I asked.

She replied almost immediately. "They are still at university.

"I know." I nodded. "I just thought—"

"Leave them." She cut me off. "They need to focus on their studies."

I blinked. That was all? Just like that?

I was left speechless for a moment. Mother had insisted I return home for the wedding despite my classes and schedule, but when it came to the twins, she didn’t want them disturbed.

The difference in treatment wasn’t exactly new.

Still, seeing it so plainly laid out before me left an unpleasant feeling in my chest.

My younger brother and sister had already started their second year at university. It had actually been quite some time since I last spoke to either of them.

Truthfully, the twins rarely contacted me unless they needed something. On the other hand, I wasn’t much better.

Most of the time, I became so occupied with my own responsibilities that I forgot to check on them too.

A quiet sigh escaped me. Maybe... I wasn’t a very good older sister either.

The rest of lunch passed peacefully. Once we finished, I excused myself and returned upstairs.

After changing into a fresh outfit suitable for going out, I picked up my shoulder bag and headed downstairs again.

The moment I stepped outside the front entrance, one of the family cars was already waiting.

The chauffeur walked over, opened the rear door and gave a respectful nod. "Miss Emerald."

I offered a small nod in return before getting into the car.

A few moments later, we pulled away from the Hugo residence and headed towards Wellness Spa.