The Remorseful Brothers Novel
chapter 2

Chapter 2

“What kind of attitude is this?” Layla’s eyes a widened slightly. “Are you sure you want to speak to me like this?

Layla pondered. “Despite Madeline’s habit of bullying Winslet within the household, she always displays immense deference and obedience to her family members. How dare she use such a tone with me now? Is she intentionally attempting to stoke further animosity?”

The five Larson brothers collectively frowned at Madeline with expressions of distaste, treating her as a burden.

In their eyes. Madeline was a country bumpkin compared to Winslet, and her behavior was perceived as malicious.

In contrast to Winslet, Madeline seemed utterly inadequate.

Layla’s words were laced with a bitter and condescending tone. “Had it not been for Winslet’s generosity, you’d still be stuck in the countryside with your grandparents! You should be forever grateful that Winslet graciously allowed you to retum!”

Madeline’s gaze bore into Layla. Although her eyes welled up with emotion, she had long abandoned any yearning for maternal affection.

Instead, she regarded Layla with a cold detachment, treating her as nothing more than a stranger.

No matter how hard Madeline tried to gain Layla’s acceptance, she knew deep down that Layla would never consider her a true family member.

Never

Layla was just one of the culprits who had ultimately driven her into the depths of despair.

Madeline’s gaze rendered Layla momentarily puzzled. “Feeling indignant still, are we?” said the latter, her voice dripping with displeasure.

Madeline sneered. After all, she had spent several days in the hospital, and she doubted her family had come here for the sole purpose of visiting ber.

“You’re not here just to see me, are you?” she asked.

Layla’s gaze flickered with a certain intensity. “You’re not wrong. The national university entrance exam results are out. You managed to pass, but unfortunately, Winslet didn’t. And it’s all because you covertly mistreated her, leading to her poor performance”

A wry smile tugged at Madeline’s lips as she realized their intention to pin the blame on her

After eight months of diligent effort, Madeline had managed to become the City’s mumber one in the national university entrance exam.

In contrast, Winslet hadn’t shown the same dedication. Despite this, with just a few words, they intended to cast her as the culprit.

The situation was as if she were being tried as a criminal, with the odds stacked against her.

Winslet’s eyes were fixed on Madeline, as she waited expectantly for Layla’s next words.

After all,

Layla’s stare was icy as she spoke. “Give up your spot to Winnie. You aced the exam and could do it again to become City’s number one. A you owe this to Winnie!”

Madeline’s breath hitched at that. “Sure enough, it’s happening again,” she thought,

Despite mentally preparing herself, this nightmarish scene still caused a painful lump in her throat.

Casting a sidelong glance at the five brothers, she saw their agreement to this ludicrous and unjust proposal. Even in the face of such an obvious injustice, they were willing to go along with it.

Madeline’s hands clenched tightly as her eyes stung

“Is this even fair?” she wondered

Winsler’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction when she noticed Madeline’s pained expression. Her heart swelled with joy,

To u

Winslet, Madeline was simply a means to an end, a stepping stone she could use to elevate herself, regardless of Madeline’s capabilities.

Harley’s voice was gentle as he tried to persuade Madeline, “Maddie, we’re willing to offer you 100 thousand dollars if you give up your place for Winnie. This amount can cover your re–study expenses for a year. You have to realize that connections are crucial in society. Even if you graduate a year earlier, it’s not guaranteed that you can earn 100 thousand dollars.

Harley’s tone carried carnest com

concern. “Consider this carefully. You’ll need the Larson family to back you up in the future.

Chapter 2

as indifferent, his smile tinged with a hint of mockery. “You were mistakenly taken and raised in “Madeline, you should be grateful” Henry’s tone was the countryside by your adoptive family, Growing up in the countryside with your adoptive grandparents, you would have never received such good education and managed to secure City’s number one on the exam if it weren’t for Winslet’s generosity in allowing you to return”

“Exactly” Jacob’s gaze turned cold as he fixed it on her. “Your recent injury has incurred substantial expenses. Without the Larson family’s support, can you even afford it?”

Meanwhile, Joel didn’t spare Madeline a glance. Instead, he patted Winslet’s shoulder and reassured her, “Don’t worry, Winnie. We’ll make sure she

agrees.”

Lucas didn’t mince his words either, saying harshly. “Madeline, either you leave the Larson family or give

up your sport!”

Madeline’s breath grew heavy, her body trembling with the weight of the ultimatum. Her teeth clenched, and she stared back at them with unwavering determination, her complexion drained of color.

Unfaimess had always been a part of this situation. This was a repetition of what she had experienced before, and Madeline found herself unsurprised by the turn of events.

She understood that they would never stand by her side.

Their loyalty lay with Winslet, and they would always ruthlessly and fiercely prioritize Winslet over Madeline, even going to the extent of stripping the latter of all her worth,

“I disagree!” Madeline straightened her back, determined not to give in to their demands again,

With a resolute tone, she articulated each word, “If you’re capable, take the exam yourself.”

Winslet’s tone carried a tinge of resignation. “I knew Maddie would disagree. Forget about it. It doesn’t affect me much… I suppose I’m to blame for my pessimistic thinking.”

Then, her voice quivered as she continued, “This year has been filled with so many challenges. L.

Madeline was acutely aware that the only significant event that had occurred in the Larson family this year was her return as a biological daughter.

Nevertheless, Winslet seemed determined to shift blame onto others.

“Did I cause her to fail the exam! Only the Larson family would buy such a ludicrous excuse,” Madeline mused.

Madeline chuckled wryly at her own thoughts, then said to the Larson family, “Perhaps I’m the adopted one after all. I don’t understand why you all treat me like this. It’s as if you want to skin me and extract every ounce of usefulness from me.”

“I’ve been saying this since the day you entered the Larson family.” Layla grew heated upon hearing this. “You and Winnie are both my daughters. You both hold equal importance to me. I treat both of you equally! Don’t keep harping on about the adopted daughter topic. Winnie would be hurt to hear that

Madeline found it incredulous that Layla had the audacity to claim she treated them equally in broad daylight when that was never the case,

“Mom, please don’t talk about Maddie that way. She believes I’ve taken your love away from her.” A frown marred Winslet’s visage as she continued, “Maddie, our parents and I have shared 18 years of life together. You’ve only returned for eight months. Naturally, we have a stronger emotional bond. However, there’s no need for you to feel down. I don’t intend to compete with you for anything

She pursed her lips and choked up. “I understand that I’m the outsider in the family. I’m the one who doesn’t quite fit in.”

The five brothers immediately went to Winslet, offering words of comfort. Winnie, don’t ever think like that. You’re and will always be our one and only sister.

In fact, Madeline was the outsider.

She looked

up

and observed Winslet’s performance.

Winslet seemed like she could burst into tears at any moment. Madeline couldn’t help but think that it was a pity Winslet did not pursue an acting

career.

“Maddie.” Winslet reached out and held Madeline’s hand. “This is the only time Mom is asking you for something on my behalf. Please consider it Even if not for me, it would ease Dad and Mom’s concerns.”

All of Madeline’s suppressed frustrations erupted at that moment. “Stop deluding yourself! Do you really think I’d trade a prestigious university for your vocational school?”

Madeline swing her hand to avoid Winslet’s touch, but the latter lost her balance and fell

10.51 AM ₫

Chapter 2

“Ah? Winslet screamed.

Lucas placed his arm protectively around Winslet, his gaze sharpening as he glared at Madeline with anger. “What’s with this attitude? You’ve formented Winnie countless times, and I’ve kept quiet about it. Are you trying to test my patience now!”

All eyes were fixated on Madeline, their gazes laden with judgment and disdain, treating her as if she were a malevolent criminal,

“Madeline, how could you be so vicious! You’ve been bullying Winslet, and now her exam results are poor because of you, Layla accused in a rush

She then turned to Winslet and comforted, “Oh, Winnie, you’ve been through so much!”

Winslet managed to squeeze out a few tears and gave a look of apparent distress,

This made Madeline laugh. “Go ahead and tell another lie, Winslet. Don’t you know your own capabilities?”

In response to this, Joel sneered disdainfully. “Winnie is such a kind soul. Do you think she would ever make up a story to frame you!”