But Tristian had learned his lesson. He’d gotten no upper hand in their last confrontation, so this time he’d gone straight to their father to complain. ‘Coward,’ Kayla thought coldly.
She glanced at Tristian, who was spinning his obsidian bracelet rapidly in his hand, his smugness barely concealed. Then, he chimed in to pile on the criticism, “Yeah, Kay. Can’t you see Dad’s swamped with work for the company?
“He’s either on a business trip or working overtime. Making money isn’t easy at all. Spending on yourself is one thing, but wasting it like this is really out of line.
“Do you know what people are saying about you? They call you the Sexton family’s ‘spoiled, reckless heiress‘ who throws money around. That kind of reputation will only make us a laughingstock.
“Those who know our family might say our parents spoil you excessively, but strangers will only think Mom and Dad have no idea how to bring up their children.”
As expected, Tristian’s words made Jackson’s face darken further, his mood growing more sullen.
He said coldly, “It seems I’ve given you too much pocket money. I’ll have your black card canceled tomorrow. I must put an end to this wasteful habit of yours.”
A flash of triumph crossed Tristian’s face. When he looked at Kayla, the complacency in his eyes was almost tangible.
Kayla let out a disdainful snort, realizing this was Tristian’s real goal.
He must have been jealous that their mother had given her money earlier, so he’d run to their father to complain, hoping to cut off her financial support.
That made sense. Tristian fancied himself the heir to the Sexton family, convinced all the family’s wealth would one day be
his.
When Bailee had given Kayla money a few days ago, Tristian had made snide remarks for ages, though she’d never told him the exact amount.
Clearly, he’d been unable to swallow his resentment, so he’d seized today’s incident to badmouth her in front of Jackson.
Kayla thought, ‘But he’s celebrating too soon. Since I dared to do this, I’m never afraid of dad finding out about it in the first place. Did he really think I wouldn’t have a backup plan?‘
Contrary to Tristan’s expectations, Kayla showed no sign of fear. Instead, she walked over to Jackson with a calm expression, took his arm with a smile, and cooed, “Dad, I thought it was something serious.
“It turns out it’s just such a trivial matter. Who’s been gossiping to make you so upset?”
Kayla deliberately emphasized the word “gossiping” and shot Tristian a sideways glance. She caught sight of his face darkening instantly, and the corner of her lips curved wider.
Jackson had always been stern and distant at home. In the past, Kayla had been so afraid of him that she’d avoided him whenever possible.
But now, here she was, clinging to his arm like any other coquettish daughter, and Jackson looked visibly uncomfortable.
He pulled his arm out of her grasp, and her nonchalant attitude only made him angrier.
“A trivial matter? That’s all you have to say? You-”
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7:41 pm
Chapter 65
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Kayla wasn’t upset by his coldness, but she didn’t want to hear him ramble on. She cut him off at once, “Dad, easy. I can explain. I didn’t mention it earlier because I thought it wasn’t a big deal.
“I wanted to wait until I had results to show you. After all, the Sexton family isn’t some small household. What’s wrong with your daughter spending a little of our own money?
“But since someone’s come to you blabbing like a gossip, I guess I have to tell you the truth now.”
As she spoke, she glanced again at Tristian, making it crystal clear who the “gossip” was.
Tristian’s face turned even darker, and he stopped twirling the obsidian bracelet in his hand. He opened his mouth to refute, but Jackson spoke first, his voice sharp, “Fine. Spit it out, then. What have you been doing recently?”
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