Aria kept her head down, not uttering a word, appearing deeply saddened.
Melanie narrowed her eyes, and just as Leonard was about to step forward to console Aria, she swiftly pulled Aria to sit at the dining table.
"Aria, have something to eat first!"
Vivienne nudged Leonard, signaling him to hold his tongue.
Leonard was left speechless. If I'm not allowed to speak, then I won't. I might get scolded if I say the wrong thing.
Naturally, Aria had no appetite for breakfast. Her father's predicament meant the loss of their family's income source. The gap between her family and Melanie's had always been vast, and now it felt insurmountable. She had lost everything.
She lifted her eyes to glance at Melanie, jealousy flickering fiercely beneath the surface.
If only Leonard had helped when her father got into trouble, she wouldn't be in such a miserable state now.
But Leonard refused, insisting that her father must face the consequences for his actions. It was all from years ago, and they had compensated the victims then...
Aria's thoughts were interrupted by Melanie.
"Aria, why aren't you eating?"
Melanie stared back innocently, seemingly oblivious to worry or sorrow.
Aria turned away, ignoring Melanie, but her face clearly read: I'm grieving, leave me alone.
Melanie secretly smirked. Aria's unhappiness only brings me joy. Yes, I can enjoy breakfast even more now. In fact, I might as well finish Aria's portion too.
Leonard and Vivienne approached the table to find their daughter delighting in her meal, while Aria's eyes were reddening, on the verge of tears. Yet, Melanie was engaged in a serious discussion with the servants about the taste of breakfast.
Vivienne was taken aback. It feels like Aria is being upset by our daughter...
Leonard whispered to Melanie, "Tone it down a little..."
Melanie countered righteously, "No way! If I tone it down, it'll seem like we're all deliberately pitying her, and Aria has always been proud; she doesn't want my sympathy! My sympathy would embarrass her, and the same goes for you both. Just act normal, as if nothing has happened."
Leonard was stunned. ...He can't refute that? It does make sense somehow... But there's something off about it, though he can't quite put his finger on it.
This breakfast left Aria disheartened and Melanie elated. Given this second chance at life, she was determined to protect her parents from Aria's deceit.
After the meal, Leonard spoke briefly with Aria.
"Uncle, I'm a bit tired. I'd like to rest," Aria said sorrowfully.
Leonard agreed, "Alright, get some rest."
He glanced at Melanie, who promptly stepped forward.
"Aria, I've had the guest room prepared for you. Don't hesitate, consider this your home, and feel free to stay longer if you wish."
Aria stared at Melanie, dumbfounded, before being led into the guest room.
Surveying the room, she was surprised.
"Melanie, I used to share your bed when I visited. Now you're putting me in the guest room... Is it because my father is in jail, so you look down on me?"
Melanie looked back at her with a pitiful expression. Trying to play the innocent victim? I can play that game too!
"Aria, how could you think that of me? Even before Uncle went to jail, your family wasn't on the same level as ours, but we never looked down on you then!"
Aria was caught off guard, feeling as if her heart had been pierced anew.
