Chapter 3

Cruz didn't get an answer from me and finally couldn't hold back, asking it directly.

Mom and Dad's faces went pale simultaneously.

Dad, though, was calmer than Mom and quickly regained his composure.

He smiled and said, "Silly girl, if our family had a secret, it'd be hidden from Navas, not from you."

Mom also caught on and quickly agreed.

"Cruz, did someone upset you? Was it Navas, or do you not have enough money?"

Seeing their concerned expressions, much of Cruz's doubt subsided.

She confirmed again, "You two really aren't hiding anything from me?"

Dad chuckled, "Cruz must be out of money. She's just trying to butter us up for more allowance!"

"Juliet, from today on, double Cruz's monthly allowance!"

I lowered my head, stuffing rice into my mouth to suppress the bitterness swelling in my heart.

Cruz's allowance was already double mine.

But they never once asked if I had enough money.

But it didn't matter.

This life, I would get into that top-tier university again. Without the truth coming from me, there would be no fire.

In the future, I would work hard to earn my own money and never envy anyone again.

Hearing Dad's words, Cruz finally cheered up.

She figured it out. These were the parents who had loved her most since childhood. How could they possibly hide anything from her?

After Cruz went out to play with her friends, Dad's smile instantly vanished, replaced by a dark, menacing frown.

Mom, remembering Cruz lurking behind the door earlier, was afraid Dad would blame her.

Now all the blame landed on me.

"Navas, if you dare to tell her any nonsense again because you're jealous of Cruz, we won't let you get away with it!"

The moment Dad raised his hand to strike, I dodged immediately.

I clarified, "Mom, be fair."

"You're the one who keeps repeating that secret to me every time Cruz and I come home for break."

"I told you several times that Cruz kept asking me. I told you to be more careful, but you wouldn't listen."

This time, I wasn't going to be a pushover.

Mom stiffened, glared at by Dad.

I ignored them, quickly grabbed some food from the table.

I turned and went back to my room.

No one else cared, so I had to care for myself.

Studying required brainpower. I needed to eat well. Only by getting into my dream university could I truly escape them.