"Yes, that would be nice. Don't you think so, honey?" Gina immediately agreed, turning to get Henry's opinion.
He was slightly taken aback that Zoey had suggested something like that. But it didn't sound bad at all.
Though the main reason he wanted her back was to marry into the Leith family, there were already rumors going around that he'd found her just so the daughter he raised wouldn't marry that cripple.
That was the truth. He had invested his time, money, and love into Kate—trained her to do everything he could.
He gave her the best of everything and knew she would be the perfect fit to run the family business in the future.
But he was afraid the Leith family would hear the rumor and believe it, putting an end to the marriage arrangement between both families.
However, if news went out that he was actively invested in both of his daughters' education, the public would undoubtedly view the situation very differently.
With that thought, he didn't protest and was on the verge of nodding when Kate suddenly laughed.
"Zoey, Mom and Dad have work. Why bother them with something so insignificant when we can just tell them how the audition went?"
Zoey met her eyes and almost chuckled at the nervousness hiding behind them.
To be honest, she'd only said that to throw Kate off.
She hadn't seen the professor come in with a camera, but she'd read somewhere that most drama teachers walked around with one to record their students.
No wonder when she mentioned it, Kate didn't think hard enough to realize she hadn't seen anything like a camera during the competition and immediately panicked.
Biting down on her lower lip, she sincerely apologized, "Oh, I didn't think of that. Well, I can always reach out to Prof. Hartwell for a recording of the audition."
"Yes, that'd be…" Gina was about to interject when Kate hissed.
"Don't be ridiculous, sister. It's your first day at school, so you know nothing about anyone. Prof. Hartwell isn't someone you can just walk up to and ask for things like that, lest you risk offending her."
"Once again, the audition is too insignificant to worry about. What we've told Mom and Dad is enough. It doesn't matter which one of us gets to play the female lead."
Gina's eyes dropped sadly.
Henry, on the other hand, pushed the thought to the back of his mind and hummed in agreement.
"Kate has been there the longest, so she must be sure of what she's saying. Listen to your sister so you don't end up getting expelled before the end of your senior year."
"You still have a few months of learning to catch up with the rest of your class, so I expect you to spend tonight reading your books."
"In the countryside, you had a lot of time and played around. Maybe worked a few jobs here and there and didn't have to think too much about education or your grades. But here, school and its activities are all I want you to focus on."
"You won't do as well as your sister, but all I want from you is to at least graduate from high school. That isn't too much to ask, is it?"
Kate dropped both hands beside her, promising solemnly. "Don't worry, Dad. I have notes from earlier in the school year. I'll be sure to share them with Zoey. I'll also answer any questions she has."
He immediately waved her off.
"You've done enough. Just focus on your grades and she will do the same. You both have different paths to walk, after all. If that's all, I'll be in my office finishing my work for the day."
As soon as he was gone, Zoey turned toward the stairs.
"Zoey, you exhausted yourself coming back today. Should I make you something to…" The question died in Gina's throat when Kate suddenly feigned dizziness and fell toward her.
Wincing, Kate stared up at her with misty eyes, "Mom, I'm feeling a little dizzy, but I intend to study all night. Can I get something cold and sugary to drink?"
"Of course, baby." Gina didn't hesitate before nodding.
She slowly led Kate to a sofa, turning on the television as she helped her sit. "Watch some TV while I get you some freshly squeezed juice."
Kate held her head and nodded weakly.
Gina straightened up and fidgeted with her fingers, worried.
"Baby, are you sure you're alright? If you don't feel well, your father could take you to the hospital."
Kate didn't open her eyes as she shook her head in refusal.
"It's nothing serious, Mother. I'm certain I'll be fine once I drink something cold and sugary. Besides, I still need to revise my notes tonight and help Sister with her studies later."
Gina thinned her lips. "Your father is right. You're doing too much. Your sister hasn't shown any interest in academics, so you shouldn't bother with her."
Kate agreed with her inwardly, but disagreed outwardly, "What kind of person would I be if I didn't at least try to help her?"
"Before she came here, I'm sure she was surrounded by people who didn't care about education, so it's no surprise she picked up the same attitude."
Gina hadn't thought of it like this and glanced toward the stairs even more worried.
After a while, she lowered her eyes to Kate again, suggesting, "Now that you mention it, I fear you're right. Why don't I make you two glasses of juice so you both can nourish yourselves before studying?"
Kate made an 'okay' sign with her fingers, "That'd be excellent, Mother."
Gina nodded and hurried into the kitchen.
The moment she disappeared inside, Kate's face, previously scrunched up in pain, relaxed.
Her mother, who used to see only her, was changing.
The woman she knew before the appearance of this so-called biological daughter only saw her. But just moments ago, she'd seen her change.
Instead of berating Zoey for going to see a man, Gina was more interested in the fact she'd landed the female lead in Day of Reckoning.
If she didn't act now, her position in this family would be at stake.
Hearing approaching footsteps, she quickly returned to holding her head.
Gina soon appeared in front of her with a tray holding two bright golden-orange glasses.
"I added mint to the tray in case you or Zoey feel like eating it."
"Thank you, Mom." Kate thanked her and got on her feet, weakly reaching out to hold the tray.
Gina held it still and sighed worriedly. "Why don't I accompany you to Zoey's room?"
"We'll be fine, Mother."
Upon being dismissed, Gina watched her take the tray and struggle up the stairs.
Once she was out of sight, Kate straightened up and began walking normally.
Reaching Zoey's room, she didn't bother knocking and pushed the door open, slamming it on the wall behind it.
Zoey paused her game on the PC, turning toward the door with her gaming earpiece still in.
Seeing it was Kate, she quickly averted her gaze. "The door's there so you can knock to know if it's okay to come in."
Kate said nothing and simply stood at the doorway for several seconds before walking in and throwing both glasses at her.
Zoey jumped, pushing the PC away and tearing off her earpiece to check it for damage.
Then she turned, leering at Kate.
"What is wrong with you?!"
Kate's lips first curved into a wicked smile before she glanced at the door and screamed shakily, "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to throw it on you. Sister, please, I'm sorry. I'll pick up the glass shards if that'll show you how sorry I am. Please don't hit me. Please don't…"
The tremor in her voice matched her panicking words.
But her face told a different story.
Locking eyes with Zoey, she raised her hand and slapped herself hard.
She slapped herself so hard, her face turned red and five clear finger marks appeared on her skin.
"Arghhh!" She suddenly clutched her face and screamed even louder, as if in pain.
The door was wide open, so her high-pitched scream echoed through the quiet house.
Naturally, after hearing the scream and the sound of the slap, her target audience began rushing toward them.
Hearing their footsteps, she flashed Zoey a devious smile and dropped to her knees, sobbing loudly.