"Dexie, you misunderstood me," Susan rushed to explain, forcing a sweet smile. "I'm so happy you're back. If I'd known, I would've told the servants to prepare your favorite dishes."
Dexie didn't bother responding.
The way Susan shamelessly called herself "Mom" made her stomach turn.
Without a word, she walked down the hallway.
Her gaze landed on the young woman seated on the sofa.
Pale cheeks. Colorless lips.
Regina Zellweger.
The so-called daughter of Roger and Susan.
The living proof of her father's betrayal.
When Dexie was little, she had pitied Regina—believing her fatherless, treating her kindly.
But the truth had burned that kindness to ash.
Regina wasn't fatherless.
She was a few months younger than Dexie…
Proof that Roger had been sneaking around with Susan long before her mother died.
Today, Regina wore a snow-white sweater over a light brown knitted dress. Her long black hair draped over thin shoulders, her face delicate and weak—an act, Dexie now knew.
Regina caught Dexie's stare, her heart twisting with bitterness.
Dexie's flawless beauty, her calm confidence… everything Regina envied.
They were both Zellwegers. But Dexie—the legal daughter—stood tall, admired by all.
And her?
The illegitimate child. The quiet shame of the family.
Why? Regina seethed silently.
Just because Dexie's mother had been the first wife?
The weight of jealousy pressed on her chest.
No use pretending now.
Her voice turned cold.
"Why are you staring?"
Dexie's lips curved into a faint, sharp smile.
"Oh… nothing. Just thought you look even uglier than the last time I saw you."
Regina's pale face darkened, anger flashing in her eyes—
But she hid it fast.
Dexie's insult was so casual, so indifferent… it hurt worse than open hatred.
Roger and Susan's faces changed.
Fury filled the air.
"Dexie!" Roger snapped, his tone hard. "How can you talk to your poor little sister like that? Show some respect!"
But Dexie stayed calm, no trace of guilt on her face.
She turned her cool eyes to him, voice dripping with quiet mockery.
"Dad, I was just being honest. Did I sound sarcastic?"
She tilted her head, her gaze cutting sharp as glass.
"People always say, 'A father turns cold toward his daughter after he remarries.'
I never believed it.
But now… I see they were right."
Her eyes slid to Susan, who was already glaring, lips pressed tight.
Dexie's smile deepened, her voice soft but laced with disdain.
"Since you married my father… even telling the truth became a crime."
Susan's expression cracked for a moment, then she forced herself to look pitiful. Her eyes reddened, voice trembling.
"Dexie, how can you say that? I've treated you like my own daughter all these years. I never mistreated you. I gave you everything—"
Dexie cut her off with a cold laugh.
"You're right."
She stepped forward, her eyes cold as ice.
"You gave me everything… except a real family."
Dexie glanced sideways at Susan, her eyes cold.
"Would you really dare?" she asked softly.
Susan froze, her fake smile faltering.
Of course she wanted to.
Since the day Dexie was born, Susan had been waiting for her to die—the sooner, the better.
But back then, Roger had been loyal to the Winston family. Even after Wendy's death, he protected Dexie fiercely. So even after Susan married into the family, she never dared to touch her.
Dexie had been spoiled by her father and grandfather. She always got her way.
Yet… she'd still accepted Susan as her stepmother. Obeyed her rules. Even… admired her at times.
Susan always thought Dexie was just desperate for a mother's love after losing Wendy so young.
Even Regina had benefited. Dexie had treated her like a real sister.
But today… something was different.
Dexie's cold, sharp gaze made Susan's stomach twist with unease.
Did she find out?
A flicker of panic crossed Susan's face.
Roger looked equally confused, but neither dared say much with Dexie standing there.
Roger finally broke the silence. His voice gentle, but edged with concern.
"Dexie… what's wrong with you today? Did your mom upset you? Why are you acting like this?"
In his heart, he didn't believe for a second that Dexie knew the truth about Regina.
If she had… with her temper… she'd have left long ago.
Susan jumped in quickly, her tone careful, her smile forced.
"Dexie, if I've upset you, just tell me. You don't have to say such hurtful things."
She turned to Regina, who sat frozen on the couch, pale with anger and shame.
"Your sister's always been weak… you know that. Your words really hurt her."
Dexie didn't even blink. Her voice cool, careless.
"I'm in a bad mood. And when I'm in a bad mood, I vent."
Her eyes slid to Susan, sharp as glass.
"You two have freeloaded in my house for twelve years. You've given nothing in return."
A cold smile curved her lips.
"So now, I'm collecting the rent."
Roger's face darkened instantly.
"Dexie!" he snapped.
"Have I spoiled you so much you've forgotten your manners? That's your stepmother you're talking to! Show some respect!"
Susan and Regina both exhaled, relieved.
Roger's scolding was exactly what they hoped for.
Susan lowered her gaze, dabbing fake tears from her eyes, playing the victim to perfection.
"Forget it, Roger," she whispered, voice trembling just enough.
"Dexie's just upset… don't be too hard on her. Let's just eat."
Roger's gaze shifted between his wife's teary, fragile face… and his cold, distant daughter.
His jaw tightened.
"Enough with the attitude, Dexie," he scolded, his voice heavy with disappointment.
"Go wash up. We'll talk about your behavior after dinner."
Dexie didn't flinch.
Her eyes remained cold, calm—untouched by his anger.
Inside, she smiled.
Let him think he's still in control… for now.