Serena took a sip of her soup, raising an eyebrow. "You look awfully cheerful. Did something good happen?"
Douglas touched his face. "Is it that obvious?"
Serena gave a simple, "Mm."
"Then let me tell you a joke~" Douglas's tone was dripping with mockery. "Your lovely foster sister is currently staging a tragic performance at your Uncle Silas's villa. Standing around, starving herself—she's really putting on quite the show."
Serena raised an eyebrow.
"She planted herself right under the security camera, refusing to eat or drink, claiming she wants to atone for Anna's sins and beg for your forgiveness~"
Douglas clicked his tongue. "If someone didn't know better, they'd think the Vinton family was torturing her."
Serena let out a soft "Oh" and scoffed lightly. "The Penance Play? At least she's smart enough to know Grandpa and Grandma are soft-hearted and wants to use moral blackmail."
More importantly, Isabella had tasted success with this trick before.
Whenever she was in trouble, she resorted to putting on an act.
But this trick...
The more she played it, the faster she would burn through whatever affection was left.
Clearly, Isabella hadn't figured that out yet.
"Exactly~" Douglas sneered, his tone dismissive. "But your Uncle Silas didn't even give her a stage. He ordered the camera feed to be cut and said if she wants to stand, let her stand. If she wants to starve, let her starve. If she drops dead, haul her to the morgue~"
"Hahaha! You should have seen her face on the final frame of the camera footage— she looked positively green!"
He practically doubled over laughing.
Serena didn't seem to care much. "Let her be. We'll see how long she lasts."
"I bet she breaks by tomorrow." Douglas held up a finger. "But, Mom and Dad... they
did genuinely dote on Isabella in the past. Years of affection don't just vanish overnight. They might feel a little bad eventually."
Serena wasn't surprised by this.
Kiera had always been soft-hearted.
And Isabella was a master manipulator.
This kind of tactic was designed to exploit compassionate people.
it's
"It doesn't matter." Serena finished the entire bowl of bisque and pulled a napkin to dab her lips. "Even if she successfully guilt trips her way out, then what?
"No matter how well she acts, the script is already stale."
"When she finally steps out, she'll realize the Vinton family is no longer her playground."
She smiled, a wild, uninhibited grin. "Whatever she does now is just digging her own grave."
Seeing Serena's arrogant
confidence, Douglas chuckled. "She
really can't cause any waves. Don't worry if she dares jump out in front you'll be the first to shove her face back into the dirt so hard she won't ever get up!~"
Serena tossed the napkin aside and closed the container. "Then thank you in
advance for your help, Douglas."
"Don't mention it~" Douglas waved it off.
Suddenly, he peered closely at the
camera, looking left and right.
"Usually if I try to say two words to you, your little clingy boyfriend immediately shoves his face n to ruin things. Why is it so quiet today?"
Serena replied, "The Blackwood family has some business at their branch in the United Realmon States that needs his attention."
"So you're all alone right now?" Douglas perked up instantly. "Then let me take you out to dinner!"
Serena angled the camera toward her empty food container. "Didn't you just see me finish a bowl of soup?"
"A little soup isn't going to fill you up!" Douglas was already standing. "I'm coming to pick you up right now. We're going out!"
Without waiting for Serena's answer, he ended the call.
Serena: "..."
Douglas: "Hehehe~ My favorite niece is all mine tonight!"