Adora’s mind was crystal clear—she refused to be manipulated.
Theodore’s face turned red with fury, instantly regretting his moment of hesitation.
"But still, thanks, Dad. At least you finally grew a conscience," Adora said lightly.
"Honestly, if you had actually kicked me out today, I was planning to start a livestream, alert the media, and make sure the entire world knew about the wonderful way the Matthews family treats their own daughter.
“Who knows? Maybe I could’ve gone viral, turned into an internet sensation, and made a fortune selling products."
She sighed dramatically, brushing off her clothes before standing up.
"What a shame. There goes my big payday. I’m feeling a little disappointed, really."
The room fell silent.
Everyone in the Matthews family stared at her, speechless.
Appearing unbothered, Adora headed downstairs toward the maid’s quarters, where Mary had already unlocked the door.
Without looking back, she instructed, "Go ahead and move my stuff back in."
Peter nearly had a heart attack. "Who the hell would touch your stuff? Move it yourself!"
Adora paused in the doorway and turned back.
"Oh? Then how did all my things end up outside in the first place? You had no problem throwing them out. Why the sudden hesitation now?"
Peter opened his mouth but had no comeback.
In the end, Theodore ordered one of the household drivers to put on full protective gear and carry all of Adora’s belongings back inside.
Ruby had been so sure she had won today, only for their father to suddenly change his mind at the last second.
The unfairness of it all gnawed at her, but she couldn’t let it show.
If she protested too much and revealed even a hint of frustration, it might plant a seed of suspicion.
And if their parents ever doubted her, she might be the one getting thrown out instead.
So, she kept her head down, silently letting her tears fall, looking every bit the pitiful victim.
Lilian, seeing that Ruby had calmed down, soothed her gently.
"Don’t let her get to you, sweetheart. No matter what, you’ll always be with us. Just endure for now."
Ruby sniffled, nodding weakly.
"Mom, it’s okay. Dad was right… she won’t live for long anyway. No matter what, she’s still family.
“Kicking her out would be too cruel. And besides, knowing her, if she was forced out, she’d drag all of you through the mud."
Lilian was deeply comforted by her youngest daughter’s kindness.
"You’re such a good child. Your sister… sigh, she’s beyond saving."
"Mom, I don’t care about anything else, really. I just…"
Adora took a deep breath, swallowing the anger bubbling inside her.
“Just wait,” she thought.
When the truth came to light, she was going to rip that innocent mask right off Ruby’s face and watch as this whole family realized just how blind they’d been.
For now, she focused on cleaning up.
The room had been completely ransacked, and she had to redo everything—make the bed, organize what little she had left.
When she first returned, she had nothing to her name.
She still didn’t.
Over the past few days, Adora had gradually bought new clothes, shoes, and daily essentials.
The maid’s quarters only had a simple standing rack, which was already running out of space.
She made a mental note to buy a proper wardrobe and a desk later today.
After messaging Laura, she found out her best friend was free that morning.
They quickly set a time and place to meet.
As Adora walked through the living room on her way out, she noticed Theodore on the phone.
His expression looked slightly tense, almost uneasy.

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