The Queen Back From Hell - Chapter 22: Chapter 22

"What are you guys arguing about?" Henry walked downstairs and just happened to hear Arielle's words, so he asked out loud.
Seeing Henry, Meredith gained some courage and quickly recounted what had happened.
After listening to her, Henry frowned, thinking, 'At least she's a member of the Bradford family. If others found out she dressed so poorly, they'd think I was mistreating my daughter.'
"Arielle, throw away all the clothes you brought from the countryside!" Henry ordered, his voice carrying a hint of anger.
Arielle raised an eyebrow, thinking this family was too ridiculous.
Openly or covertly, they criticized her for dressing poorly and tarnishing their image.
She laughed sarcastically. "You guys are really funny. You talk without understanding my situation. If I throw these clothes away, what will I wear?"
Sensing the sarcasm in her words, Henry asked confusedly, "What do you mean?"
Arielle looked at Meredith. "You dress your foster daughter in gold and silver every day, while I've been back for days, has anyone bought me any clothes?
"I'm still a minor; it's up to my guardian to take care of me. Knowing how poorly I'm dressed, Meredith flaunts her better clothing in front of me every day. If you don't have time, why don't you just give me money so I can buy my own clothes..."
Before Arielle finished speaking, tears filled Meredith's eyes as she shook her head in sorrow. "Dad, I didn't."
"Arielle, stop making things up! Don't accuse your sister of showing off in front of you!" Sharon, no longer weak as before, lashed out with a burst of energy.
Arielle smirked sarcastically and spoke in a sour tone. "Do you have no idea if this is true or not? The Bradford family is at least a big clan in Theoria.
"A biological daughter lost for years has finally returned; this is how she's treated?
"People might think your foster daughter is actually your biological child. And I'm just a poor relative living under someone else's roof."
Henry felt embarrassed by what Arielle said.
'Did I need to save on her expenses? It was Sharon who hadn't thought things through properly. And Meredith, she actually showed off secretly in front of her...' he complained inwardly.
Arielle knew exactly what he was thinking.
If word got out that the Bradford family favored their foster daughter over their biological daughter, it would be a scandal.
For Henry, he could do without family or love, but never without personal gain. In matters of benefit, everyone must step aside.
When Henry looked at Arielle again, the coldness from before was gone, and his gaze had softened. "I'm sorry for putting you through this."
Then, when his gaze swept over Meredith, it darkened even more.
Meredith felt a bit intimidated by his gaze.
Her red-rimmed eyes met his. And she choked out her defense, "Dad, I really didn't. I just wanted to take Arielle to meet new friends..."
She was intentionally making Arielle embarrassed today, but didn't expect that bitch's mouth to be so sharp.
She was seething inside at Arielle, but didn't show it on her face. Instead, tears of grievance rolled down her cheeks.
When looking at Arielle, she even shrank back, making people think that Arielle had bullied her.
Sharon's face filled with concern as she pulled Meredith into an embrace and gently wiped away the tears at the corners of Meredith's eyes.
"Meredith is well-intentioned. How would she know that Arielle doesn't have a dress and decides not to go at the last minute?" she said.
'My precious daughter has never suffered such grievances before and was even blamed by the father she respects most. She must be heartbroken,' she thought.
Arielle suddenly clapped her hands. "Good! Very good!
"Are you my mom or hers?
"Why do you always defend her and criticize me?
"Mrs. Bradford, please recognize your position. I'm still alive!"
"What nonsense are you talking about? Of course, I'm your mom. I'm just stating facts without favoring anyone." Sharon's face twisted in fury as Arielle's words struck a nerve.