Their Queen's Back - Chapter 46: Chapter 46

Skye said, "Alright, if anything comes up, let me know immediately. You may go now—Emily wants to apologize to you."
Sophia nodded and followed behind Skye.
Emily's eyes flashed with displeasure when she saw Sophia standing behind Skye.
With a feigned smile, Jessica said, "Skye, Sophia, you're finally here! Emily and I were just talking about you. Skye, since you just got back, you probably don't know much about Emily yet. Let me fill you in about her. By the way, what were you doing abroad? I heard you've taken over Hughes Corporation—does Father know about this?"
Jessica's smile didn't reach her eyes—in a word, phony.
Jessica Clark, I know my sister perfectly well. I owe you no explanation.
Jessica's smile froze instantly. "Jessica Clark!" That name again—she was a Hughes, not a Clark.
Jessica said to Si Yi with feigned sincerity, "Si Yi, I know you don't like me. You probably think my mom came between your parents, right? But I want you to know—they're truly in love. They've been together for ten years, and their bond is unbreakable. I genuinely hope we can be family. What do you think?"
Skye couldn't be bothered with her and cut in bluntly, "Don't push me to hit you."
Jessica froze mid-motion under Skye's razor-sharp gaze. An involuntary shudder ran down her spine. "Why does she always look at me like that?" she thought, fear prickling beneath her skin.
Jessica thought furiously, "That bitch! How dare she threaten me!"
Emily remained silent. Jessica shot her a pointed look, clearly expecting her to jump in and defend her. But Emily just kept quiet, pretending not to notice Jessica's silent plea.
Jessica's smile didn't reach her eyes as she glared daggers at Emily, teeth gritted in silent fury.
"Emily," Jessica said with feigned sincerity, "I know you've always seen me as an outsider, but I truly like you and think of you as my little sister."
Emily finally snapped out of her daze, nodded earnestly, and said, "Don't you dare bully sis Jessica!"
The moment she called me "Sis Jessica," my already ashen face contorted into a grotesque mask of fury—almost unrecognizable.
"What did she just call me?!"
"Sis Jessica!"
"But she swore I was her only sister!"
Sophia rolled her eyes in disdain. "How ridiculous! Where exactly did you see us bullying her? She's the one yammering nonstop with her nonsense. If she doesn't want to stay here, she can get the hell out."
"You!" Emily took a step forward, her peach-blossom eyes blazing with fury as the two locked in a heated standoff, sparks flying between them.
Jessica was still seething over Sophia's earlier remarks when she saw the two of them about to start arguing. "Perfect!" she thought gleefully, barely suppressing the smirk tugging at her lips. She shot Skye a triumphant look, as if saying, "See? I told you so."
Skye didn't even spare her a glance, her expression icy and detached.
Emily's face flushed crimson as she shouted at Sophia, "This is my home too! Who do you think you are to kick me out? Didn't you swear you'd never come back? How dare you show your face here! I've never seen such a shameless woman like you!"
A lump rose in my throat, leaving me speechless. I really did say that—back then, Richard had slapped me across the face, so...
Seeing Sophia speechless, Emily lifted her chin with pride. In her eyes, Sophia wasn't even worth a second thought.
The tension between Sophia and Emily was electric; they stood poised like drawn swords, and it looked like their argument was about to get even more heated. "Let them tear each other apart—the fiercer the better!" Jessica thought, a thrill of anticipation coursing through her veins as she barely contained her glee.
"Emily, please don't argue because of me—I don't want to come between you two. After all, I'm just an outsider... you're the real family, bound by blood," Jessica said with feigned concern.
Emily shouted back, "Family? With her? Never! Sophia, you want to be my sister? In your next life!"
Not to be outdone, Sophia shot back, "Emily, you think I give a damn about being family with you? Want to be my sister? Dream on!"
Skye knew they had issues, but this level of hostility caught her off guard.
Jessica stood off to the side, barely containing her urge to cheer them on as she goaded them with every word, fanning the flames and hoping they'd come to blows.
"Alright, Emily," Skye said, her voice firm but gentle, "do you remember what you promised me?"
Emily, still fuming, froze when she turned and saw Skye. Sophia let out a cold snort, shouldered past her, then plopped down next to Skye and hugged her arm, her almond-shaped eyes glistening with a hint of grievance.
"I don't give a damn about her apology, Skye. Didn't Emily say she doesn't care about this family? Just kick them out!"
Emily stood there, hands on her hips and teeth gritted in frustration. Yet the way her cheeks puffed up in anger made her look irresistibly cute—Skye couldn't help but feel unexpectedly charmed.
"Sophia, cut the hypocritical act with me! This is my home too. If you're looking for the shameless wretch who claimed they didn't care and would never come back—well, that's you."
As Emily spoke, her gaze flickered to Skye's face—she remembered Skye had promised to take her out that weekend.
Emily crossed her arms defiantly, chin held high. "Sophia, I own up to what I did. I was wrong to insult you—so... here it is: sorry."
Emily's sudden apology stunned both Jessica and Sophia.
Jessica stared in disbelief. "Emily actually apologized to Sophia? They were at each other's throats—just moments ago, ready to tear each other apart! And now she's apologizing?"
"No way! How is this possible?!"
"How could this happen?" they thought.
Sophia stared at Emily in disbelief, blinking rapidly as if to make sure she hadn't misheard. "Did Emily really just apologize to me?" she wondered.
This was unbelievable.
"I couldn't believe it—hell must have frozen over! Emily and I used to fight all the time, and we wouldn't stop until both of us were bruised, yet neither of us would back down," she thought.
Skye said, "Sophia, Emily just apologized to you."
Not wanting to upset Skye, Sophia flashed a toothy grin and said, "Skye, an apology is whatever—no big deal. I'll be magnanimous and forgive her, seeing as she's so tiny and short."
Emily's temper was instantly reignited.
Emily glared at Sophia and snapped, "Sophia, who are you calling shorty? If saying sorry is so easy, why don't you try apologizing to me, coward!"
Sophia sprang to her feet. "Fine, I'll say it! Sorry, sorry—how's that for two apologies?"
She arched an eyebrow, her whole face radiating smug provocation.
Not to be outdone, Emily shot back, "Who can't say sorry? Sorry, sorry, sorry—there, happy now?"
Jessica's mind went blank as she gaped at the scene before her.
"This can't be right! They're not supposed to be like this."
Jessica put on a weak smile and said, "Emily, I'm feeling a bit unwell. Could you walk me back to my room?" She was desperate to seize the chance to get Emily away—she couldn't let her stay here any longer. Skye was acting strange, and with just one sentence, she might actually help Sophia and Emily reconcile. That was the last thing Jessica wanted.
Emily asked with concern, "Jessica, are you alright? Should I take you to the hospital?"
Jessica replied, "Don't worry, it's just a slight headache."
Skye thought to herself, "Did Jessica really think I wouldn't see through her little act? Scared already?"
Her lips curled as she mused, "Jessica, the real show is just getting started. Letting you stay with the Hughes was never out of kindness."
"Wendy," Skye said, "Miss Clark is feeling unwell. Escort her back to her room."
At Skye's command, Wendy marched up to Jessica, her manner fierce. "You're coming with me," she said flatly.
"No, don't—ah!" Before Jessica could finish protesting, Wendy's strong hands clamped down on her arms like iron vices, making her cry out in pain.
Jessica shrieked, her voice dripping with contempt, "Are you blind, you brainless maid? You're hurting me! Who gave you permission to lay your filthy hands on me—get the hell away from me right now!"
Wendy smirked and grabbed Miss Clark by the arm, hauling her up. "Miss Clark, Miss Skye ordered me to take you back since you're unwell. Let's go!"
Jessica was no match for Wendy's strength and got dragged away like a ragdoll.
Jessica shrieked, shooting Skye a venomous glare. "You people! This is absolutely unacceptable!"
Once they reached the room, Wendy flung Miss Clark unceremoniously onto the floor. She loomed over her, eyes brimming with contempt. "Miss Clark," Wendy said coldly, "if you're feeling unwell, get some proper rest. I'll close the door for you."
"How dare you! I'm a Hughes—just wait till my parents get back, you'll pay for this! Do you really think Skye calls the shots here? You spineless lackeys!"
Wendy could barely restrain herself from slapping Jessica right then and there—she'd never met someone so utterly shameless.
"Miss Clark, it's no use telling me who you think you are. What matters is who the young lady says you are. If she says your last name is Clark, then Clark it is."
Wendy let out a cold snort and slammed the door shut with a loud bang. Jessica hurled herself at the door, frantically trying the handle, only to find it was locked tight.
Jessica shrieked, pounding on the door, "Let me out! Let me out! Let me out this instant!"
Wendy cast one last contented glance at the locked door before heading back to report to Miss Skye.
"Miss Skye, Miss Clark is now resting, and you needn't worry about Miss Emily—she's perfectly fine."
Emily murmured a noncommittal "Oh." Sophia was heading out to apologize, with Skye reminding her to prepare a gift.
Emily pouted as she slumped into the chair, shooting Sophia a suspicious glare. "She must've done something shady," she muttered.
Sophia's eyes dimmed with melancholy, and she offered no rebuttal. When Emily received no response after a long wait, she looked up in confusion, only to find Sophia standing motionless, her gaze clouded with emotions Emily couldn't decipher.
Skye gently ruffled Sophia's hair and said softly, "Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is that you make amends. Go ahead now, and take care on your way."
Right.
Emily stared blankly at their interaction. "She's actually ruffling her hair? She's not a kid."
"How childish."
"Sophia's already twenty-five—how embarrassing."
"Trying to act all cutesy at her age. What a joke."
Emily, I had your room completely redone. Why don't you go upstairs and see if you like it?
Skye smiled faintly. "Like I'd ever like it," Emily huffed.
Yet even as she spoke, her traitorous legs carried her toward the staircase.
Skye followed close behind her. When Emily saw the pastel pink room ahead, her eyes widened, lighting up with sparkling admiration. "So pretty..." she thought, completely captivated.
Pink and white—her absolute favorite!
The style was completely refreshed—not just all pink, but a chic design that felt fresh, elegant, and anything but dull.
Skye asked gently, "Do you like it?"
Emily quietly slipped her phone into her pocket and crossed her arms. She huffed, "What kind of taste is this? It's so tacky—I don't like it at all." Then, with obvious reluctance, she muttered, "Well... I guess I can barely accept it."
Noticing the glimmer of delight in her eyes, Skye smirked and said, "Well, if you don't like it, I'll just have it redecorated again."
Emily's expression froze. Seeing Skye about to leave, she quickly reached out to stop her. "Wait, wait!" Emily called out, a little flustered.
Skye turned back. "What's up?"
Emily fidgeted with her fingers, lowering her head nonchalantly to stare at her shoes. In a barely audible voice, she murmured, "It's... tolerable, I guess."
Skye chuckled, "So you do like it."
Emily's cheeks flushed crimson. She glared at Skye indignantly. "I never said that!" she huffed.
Emily dashed into her room and slammed the door behind her. Skye shook her head with a helpless smile. "This silly girl," she thought.
Emily plunged into the big, soft bed, sinking into its plush comfort with contentedly narrowed eyes. Gazing up at the ceiling, she murmured under her breath, "Thanks."
Sophia arrived at Anna's residence—a spacious and luxurious two-story mansion.
Anna came downstairs, toweling her damp red hair, while Sophia sat quietly in the living room.
Sophia gazed at her nervously, her eyes lingering on the wound. A wave of guilt washed over her as she lowered her head in shame.
Anna, ever perceptive, instantly saw through Sophia. "Sophia, I can tell you're here for something. What is it?"
Sophia immediately stood up and placed the gift on the table. She stammered, "Ms. Anna, I... I came to apologize. I'm so sorry for biting you that day. Please don't be mad at me."
Anna remained expressionless as she opened the gift box, then immediately wrinkled her nose in disdain.
"Is this your idea of an apology?" she scoffed. "You think some shiny trinkets will make up for it?"
Sophia stammered, "I... I..."
Anna put down the towel and asked bluntly, "Can you cook?"
Sophia blinked in momentary confusion before quickly collecting herself. "Huh? Oh! Y-yes, I can cook," she stammered.
Anna said coolly, "Cook me a meal—I haven't eaten yet. Then I'll accept your apology."
"Sure thing, Ms. Anna! I'll get cooking right away," Sophia said cheerfully before darting into the kitchen.
Anna crossed her long legs and lounged lazily on the taupe sofa, picking up her tablet to review reports.
Sophia texted Skye to say they didn't need to wait for her for dinner. Skye replied, "Got it," then told Wendy to go ahead and serve dinner.
Emily came downstairs yawning, her short hair sticking up in adorable bedhead. The sight was so charmingly disheveled that even Wendy couldn't help stealing a second glance.
"Miss Emily, dinner's ready."
"Okay."
Skye reminded her, "Go freshen up."
"Ugh, such a hassle," Emily grumbled, but went to take a shower anyway.
Seeing only the two of them at the dining table, Emily thought, "Sophia must not be back yet."
"Mmm, delicious," Emily murmured after taking a bite of the shrimp ball.
"Miss Emily, this was specially prepared for you on Miss Skye's personal orders."
Emily stole a glance at Skye, who was eating with elegant poise, then lowered her head and went back to eating.
Just as she was almost done eating, Emily suddenly remembered Jessica. "Hey, why isn't Sis Jessica coming out for dinner?"
Wendy explained, "Miss Emily, Miss Clark said she needs to rest. She's not hungry and doesn't want dinner, so she asked us not to disturb her."
Emily murmured, "Oh."
A cold glint flashed in Skye's eyes. She'd been gone for ten years, and in her absence, Jessica had bullied people relentlessly. No need to rush—she would make sure they all tasted their own medicine in due time.
After a tense meal with Anna, Sophia listened as Anna reminded her to come to work on time. Realizing this was Anna's way of forgiving her, Sophia felt a weight lift off her shoulders, thanked her, and left.
On her way home, Sophia ran into Matthew.
With the rain just ended, the night breeze carried a post-rain chill. Matthew, dressed in a simple white shirt and carrying a briefcase, walked with his head lowered, eyes on the road, oblivious to his surroundings.