Their Queen's Back - Chapter 61: Chapter 61

Before, Sophia would never have dared to talk back to me like this. It's all that bitch Skye's fault—who knows what poison she's been feeding their minds.
She's turned them all into such rebellious and insolent brats.
Jessica was seething with resentment, but still put on a look of innocence.
"Sophia, I just can't bear to part with Emily. I've never used her as an excuse—I've always treated her like my own sister. How could you think that of me?"
Sophia shot back, "Enough! Just looking at your hypocritical face makes me want to puke. I'm not like some people—dumb as a rock, can't tell right from wrong, can't even see black from white. You're just a complete idiot."
At these words, Emily froze—Sophia was mocking her.
Emily looked up at Sophia with teary eyes, biting her lower lip hard, her flushed face streaked with tears.
The words Sophia had been about to say died in her throat.
She softened her tone slightly.
Sophia sneered, "Emily, she's a Clark and you're a Hughes—no relation whatsoever. If you still want to be her little pawn, then just go! If we didn't share some blood, I wouldn't even bother warning you, you silly goose! If you go with her, you might as well change your last name to Clark. That way, whatever embarrassment you cause won't have anything to do with us. Go on, be her sweet and cozy bestie for all eternity!"
Emily clenched her fists and yelled, "I'm not taking the Clark name! I hate you, Sophia! You're so mean—you wicked old hag!"
Emily's face flushed crimson, her cheeks puffed out in indignation, and flames of anger danced in her peach-blossom eyes.
With that, she ran upstairs. As she was about to pass by Skye, Skye reached out and pulled her into an embrace.
Skye reached out and pulled her into an embrace.
Emily froze for a moment, instantly enveloped by Skye's gentle warmth and her unique scent. Then, like a tidal wave, all her pent-up grievances crashed over her.
She let out a wail and buried herself in Skye's arms, finally breaking down in uncontrollable sobs.
Lauren's expressionless face softened slightly, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She exhaled carefully, releasing the pent-up tension.
Sophia crossed her arms defensively, watching the scene unfold with a sour taste in her mouth. Given today's special circumstances, she decided to let Emily's little act slide—just this once.
But tomorrow? Oh, she wasn't about to let that drama queen get away with her crocodile tears again.
Jessica watched as Emily threw herself into Skye's embrace. She dug her nails deep into her thighs, the sharp pain barely keeping her composed, her eyes burning with bitter resentment and envy.
"The pawn I so carefully groomed... undone by Skye, just like that!"
"How dare they?!" Olivia fumed inwardly.
Why her!
Skye gently patted Emily's back and shot Lauren a meaningful glance. Lauren immediately understood—she grabbed Jessica and threw her out of the Hughes residence, delivering a couple of well-aimed kicks for good measure.
"How dare you treat me like this?" Jessica shrieked, her voice trembling with rage. "Just you wait! I'll be back, and you'll all pay for this!"
Lauren fixed Jessica with a chilling stare, sending shivers down her spine. "Miss Clark, you'd better start worrying about how you'll survive tonight," she warned.
With that, Lauren turned and strode away, her stilettos clicking sharply on the floor, leaving Jessica fuming and helpless.
Skye gently lifted Emily's tear-streaked face, her heart aching at the sight. She took out a handkerchief and softly wiped away Emily's tears.
"Don't cry, Emily," Skye murmured. "As long as I'm here, no one's sending you away."
Emily looked up with her beautiful peach-blossom eyes, the corners slightly upturned. Pouting, she mumbled in a small, sullen voice.
"Really?" she asked, her tone soft and uncertain.
Emily murmured, her voice tinged with hurt, "But you didn't even try to stop me from leaving."
She looked away, her tone trembling, "Maybe, deep down, Sophia is the only sister who truly matters to you."
Skye smiled faintly, her brows softening with tenderness. The radiant smile that graced her regal features left Emily utterly spellbound. "She's so beautiful..." Emily thought, unable to look away.
But then she noticed the damp patch on Skye's shirt from her tears, and instantly flushed with embarrassment.
"Emily, I know you've spent the past ten years with Jessica. I won't force you to change overnight, nor cut you off from her. But remember this—no matter when or where, the Hughes will always be your only true home. We, bound by blood ties, are your true family."
She understood that pushing too hard would only breed a rebellious streak in her, and might even make her resent her. That wasn't the relationship she wanted.
As family, she felt responsible for helping her change gradually, coaxing open her guarded heart little by little,
and guiding her, step by step, to see the people around her for who they really were.
Not by forcing her hand.
Emily was deeply moved, the words etched firmly in her heart. At a loss for words, she could only manage a quiet "Mm-hmm."
Skye affectionately tousled her hair and praised, "Such a good girl. How about some candy?"
Emily's cheeks instantly flushed pink, her ahoge springing upright as she clenched her fists.
"I'm not a little kid anymore! I stopped eating candy ages ago," she huffed.
Despite her words, Emily's hand betrayed her and reached for the candy Skye offered—only for it to be snatched away at the last second.
It was Sophia.
"Sis, if she doesn't want it, her loss! More for me then," Sophia said with a smirk, swiftly unwrapping the candy and popping it into her mouth. "Mmm, so sweet!"
As she spoke, Sophia had already unwrapped the candy and tossed it into her mouth.
That smug, satisfied look on Sophia's face instantly made Emily see red.
"Sophia! I'm gonna kill you! Give back my candy! That's mine—MINE! Hand it over!" Emily lunged at her, demanding she spit it out.
Seeing she couldn't stop the little fury, Sophia turned tail and ran.
Sophia taunted with a triumphant smirk, "Your candy? What are you talking about? Didn't you just say you wouldn't eat it? Well, too late—it's already in my mouth! Serves you right for being so stubborn, Emily."
Sophia grabbed the documents and dashed out of the front door of the Hughes residence without so much as a backward glance.
Emily stomped her foot in fury, wishing she could just beat Sophia to a pulp.
"Annoying brat! Annoying brat!" she fumed.
"Sophia, I swear, from now on, we're mortal enemies! I'll never forgive you!"
"These are all for you—just a few pieces a day," Skye said gently with a soft smile. "Now go get ready, we're heading to the amusement park."
Emily looked at the jar of candy in her hands. This time, she dropped all pretenses—hugging it tightly to her chest before popping one into her mouth.
"So good! These candies are amazing!" she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with delight.
She had never tasted anything like this before.
Lauren watched as the playful ahoge—a stray lock of hair—on Emily's head swayed from side to side, her eyes twinkling with delight. She couldn't resist the urge to give that adorable head a gentle tousle.
"Ms. Sky," Lauren reported respectfully, "Miss Emily absolutely adores the custom candies you had specially ordered from Vermontia."
Skye watched her retreating figure and smiled softly. "As long as she's happy."
Lauren leaned in and asked quietly, "Ms. Sky, what about Jessica and Linda...?"
"Let's not rush," Skye said, her gaze growing icy and detached. "Let Jessica show her hand first. I want to see just how much longer the mastermind behind her can stay hidden."
Yes, Ms. Sky. One more thing—Mr. Moore requested to meet you tonight.
At the mention of Ethan's name, Skye turned, sat down, and took a calm sip of tea, perfectly composed.
"I'm not seeing him," she said coolly.
"Understood, Ms. Sky," Lauren confirmed.
The Moores
Rachel had dreamed of Skye. Now awake, she lay motionless, her vacant gaze fixed on the ceiling as silent tears streamed down her temples. She had no idea how much time had passed—only that her pillow was now soaked through.
"Skye, are you telling me to get a divorce?"
I think I should end this marriage and let go of this relationship for good.
Thank you, Skye, for going out of your way to visit me in my dream and talk to me.
This afternoon, I'll burn some joss paper for you—so you can be the wealthiest in the afterlife.
No matter where you are, don't ever let yourself be wronged.
"Rachel, you're awake," Ethan said gently.