The nearly ninety-year-old womans skin was loose and saggy. Her once youthful features were no longer distinguishable. She lay with her wizened hand on her chest as though she could drop dead at any moment.
Taylor thought he was overthinking things.
A person of Old Mrs. Hortons status would surely never step into a shop like this
Worried that Isla might cause trouble with the old woman, he said to Keira sternly, Enough! Your sister only wants whats best for you. Isnt making such a fuss and causing a scene here embarrassing for you?
The old lady immediately turned to Keira. Dear, is this your father?
Keira averted her eyes.
The term father was foreign to her, and her feelings toward him were complicated.
As a child in the Olsen family, Poppy Hill wouldnt let her get near Taylor.
The tiny child she once was used to hide in corners, stealing glances at him from afar. She watched him beam at Isla, swinging her around in his arms. His towering figure seemed godlike to her.
So, during those countless days and nights when Poppy beat her and didnt even allow her to eat, she often daydreamed that her father might swoop down to rescue her from the misery, just once.
But he never did.
He never showed any concern for her. Even on the few occasions that they ran into each other, he only reminded her to listen to your mother.
The Olsen family dynamics were weird. Everyone seemed resigned to Poppys presence, but except for Mrs. Olsen, no one could accept Keira at all
Keira didnt respond to the old lady.
She turned her attention back to a few dresses she had just tried on, picked out the best of a bad bunch, and handed it to the sales associate, ready to pay and leave.
Seeing this, Taylor said, I know youre broke. Let me pay for this dress. Consider it a present for my mother-in-law.
But Isla suddenly chimed in. Dad, Ive just gone around the store. This dress is the best for a gift
A sales associate standing nearby immediately said with a smile, Miss, you have excellent taste. This dress is pure handmade embroidery. Its one of a kind in all of Oceanion. Why dont you consider something else
Upon hearing this, Taylors eyes lit up. Lets choose this one!
He turned to Keira. This dress is for your sister. You can pick another one.
Keiras eyes flashed with an indiscernible emotion, Why should I?
Your sister is going to visit the Hortons, and this is a gift for Old Mrs. Horton!
So I have to give it to her?
Taylor scolded Keira. Cant your husbands grandmother just wear something else? Is she more important than Old Mrs. Horton?
Keira remained resolute. Ill take this dress.
Cant you be mature for once? Must you compete with your sister?!
Keira felt it laughable. How did a dress that she had her eyes on first become a matter of her fighting with Isla over it?
Taylor continued. How about this? Ill give you thirty thousand dollars for the dress which is worth one thousand. Consider it as part of your dowry.
Isla chimed in with a feigned kind-hearted voice. Keira, you havent found a job after graduation. You better take Dads offer quickly. Dont miss out on such a good deal just because youre angry with me.
In the end, Taylor threatened Keira. If you insist on getting this dress, Im not going to pay for you.
True to his seasoned businessman form, he had resorted to threats and bribes to buy Isla a dress.
What a good father he was
Keira had no desire to continue arguing with them. She was about to pay for the dress with her debit card when the old lady who had been silent until now suddenly held her hand back. Dear, I dont want this dress. Its not nice.
Keira looked at her. Grandma, none of the others suit you either.
The old lady was stubborn. Well, in that case, I dont want any of them.
She had already bought all the suitable clothes for this season! All that was left in the store were the ones she didnt want. How could there be any good ones?
Also, according to their conversation, was her granddaughters sister planning to gift this dress to Old Mrs. Horton?
Old Mrs. Hortonthat sounded familiar
Who was she again?
The old lady was a bit foggy.
Seeing this, Keira didnt insist. She assured the old woman. Then lets not buy it.
Only then did Taylor look satisfied. If only you had been so sensible earlier, it wouldve saved us all that talk. Next time, if you cant afford it, dont go into stores like this. You wouldnt want to embarrass the Olsen family if you get spotted by acquaintances.
Isla gave a dismissive laugh.
Just moments ago, she was all sugar and spice with the elderly woman, now she was showing her true colors.
She couldnt afford the dress in the first place!
Isla had the store employee pack up the dress and then turned to Keira. Thank you for giving in to me. Once I marry into the Horton family, Ill help you and your husband find a good job.
Keira didnt pay her any mind. She was ready to leave with the old lady.
Wait!
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Taylor intercepted her, offering a check. Heres the 30,000 I promised you as your dowry. It should help with your living expenses.
Keira was taken aback. Theres no need.
Do you think its too little? The Olsen company belongs to Islas mother, and itll be left to Isla in the future. This is the most I can give you.
Taylor handed out the check as if he was doing charity. With this 30,000, you and your husband could open a small stall to make a living. In the future, just live a simple life, and dont hope for things that arent meant for you!
Keira initially thought Taylor might have a shred of fatherly love for her, but now she only saw the scorn. What isnt meant for me?
Like shopping at this kind of mall or trying to seduce Mr. Horton!
Taylor warned her, If you bring disaster upon yourself, dont involve the Olsen family! Today, the store staff didnt dare to offend such an old lady, thats why they didnt make a fuss over you. But if you offend Mr. Horton, it wont simply be defused by the old woman playing hardball!
Keira finally gave up on him. Rest assured, I have nothing to do with the Olsen family anymore!
She left without looking back.
As they were leaving, the old lady held Keiras hand. Dear, your father and your sister are really wicked. From now on, my grandson will have your back, and make sure no one looks down on you.
A warmth spread in Keiras chest. Alright.
The old lady grumbled again. Give that ugly dress to that Old Mrs. Horton they mentioned. I dont want it!
Just as she finished speaking, her phone rang.
She answered, and a mans voice came over the other end. Mom, you should come home with Lewis tonight. Jakes fiance is coming home for the first time to meet the family.
The old lady was taken aback. Something that had been foggy in her mind suddenly became clear.
In a flash, she remembered who she was.
So she was the sucker, Old Mrs. Horton!
Thinking back to the mockery and contempt she had just suffered
The old lady immediately growled, You bet I will go home!
She hung up the phone and then sent a voice message over WhatsApp to Lewis Horton. Dear grandson, Ive just been mistreated! You must come home tonight and stand up for me!
After she sent the message, the old lady turned to Keira and whispered, Dear, I finally remember what my grandsons name is!