“What does she have to do in your case with the Lane family?” Sabrina was confused.
I smacked my forehead and sighed. “You went on a vacation with Zachary back when Remington held his art exhibition, so you didn’t know about it. My art’s credit was stolen. It sold for an exorbitant price, and even art lovers overseas knew about it. You even congratulated me, but my name wasn’t on that painting. Crystal’s was.
I told Sabrina briefly about Isabelle’s demands, including why she was nice to Crystal. Sabrina didn’t think it was serious at first, but she was shocked when I told her my own mother wanted me to give the painting to Crystal. When she heard that Isabelle wanted me to marry Tobey, she almost went on a rampage.
“Yvonne, did you get dumber after your mother came back? You aren’t even that smart in the first place, and now you’ve gotten worse. Just say no, woman. I know you don’t want to make things tense, but that’s how it is with relationships. You haven’t seen her in years, so I know you want to get along with her, but giving in to her every demand is not going to work.”
I covered my face and sighed again. “What should I do then?”
“Simple. Tell her what your boundaries are, why you’re upset, and what you want her to do. It’s important. If you give in, she’ll just think you don’t mind her controlling you. You need to be frank.” Sabrina shrugged.
“Sabby, it’s a lot worse than you think it is. Just because I want to communicate, it doesn’t mean she’d listen.” I used to think Sabrina’s advice was great, but it was useless when it came to Isabelle. Of course, I would like to talk to Mom, but she refused to listen. If she refused to listen, then there was no use.
Sabrina, for once, was confused. “But that’s how families work. If communication fails, then are you even a family?” She scratched her head.
I looked at her solemnly. She made an offhand remark, but that gave me inspiration. There was this feeling welling up in me, and a crack slowly opened up in my rigid soul.
“Don’t look at me like that. I’m just kidding. Maybe it’s just how you communicate. Just get a chance to talk with her.” Sabrina stuck her tongue out, but when I still wouldn’t talk, she said, “Don’t get mad. I was just talking nonsense.”
“I’m not mad.” I shook my head, crestfallen.
Sabrina leaned on the table and played with her child using a teacup. “I’m not an expert in this. Relationship’s my forte, so you shouldn’t take any advice from me. I mean, every parent loves their child, right? I’m a mother, so I think I’m qualified to say that.”
When I was about to answer, something on the TV caught my attention, and both of us turned to see what was going on. It was an interview show, and Crystal was the guest for that episode. She was dressed up beautifully, and her smile gleamed like a star.
“Ms. Yates, your painting has garnered a lot of international attention. It is recognized by both the public and Mr. Sawyer himself. Your fans are also proud of you, so are you sure you want to donate all the proceeds you earn from this to a charity organization?”
“Yes. I’ve made up my mind since the beginning. I don’t think most of us have ever been to an orphanage, but let me tell you something. The orphans deserve every ounce of our sympathy. I lost my father, but luckily, I have a loving mother who takes great care of me. I can sympathize with them, and they need our love. That’s why I want to provide for them as much as I can. I always pray for their happiness.”
Sabrina slammed the table. “That b*tch!” she cursed coldly. “She doesn’t know what shame is!”
I narrowed my eyes, and a deriding smile curled my lips. I guess some people just take everything for granted. Including stealing someone else’s hard work. Then, the next scene came in, showing Isabelle in a glamorous dress as well. Even though Sabrina blocked my view, I still saw Isabelle standing together with Crystal the moment she showed up.
