Chapter 30 So Be It
She had never expected Isabelle to expose her so bluntly.
The live stream audience was equally shocked.
“What is Isabelle even saying? Didn’t Tiana just say she wanted to be friends with her?”
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“Isabelle probably thinks Tiana is the same kind of person as her. But Tiana is sweet and kind–completely different from this vicious woman!”
“Actually, I think Isabelle makes a good point. I study criminal psychology, and Tiana’s microexpressions are worth analyzing.”
“Agreed. Isabelle is right–Tiana hates her, and this friendliness is just an act!”
The online debate grew heated. Some thought Isabelle was brave for speaking her mind.
Didn’t she realize that Tiana was now part of the powerful Powell family? By exposing Tiana’s facade so directly, isn’t she afraid Tiana would retaliate?
“Isabelle, I didn’t… Why do you always assume the worst about me?” Tiana asked, her voice trembling as tears welled up in her
eyes.
“If that’s how you feel, then so be it,” Isabelle replied indifferently, unwilling to say more.
At that moment, Taylor returned. Seeing the scene before her, she instinctively assumed Isabelle had bullied Tiana.
Taylor stepped between them and confronted Isabelle. “What are you doing?” she demanded. “Are you picking on Tiana again?”
Her baseless accusations were so awkward that even the viewers felt secondhand embarrassment,
Isabelle sighed in exasperation. “Can you use your brain for once?”
“Taylor, please don’t misunderstand. Isabelle didn’t bully me,” Tiana interjected, trying to smooth things over.
The live stream cameras made it impossible for her to stay silent; otherwise, she’d surely face backlash online.
“If she didn’t bully you, then why are you crying? Tiana, you don’t need to defend her. Everyone knows Isabelle has a bad temper. She just called me brainless earlier!” Taylor retorted, already convinced of Isabelle’s guilt.
The live stream chat exploded.
“Honestly, I feel like calling Taylor brainless too.”
“Nonsense! Taylor’s just warmhearted.”
“Jumping to conclusions and accusing Isabelle–how is Taylor the good one here?”
“Taylor always argues just for the sake of it.”
“It’s not Isabelle’s fault–it’s my own…” Tiana tried to hold Taylor back, hoping to end the discussion. She didn’t want Isabelle to escalate the situation or dig any deeper.
“Tiana, you’re just too kind,” Taylor said. “If you keep tolerating her, she’ll only bully you more in the future.”
Tiana clenched her fists, her patience running thin. “Taylor, stop talking!”
“Tiana?” Taylor looked at her in disbelief.
She was trying to help Tiana. How could Tiana speak to me like that?
I’m doing this for your sake! If you don’t appreciate it, fine!” Taylor snapped, clearly upset.
Even though Tiana was everyone’s favorite in the group, Taylor wasn’t about to let her walk all over her.
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Chapter 30 So Be It
+8 Pearls
“Taylor, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound harsh earlier. I just don’t want you and Isabelle to argue because of me.” Tiana apologized, trying to calm her down.
Taylor remained silent, still visibly annoyed. At that moment, Finley returned, holding his earnings from two hours of tutoring with a look of excitement.
“Did you all finish your tasks?” he asked.
“Yes, Tiana replied, quickly shifting her mood as she greeted him. “Mr. Finley, did you finish your task as well?”
Tiana’s task had been straightforward, albeit with a modest budget of twenty yuan.
“I did. I earned 7 dollars, Finley said proudly.
He was thrilled with his success. Although the payment wasn’t high, he’d managed to complete a seemingly impossible task in a creative way.
Two rowdy kids, notorious for being difficult, had transformed into perfect angels in the presence of an Ultraman costume. While the quality of their completed homework wasn’t stellar, they had been remarkably obedient.
Recognizing the power of the Ultraman costume, Finley decided to keep it for future use. It was now his prized possession.
Hearing Finley describe his approach. Tiana was surprised to learn that the Ultraman idea had been Isabelle’s suggestion.
“Isabelle, I owe you a thank–you,” Finley said, turning to her.
“No need,” Isabelle replied with a wave of her hand.
“Was your task difficult? I heard you had to deliver water to an entire neighborhood,” he asked. “If you haven’t finished, I can help. I’ve been working out for years, so carrying and delivering water is no problem for me.”
Isabelle smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Finley, but I’ve already completed my task.”
Taylor, listening to their conversation, grew increasingly sour.
