Chapter 61
Chapter 61:
Across town, in the Moss family’s grand living room, Willa looked at Maxton with tearful eyes filled with hope. “Maxton, does this mean you really can’t be there for my finals p>
Guilt flickered across Maxton’s face as he offered a regretful smile. “There’s an issue with one of our projects, and I have to fly out of the country. I wish I could be there, Willa, but it’s just not possible this time p>
Willa forced a small, understanding smile. “I get it. The company comes first. Just promise me you’ll take care of yourself and not work too hard while you’re away p>
Warmth spread through Maxton’s chest. He truly believed himself lucky to have a sister like Willa—thoughtful, gentle, and considerate in every way Noelle could never be. Noelle only ever seemed to bring chaos and trouble wherever she went.
Lately, whispers had even begun circulating outside, claiming that the Moss family treated Noelle unfairly. The idea was laughable to him.
Standing from the sofa, Gerard flashed Maxton a confident grin. “You don’t need to worry, Maxton. I’ll be at Willa’s finals. I know she’s going to come out on top this year p>
He had already made the arrangements, slipping generous gifts to four of the five judges. The only one he couldn’t sway was Amaya—too upright, too loyal to her principles to be bribed.
Still, with four judges in his pocket, Willa’s victory was practically guaranteed.
At that moment, Malcolm and his wife, Jessalyn Moss, descended the grand staircase together.
Jessalyn looked radiant in a jewel-studded dress that shimmered beneath the chandelier light.
Hearing their conversation, she crossed the room and ran a gentle hand through Willa’s hair. “Willa, the finals are almost here. Only Maxton and Gerard seem to be helping you. Are your other brothers really so busy they can’t spare the time p>
𝗥𝘦𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗅аtе𝘀𝘵 𝘁𝘳𝘦𝗻𝖽𝘴 𝘰𝗇
With a cheerful smile, Willa replied, “Don’t worry, Mother. They’ve all sent their best wishes. They’re just swamped with work, that’s all p>
Jessalyn sighed softly and shook her head. “Always busy. They hardly step foot in this house anymore p>
Her words carried a hint of complaint, but beneath them was the unmistakable pride of a mother whose sons had all become successful. Only one thought seemed to darken her mood.
Jessalyn’s tone sharpened. “That Noelle is so ungrateful. If she wants nothing to do with us, fine. But how dare she even think about stealing Willa’s first-place finish p>
A shadow crossed her face, her irritation toward her own daughter plain as day. She couldn’t understand how Noelle—her own flesh and blood—had turned out so disappointing compared to Willa.
Sometimes, Jessalyn wondered if she should have just let her go all those years ago.
A soft, hesitant voice broke through the tension. Looking down, Willa played with her fingers and said gently, “Jessalyn, maybe Noelle just wants you to notice her. Maybe that’s why she acts out. Why don’t you all pay more attention to her? I honestly don’t mind p>