Chapter 15 An Outsider
“Enough.” Klein frowned and pulled Joanna up. “Didn’t I tell you not to say such things? No matter what others think, I only recognize you as my sister.”
Whispers from others filled the air. They were touched by the deep sibling bond between them. Renee became the subject of laughter.
In Diane’s eyes, a cold smile flashed.
Even the Fletcher family didn’t care about Rence. She was a nobody. Once she married into the Duran family, her fate would be decided by Diane.
“Alright, that’s enough…” Diane intervened, “Since everyone paying respects has arrived, let’s proceed with the condolence ceremony.”
The crowd dispersed, but the gossip continued.
Renee knelt alone in silence as if the harsh words around her were not directed at her.
Suddenly, Klein caught sight of her and felt irritated.
He thought. “What is she doing? Why does she have to act like everyone is bullying her?”
“Klein?” Joanna looked up. “Did you hear what I said?”
“What’s wrong?” Klein shifted his gaze back and asked.
“I suggest that after Mr. Duran’s burial, we bring Renee back home,” Joanna spoke softly. “She’s pitiful… I don’t think the Duran family
(hapter 15 An Dufender
treats her well.”
“What’s so pitiful about that?” Klein suppressed the slight regret that had just risen in his heart because of Joanna’s words and said, “She’s living a life of luxury in the Duran family. Even if she occasionally faces some unfair treatment, it’s better than living in Peace Town, isn’t it?”
Joanna wanted to say something, but Klein cut her off. “Alright, go to the lounge and rest. You wore yourself out yesterday.”
Seeing that Klein didn’t want to discuss it further, Joanna could only nod.
As guests continuously came to pay their respects, Renee, as the widow of Tristan, had to express gratitude. Most people looked at her with disdain, as if she was something unworthy. As noon approached, the last guest was offering condolences.
It was a young girl. She looked at Renee up and down. Then she smirked and said, “So you’re Renee. No wonder the Fletcher family refused to take you back. You don’t resemble Ms. Gibson at all.”
The girl saw Renee’s bewildered expression and continued, “Oh… You don’t know me. I’m Minna Denver. Joanna’s good friend. I didn’t plan to come to the Duran’s place today. I made a special trip just to see how shameless you are that you wanna snatch away everything from Joanna!”
Rence felt that Minna probably had some kind of mental illness. Renee came back to Ampleshire just to take Joanna’s place and inherit her misfortunes. What did she take away from Joanna?
Minna lowered her voice and said, “Let me tell you. Renee. Even though you are related to the Fletcher family by blood, you are worthless. Joanna has been raised by the Fletcher family for nineteen
years. The Fletcher family is the top–tier aristocratic family in Ampleshire. Do you think they would accept a clueless, useless nobody like you? Stop dreaming!”
Finally, Renee talked back, “Ms. Denver, I think you’ve got it all Wrong.”
Minna was taken aback. “What?”
Renee said, “I saved Joanna. She should be grateful to me. Otherwise, the one kneeling here would be her.”
Renee smiled softly, “And whether the Fletcher family accepts me or not, I’m a part of the Fletcher family. What does it have to do with an outsider like you?”
