The Bond Between Us novel Chapter 590

Salma was like a firecracker these days, ready to blow at the slightest spark. She used to hold sisterhood in high regard, but that ship had sailed.

Cynthia chimed in, "Look, I was just making a point. Why get all riled up? Maybe it's for the best that the kid's gone. She was a love child anyway. Ana can just have another baby with Herman. Keeping a love child around only fuels gossip."

"Big sis, what are you even saying?" Salma snapped. "Just leave. I don't want to get into a shouting match with you. Whatever Ana chooses to do is her business. I'd appreciate it if you kept your opinions to yourself and stayed away."

Salma showed her the door without a second thought.

Cynthia, feeling the sting of rejection, retorted, "Little sis, you think you're too good for your poor older sister now, huh? Kicking me out like this. I'm just trying to give you some friendly advice, and you take it the wrong way. Why would the child just vanish? It's because Anastasia's been too flashy, drawing envy, and that's why the kid got taken."

"Big sis, Pattie calls you 'Auntie,' and listen to how you talk about her. You've never liked Pattie, I know that. You called her a bastard behind our backs, said Ana would dump her once she had a little brother. Last time, you even yanked Pattie's hair. What kind of example are you setting as an elder, treating a child like that?"

Salma was furious, and years of pent-up frustration came pouring out.

Cynthia defended herself, "Well, it's not like I was wrong. Pattie's getting older and doesn't even know who her real father is. The Salstroms are a big, wealthy family. They're not a charity. Raising someone else's child... I just think Anastasia went too far. Herman marrying her was lucky for her. Marrying into the Salstroms while dragging along baggage is like slapping their family in the face."

Cynthia knew Pattie's background well, but she relished the chance to rile up Salma.

Salma, her face turning a shade of steel blue with anger, said, "Big sis, is this really how you see Ana?"

Before Cynthia could respond, she spotted Katelyn approaching and quickly sidled up to her with a sugary smile. "Mother-in-law, you look absolutely stunning today. That outfit really suits you."

In Katelyn's presence, Cynthia instinctively groveled, acting subservient.

Katelyn had overheard Cynthia's earlier comments and saw right through her pretense and vanity, recognizing the jealousy at its core.