The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 317

Charlotte's sharp gaze and icy tone sent a chill down Sky's spine.

His body still ached, and the bruises on his face hadn't faded much. The last thing he wanted was to go out looking like this and face the Sinclairs.

But he didn't dare defy Charlotte. The consequences of her anger were not something he wanted to deal with.

"Mother, I wasn't taking Emma's side. I just wanted peace in our family, for her and Nat to get along."

Sky's expression darkened with disappointment. "I practically raised Emma myself. I can't believe she would say those things, let alone do anything to hurt Nat.

"When Nat first came back, Emma even left on a trip just to give her space. Have you forgotten that, Mother?

"She lived happily under your and Father's care for 20 years, only to suddenly discover she wasn't your real daughter. Of course, she felt lost and afraid.

"She worried you and Father would cast her aside, that we—her brothers—would turn our backs on her. Her jealousy of Nat comes from that fear."

"Oh, cut the crap." Charlotte's voice dripped with disdain.

"Sky, stop making excuses for that fake heiress. Tell me, who in this family ever said they didn't want her around? When did Nat ever try to force her out, huh? Nat never demanded she leave just because she came home. The only thing she made clear was that she had no interest in being sisters with her.

"As long as that fake heiress stayed in her place, do you think your father and I would mistreat her?"

"Mother, you won't even call her by her name anymore?" Sky's voice was heavy with hurt. "Your heart… it's cruel."

"I'm the cruel one? No, Sky. You are." Charlotte's gaze turned icy.

"Do you still not understand why we treat Emma this way? Even a dog or a cat raised for years can inspire feelings, let alone a living, breathing person.

"And yet, do you truly not see why we have to be ruthless toward her? I expected better from you. Even now, you're still making excuses for her.

"Emma turned out ungrateful because you spoiled her too much. The only reason I brought you along today is to stand up for your real sister. If you can do that, fine. If not, I'll have the driver pull over right now, and you can get out and go home on your own."

"Mother, please don't be mad. Of course, I'm here to stand up for Nat. I just felt a little sad hearing you call Emma a fake heiress," Sky said hurriedly.

He quickly tried to explain himself. "I'm sorry. It was my mistake. But I swear I didn't mean it that way."

"Just shut up." Charlotte had no patience for his excuses.

"Listen, Sky. Let me make this very clear—Nat was switched at birth and suffered for 20 years in the Langley household. Meanwhile, Emma lived a life of luxury in our home for those same 20 years.

"Nat doesn't owe Emma anything. If Emma is jealous of her and wants to take her place, then I will not tolerate her.

"And let me remind you that Nat doesn't owe you anything either. So don't try to use your status as her 'big brother' to pressure her into anything."

"Yes, I understand. Please don't be angry, Mother." Sky lowered his head, his voice subdued. "It was my fault. Please forgive me this time."

"I'll let it slide for now, but there better not be a next time."

Charlotte picked up a bottle of water, took a sip, and continued, "Nat has been out there getting bullied, so we need to stand together against outsiders. I don't care if it's Ivan or even Marcus; if they mess with her, we fight. Even if we can't win, we fight.

"Nat grew up without parents to protect her, and it took me a long time to bring her home and make her accept me and your father. I refuse to let her feel disappointed in us. Do you understand?"

"I understand, Mother. I'm sorry. I was wrong."

"Good."

Charlotte said no more.