“Who says I’m obligated to do anything?” Bonnie questioned.
Yolanda replied matter-of-factly, “Because you’re a member of the Shepard family!”
Bonnie folded her arms and said, “I thought you disowned me. What does your family have to do with me?”
The older woman was stumped and did not know how to retort. Meanwhile, Harold glanced at Bonnie and tried to spin it around to benefit his family. “Bonnie, I’ll give you a second chance and consider letting you rejoin the family if you behave.”
Before Bonnie could respond, Orson said sarcastically, “You guys weren’t like this when you disowned her. Now that you see her value, you can’t wait for her to rejoin your family. You just want to use her for your benefit. You’re the definition of shameless.”
Under normal circumstances, Orson was silent and mature. He would not make such remarks unless necessary. The fact that he could not help but speak up for Bonnie showed that he was furious at the Shepards’ boldness.
Harold reddened with anger when he heard Orson’s scornful remarks. However, the former could only swallow his anger due to Orson’s status.
“Master Orson, this is my family business. Maybe you shouldn’t interfere.”
Orson scoffed. “What are you going to do about it?”
He had always treated Bonnie well. After learning that she was Master Kieran, he became even more protective of her. He could never stand idly by while her so-called family picked on her.
On the other hand, Harold did not expect Orson to be so caring toward Bonnie. Since the older man could not argue with Orson, he returned his attention to Bonnie.
“Either way, our blood still flows through you, Bonnie. You’ll always be a family member. Also, you’re a woman, and those you have around you will eventually leave. What will you do if you don’t have a family to support you when that happens? Won’t you grasp the opportunity to return to us? You should think long and hard about it.”
Bonnie responded decisively, “I’m sorry, but I’m uninterested in rejoining your family.”
Yolanda raised her brow and barked, “We’re giving you a chance, Bonnie! You should learn to quit while you’re ahead!”
Bonnie smirked, and her eyes were full of sarcasm. “I’ve never asked you for a chance.”
“Why, you little-” Yolanda clutched her chest and rolled her eyes, looking as if she could pass out anytime.
Trina hurriedly held her trembling grandmother. “Grandma, are you okay?”
Trina turned to Bonnie and said, “Grandma’s old and fragile. Do us a favor and stop upsetting her.”
Bonnie glanced at her sidelong. “Who are you to teach me how to handle my problems? You must be sick of studying at Pyralis University. If that’s the case, I can help you with that.”
