Chapter 649: Mighty Mother (5)
Susan Caldwell’s meaning was plain: she was Winter Sullivan’s daughter. Therefore, no matter what she had done, her mother was supposed to stand by her unconditionally, believe every word she said, and never have any doubts.
Winter Sullivan turned her head and looked at her. "It’s not that I don’t want to believe you—it’s that you’re not worthy of my trust! Susan Caldwell, are your actions even human?"
The rims of Susan Caldwell’s eyes grew red. "From the day I was born, everything I do is wrong in your eyes! I’m your own flesh and blood, but you’ve never shown me any affection, never spoken a single kind word to me. Other mothers protect their children no matter what, but you? You always take other people’s side! You’ve never once been there for me!"
"A woman like you—cold and unfeeling, without a shred of a woman’s warmth—you’re not fit to be a mother!"
Normally, she would never dare speak to Winter Sullivan this way. But today, with her secrets laid bare, she was lashing out in a fit of shame and anger, finally saying the words she had always held back.
With that, she snatched the stack of documents from Sheldon Caldwell’s hands, grabbed a lighter from the table, and set them ablaze. The room was instantly filled with flickering firelight.
When Winter Sullivan saw that Susan, even now, refused to admit her wrongdoing and was instead blaming her, her hands trembled with rage. She slapped Susan hard across the face. "You’re the one who made the mistake, yet you act as if you’re in the right!"
"What did I do wrong?" Susan Caldwell shouted. "I was out, someone bullied me, and I’m not allowed to fight back? Whenever something happens, you just stand there coldly, judging so-called right and wrong by your principles. Have you ever once considered my feelings? Have you ever asked me for my reasons?"
"You’re the one with a twisted mind, always scheming of ways to bully people! And after you do, you use the Caldwell family’s name to intimidate them. The moment something goes wrong, you shift all the blame onto others! Susan Caldwell, how could I have ever given birth to a daughter like you!" Winter Sullivan’s chest heaved in fury.
"So the truth finally comes out!" Susan Caldwell yelled. "In your heart, you’ve never truly seen me as your daughter! You like Vera Xavier so much, why don’t you just invite her over and make her your daughter instead!"
SMACK! Winter Sullivan raised her hand and slapped her again, snarling, "You unrepentant brat!"
Seeing that things were escalating, Sheldon Caldwell quickly helped Winter Sullivan sit down. "Mom, even if Susan is in the wrong, please don’t be so angry. You have to take care of your health!"
He then glared at Susan Caldwell. "You’re the one who messed up. Just stop talking!"
"What did I do wrong?" Tears streamed down Susan Caldwell’s face. "She’s the one who doesn’t act like a mother should! And now you’re siding with her, too. I can’t stay in this house anymore. Fine, I’ll leave!"
’Of course, she had no intention of actually giving up the wealth and prestige of the Caldwell family. But right now, with Winter Sullivan fuming and Julian Caldwell sure to lecture her when he got back, she didn’t want to stick around and take the heat. It was better to just head back to school for now.’
With that, she strode toward the door. Winter Sullivan immediately shot up and grabbed her. "Susan Caldwell, you can’t leave yet. Wait for your dad to get home. Explain yourself before you go!"
Furious, Susan Caldwell shoved Winter Sullivan hard. As she pushed, she screamed, "You have no right to tell me what to do!"
She then bolted out the door.